Complete the Blackburn Design Endowment at SJSU

Jim Blackburn earned his BS in Industrial Design at SJSU in 1974 and went on to become a trailblazer and entrepreneur in the cycling industry. When he passed in January 2026, he left a legacy of creativity and a bold vision: that his alma mater would have what it needs to inspire future generations of designers.

In 2025, Jim provided the seed funding for the Blackburn Industrial Design Alumni & Friends pre-endowment. Thanks to his major gift and the generosity of fellow alumni and friends, we are now $4,500 away from the minimum needed to make it a full endowment, a permanent source of support for Industrial Design every year.

Once established, the endowment will help modernize our labs and studios with new tools and technology. It will fund the software and equipment our students and faculty rely on, along with hands-on learning that builds original thinking and practical problem-solving.

Every gift goes directly to the fund. Our goal is $4,500, the amount that completes Jim's vision and builds a lasting foundation for designers at SJSU for generations to come. Give by December 1!