Who we are

Brian Bates

Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations
408-924-6518 | brian.bates@sjsu.edu
Brian joined the SJSU Alumni Association staff in January 2007 and was named a Robert Forman Fellow by the Council of Alumni Association Executives in 2010. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he is an avid fan of all Spartan sports. You may even spot him lending his voice to select Spartan baseball games as the Public Address announcer. Away from the office, Brian is a fan of live music and road trips.

April Cole

Associate Director
408-924-6527 | april.cole@sjsu.edu
April joined the Alumni Association team in 2012 from Indiana University Bloomington where she served as the assistant director of scholarships. Previous to her experience at IU, she worked for Florida Campus Compact as the outreach and development director. April graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and master's degree in higher education. In her free time, April enjoys exploring scenic hiking trails, local farmers markets, and the Bay Area's endless array of unique places to visit.

Melissa Ferguson ‘03

Office Coordinator
408-924-6515 | melissa.ferguson@sjsu.edu
Melissa joined the Alumni Association staff in January 2007. She is frequently the first voice you hear or first person you see when visiting our offices. A bay area native and College of Business alum, she loves music, and has been to more than 150 concerts -- and counting! Melissa's family game is pinochle. She was taught how to play as a child and loves to play it with her family.

Clifton Gold '05

Events and Outreach Coordinator
408-924-6505 | clifton.gold@sjsu.edu
Clifton came on board in January 2011 and brings many talents to the Alumni Association. Raised in Stockton, Clifton studied both music and public relations at SJSU. Among his many talents are juggling, twisting balloon art, and cooking. He is a big fan of Cirque Du Soliel and frequently rides his bike to the office in the better weather days. Clifton says his favorite holiday is Halloween.

Christy Perry '00

Membership and Finance Coordinator
408-924-6520 | christy.perry@sjsu.edu
Christy began her journey with the Alumni Association in January 2010. She has a BS in Accounting and says she never imagined finding herself back at her alma mater 10 years later doing what she absolutely loves. For fun, she enjoys being outside and hiking. Two of her greatest accomplishments have been participating in the Tri, Girl, Tri triathlon in 2006 and the Avon Breast Cancer walk in 2007, walking 39.3 miles in two days.

Student Assistants

Amber Cleverdon - Membership

Jennifer Gonzalez - Marketing

Ryan Scarlett - Events