About Us

With a widely diverse and international student body, there are a myriad of untold stories of separated families at San José State University. Journalism professor Diane Guerrazzi became interested in the topic while directing journalism field reporting in Europe focusing on the refugee crisis.

Students involved in the programs share the experiences of their own family stories that have shaped their lives. This project gives voice to SJSU immigration stories. Whether they occur at border crossings or among boat people, family bonds are often stressed and sometimes broken.

Journalism student Joronica Vinluan joins the project as producer. She has her own immigration story, with separation from family members in the Philippines. Families Across Borders collects the stories in a repository at the MLK library, and explores the importance of family connections in a special event at Hammer Theater March 23, 2021.

Family stories will be highlighted, families will be virtually reconnected, and a panel of experts will discuss the long-term ramifications of separation.