Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice

^{Photographer: Hunter Ridenour (2022)}

Artist: Judy Baca
Year: 2008
Commissioned By: San José State University

Getting Started

Please begin your journey with us by reading the Muwekma Ohlone SJSU Area Land Acknowledgement. You'll learn more about Muwekma Ohlone at one of our stops today. 

San José State University is a downtown campus in the nation’s 10th largest city (and the 3rd largest city in the state of California). The urban landscape in the heart of Silicon Valley is unique among the 23 California State University public higher education campuses because its geography offers 27,700 undergraduate and 5,400 graduate students spanning eight colleges the experience to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to community-engaged projects. This means the city serves as an urban laboratory presenting endless opportunities for real-world knowledge and research. 

SJSU evolved from the picturesque Tower Hall Normal School from more than 100 years ago to a commuter university and now a thriving livable community, though Tower Hall remains the iconic centerpiece of San Jose State University. Built in 1910 it is the oldest structure on campus and the oldest public school of higher education in California. State architects Sellon and Hemmings designed the building in a Spanish Revival style with Gothic, Renaissance Revival, and Modern influences to reflect diversity found in San Jose at the time. 

Today there is a mix of architectural styles ranging from international, Bauhaus, mid century modern, to the postmodern high rise campus village, and contemporary student health center and student union, and the towering glass science building currently under construction. These investments have regional influence as a transformative university that educates Silicon Valley.

Artwork

This description of the Arch of Dignity is currently being revised. Please check back for updates. 

Katherine D. Harris & Alena Sauzade, Co-Directors

(March 19, 2026)

Continue Your Walk

We invite you to walk through the arch as a symbolic starting point for your journey through this walking tour. The next public artwork will be right in front of you.