Guide to the Rocci G. Pisano Collection

SJSU Library Special Collections & Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
Phone: (408) 808-2062
Fax: (408) 808-2063
Email: special.collections@sjsu.edu
URL: http://www.library.sjsu.edu/sjsu-special-collections/sjsu-special-collections-and-archives
© 2011
Trustees of the California State University. All rights reserved.

Guide to the Rocci G. Pisano Collection

Collection number: MSS-2011-06-18



SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

San José State University

One Washington Square

San José, CA 95192-0028

Phone: (408) 808-2062

Fax: (408) 808-2063

Email: special.collections@sjsu.edu

URL: http://www.library.sjsu.edu/sjsu-special-collections/sjsu-special-collections-and-archives
Processed by:
Mary Alexander
Date Completed:
2011
Encoded by:
Mary Alexander
© 2011 Trustees of the California State University. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Rocci G. Pisano Collection
Dates: 1957-1992
Collection number: MSS-2011-06-18
Creator: Pisano, Rocci G., 1911-2003
Collection Size: 1 box, .417 linear feet
Repository: San José State University. Library.
San José, California 95192-0028
Abstract: The Rocci G. Pisano Collection consists of faculty service awards and commemorative flags collected by Dr. Rocci G. Pisano, Professor Emeritus at San José State University. After teaching biology at San José State for thirty years, Dr. Pisano dedicated the later half of his life to public service by presiding over many public works committees, including the commission for the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. This collection represents Dr. Pisano's legacy as a professor and a contributor to the development of the city of San José.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English

Access

The collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

Copyright is assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections & Archives. Copyright restrictions may apply to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Preferred Citation

Rocci G. Pisano Collection, MSS-2011-06-18, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Mary Alexander. Finding Aid EAD encoded by Mary Alexander. Reviewed by Danelle Moon.

Biography / Administrative History

Dr. Rocci G. Pisano (1911-2003) was an Associate Professor of Biology at San José State University from 1946 to 1976. He received degrees from Santa Clara University, San José State University, U.C. Davis, and he received his doctorate in Education from Stanford University in 1954. In addition to teaching, he also served as a faculty advisor to the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity.
Dr. Pisano's dedication to the community is reflected in his commitment to nonprofit foundations. He co-founded the Italian American Heritage Foundation, held every officer position in Kiwanis and was a member of the San José Bicentennial Commission. His most significant contributions came from his service to the Santa Clara County and City of San José Parks and Recreation Commissions, where his dedication to developing city parks led him to serve on over a dozen boards and organizations.

Scope and Content of Collection

The Rocci G. Pisano Collection consists of faculty service awards and commemorative flags that had been collected by Dr. Rocci G. Pisano, Professor Emeritus at San José State University. After teaching biology at San José State for thirty years, Dr. Pisano dedicated the later half of his life to public service by presiding over many public works committees, including the commission for the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. This collection represents Dr. Pisano's legacy as a professor and a contributor to the development of the city of San José.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into one series: Service Awards and Flags, 1957-1992.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Banners -- United States
San José (Calif.) -- Bicentennial Celebrations
American Revolution Bicentennial, 1976 -- California -- San José
Education -- Awards -- United States
San José State University -- Faculty


Box 1

Series I : Service Awards and Flags 1957-1992

Physical Description: 1 box

Series Scope and Content Summary

This collection is made up of two distinct materials, awards and flags. The awards recognized contributions as an educator and were presented to him by the students and faculty of San José State College.
The collection includes two flags commemorating the United States Bicentennial and the City of San José Bicentennial. Dr. Pisano served on the city committees for the celebration of both these events. Dr. Pisano's involvement with the San José Bicentennial commission led to his co-founding of the nonprofit Italian American Heritage Foundation. Included in this collection is a flag that celebrates the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' 1492 expedition from Genoa, Italy. Altogether, these flags reflect Dr. Pisano's pride in his work and his heritage.

Arrangement

Access to the collection is provided at the container level. The folders are arranged by subject.
Box 1

Awards and Flags 1957-1961, 1976-1992

Item 1

Wooden plaque with minature gavel 1961

Folder 2

Brass clock with engraved plate 1957

Folder 3

Framed certificate undated

Folder 4

U.S. Bicentennial 1976

Folder 5

San Jose Bicentennial 1977

Folder 6

Genoan Expedition 1992