January 3, 2005

Congressman Robert Matsui:
Sac State and region lose a great friend

U.S. Rep. Robert Matsui

The campus community at California State University, Sacramento is mourning the loss of U.S. Rep. Robert Matsui, a longtime supporter of the campus and advocate for the entire Sacramento Region. He represented California’s Fifth Congressional District.

Rep. Matsui died on Saturday, Jan 1. at Bethesda Naval Hospital of complications resulting from a rare stem cell disorder called Myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS).

Rep. Matsui was a senior and highly respected member of Congress. He was first elected in 1978, and then won subsequent reelection bids by wide margins. He was recently reelected for a 14th term with more than 71 percent of the vote.

“We have lost a great public servant and a national political leader,” wrote Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez in a letter of condolence sent to the Matsui family on behalf of the campus community. “Like many others, I take heart in the legacy Congressman Matsui leaves us and the landmark achievements that he most certainly accomplished on our behalf.”

Rep. Matsui was frequently consulted by Sacramento State officials over the years, always making time to answer questions or offer assistance. Most recently, he helped secure $500,000 for the University’s planned Space Science Center as part of the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act that passed at the end of November.

Rep. Matsui was on the Sacramento State campus on numerous occasions to participate in conferences and special events, and his friends hosted a surprise dinner here in 1999 to celebrate his 20th year in office. That same year, at the request of student journalists, he read a commendation into the Congressional Record honoring the 50th year of the student newspaper, the State Hornet. He also spoke at the University’s spring commencement ceremonies in spring of 2003.

The Matsui family and friends are establishing a charitable fund in memory of Rep. Matsui and have asked that all gifts be sent to: The Matsui Foundation for Public Service, PO Box 1347, Sacramento, CA 95812.

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