Make a Difference Day - Alumni and students gave back to the community
by Renee Delport

Approximately 90 Fresno State volunteers consisting of students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in the national service event, Make A Difference Day, on October 24, 2009. Volunteers worked with two partner agencies, Rotary Storyland and the Sierra Foothill Conservancy. The Jan & Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning will continue to support both agencies to accomplish long-term goals.

The Rotary Storyland project will consist of a completely new display featuring artwork from the book, “Mother Goose in California,” illustrated by Fresno State professor, Doug Hansen. The work, which started on the 24th, was the first step in this project. It started with the demolition of the existing Alice in Wonderland maze. Forty volunteers worked for approximately 6 hours tearing down walls, ripping up adobe pavers, cement and irrigation lines, and refurbishing and painting wood for a new fence. “The project was organized, everyone worked hard, and it was fun getting dirty. I can’t wait to come out again,” said Frances Devins, FSAA member.

The Sierra Foothill Conservancy project will consist of approximately six miles of new hiking trail through the McKenzie Table Mountain preserve. The trail will be outfitted with posts that will correspond with a guidebook to educate hikers and school groups that visit the preserve about the environment and historical artifacts in the area. Fifty volunteers started work on this major project by clearing ¾ of a mile of trail down the face of a mountain. The volunteers cut 16 switchbacks down the mountainside that will enable even novice hikers to access the area. “This was by far the most physically demanding service project I have ever participated in, and I think that directly correlates with it being the most gratifying of my experiences to date” said Leah Rath, student volunteer.

Work on the two projects will continue on Saturday, November 14th. The projects are being coordinated by the Jan & Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning. To get involved, contact Renee Delport at rdelport@csufresno.edu.

The San Diego Club Game Watch Fresno State vs. Illinois will be on Dec 5th at 9:00 a.m. at the Players Sports Bar 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA. $11.95 per person full buffet/beverages no-host R.S.V.P. to Doug Yavanian dyavanian@msn.com.

Welcome new FSAA members!
Mrs. Harriet Ann Harris, Mr. James Harris, Mr. Richard Amerine, Mrs. Teresa Amerine, Mr. Craig Collins, Mrs. Rebecca Collins, Dr. Jason Gray, Mrs. Kyndra Gray, Mr. Mauricio Rodriguez, Tonantzin "Tona" Rodriguez, Ms. Dolores Corvelo Carnahan, Mrs. Dee Donnelly, Mr. Larry Johanson, Ms. Darlene Laval, Sheryl Yardumian, Mr. Michael Dovichi, Ms. Nelda Avalos, Mr. Brent Cutts, Mrs. Jeanne Adams, Dr. Michael Adams, Mrs. Judith McFerson, Mr. Thomas McFerson, Ms. Martha Gavino, Ms. Lynette Quinto, Mr. John Velasquez, Mr. Leo Wilson, Mrs. Sheila Wooten, Mr. Thomas Sauceda

 

Bulldog Pride

Victor E. visits the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.	Victor E. in Martinsville, VA at the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Race on 10/25/09.
Victor E. in Martinsville, VA at the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Race on 10/25/09.	Victor E. and 150,000 of his friends make NASCAR history be serving as official Grand Marshals for the Tums 500 in Martinsville, VA.
All photos were taken by alumna Valerie Vuicich, LIFE member and past president of the Fresno State Alumni Association .

**Download Flat Victor E and take him to Thanksgiving**

Andrea Sanchez (2007) and her husband, Adam O'Connell, in Cincinnati at the Fresno State vs. UC game. Go 'Dogs!

Fresno Bee, June 20, 1968 - Jeff Kuns sent in this Fresno Bee clipping after his granddaughter, a freshman at Fresno State, found this same trophy displayed in the North Gym trophy case. Jim Powers, Andy Salonen, Captain Jeff Kuns and Gary Ogden won the men's tennis college division team title in 1968.

Submit your Bulldog Pride photo today! Upload your photos to our Flickr Group or email kajohnson@csufresno.edu

Need some Fresno State gear for your Bulldog Pride photos?  Shop online at either the Kennel Bookstore or at the Bulldog Shop! 

FresnoStateNews.com Headlines & On Campus Events

Federal funds will allow restoration of some courses - Fresno State will receive approximately $1.4 million of the $25 million that will be made available to CSU campuses to provide additional course sections and classes for students, as well as student support services. [read the entire story here]

Environmental Science class receives grant for river restoration - Efforts made by students and volunteers with the nonprofit group RiverTree to help restore the San Joaquin River have paid off in the form of a $29,143 grant from the Fresno Regional Foundation to continue their work. [read the entire story here]

Paramount Citrus gift bears fruit in campus irrigation, citrus research - One of the most-advanced and efficient irrigation systems in California will water citrus trees at California State University, Fresno, whose planting was made possible by a $200,000 donation from Paramount Citrus. [read the entire story here]

Sustainable practices implemented on Fresno State campus farm - A variety of green practices are being implemented on the University Agricultural Laboratory (Campus Farm) to increase sustainability. [read the entire story here] http://fresnostatenews.com/2009/10/wastemgmt.htm

Fresno State professor among Marjaree Mason Top Ten honorees - Dr. Sharon Brown-Welty, professor of education at California State University, Fresno, is among the Top Ten Professional Women of 2009 selected by the Marjaree Mason Center in Fresno. [read the entire story here]

Prof participates in national 'texting summit' - Dr. Tamyra Pierce, an associate professor of mass communications and journalism at California State University, Fresno, is planning her next research after participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. [read the entire story here]

Gazarian Real Estate Center’s new director aims to grow program - The first director of the Arnold and Dianne Gazarian Real Estate Center at California State University, Fresno sees many opportunities to make an impact as he teaches classes and works to connect students with industry professionals. [read the entire story here]

Grant helps students learn to help nonprofits [read the entire story here]

Bulldog Benefits 

MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Liberty Mutual Auto & Home Policies
Take advantage of Fresno State’s Group Savings Plus. Save on auto and home insurance policies. Call toll-free: (877) 283-4205 or visit the Web site. [Online]

MARSH AFFINITY GROUPS
Dental, health and vision insurance polices at specially reduced Fresno State rates. Call toll-free: (888) 560-ALUM or visit the Web site. [Online]

Fresno State Mobile
Stay connected to Fresno State by opting-in to Fresno State Mobile. Receive text messages about athletics, campus events, news and special merchandise offers.  Text the word BULLDOGS to 258664 or register online. Opt-in for the iPhone and Blackberry mobile application, too! Be one of the first to receive the application when it's available. 

Fresno State Alumni…Give yourself some credit!
Now available to Fresno State Alumni is the exclusive FSAA Visa® / MasterCard® credit card. Apply online today and grab a piece of the action – also, qualify to receive a $25 statement credit after your first qualifying use(s) of the account. Learn more or apply securely online!

 

Alumna Artist

Lucy (Hunt) Pierson (1983), a bronze sculptor, was one of more than 90 artists who participated in the 7th Annual Sierra Art Trails.

"Bronze sculptor Lucy Hunt-Pierson (1983) lives and works next to a rushing creek in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Nature, in all its magnificence, is a continual source of inspiration. The springtime view from her studio reveals waterfalls cascading over granite boulders and broad expanses of wildflowers blooming for miles.

Distilling her experiences and beliefs through form has been a life-long passion that manifested into sculpture at an early age. Lucy's predominantly figurative works reflect her personal quest to foster an appreciation for all that is and convey that sense to her viewers. Her ability to offer an experience of the transcendent through form appeals to many, for her work speaks to the soul through its grace and intellect.

Lucy is represented in collections throughout California. Most recently, the City of Madera commissioned a sculpture for the grounds of its Chamber of Commerce. In Europe, Lucy enjoys a particularly strong following in France, where she also has works in both private and public collections.

After earning an MFA at the University of California, Fresno, Lucy continues to expand her skills and learn through personal life experience and through exposure to other experts in her field. She has gained considerable knowledge working directly with the foundry and is integrally involved within the metal casting process. Bronze is her preferred medium, not only for its strength and extended designs, but also for the quality and range of its deep lustrous patinas." Source http://lucyhuntpierson.com/

Alumni Spotlight

Have you done something great? 
Tell us by submitting a class note of your own!

Norma Verduzco (2004), left, was nominated as one of ROI's Rising Stars "5 under 40" young professionals in Tulare County making a difference in their industry or community.

Ozeme' Bonnette (1999) wrote an article entitled "Money Saving Techniques: 10 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays." Read her article by clicking here

Douglas Wibbing (1986), International tax specialist, joined Alvarez & Marsal Taxand, LLC, a founding member of the first global network of the world's leading independent tax firms, as a managing director based in San Francisco.

Daniel Evans (1993) authored "Rage Against the Meshugenah: Why it Takes Balls to Go Nuts," a comical yet honestly written-book inspired by his journey through depression after being laid off from his job a week before 9/11.

Elke Philpott (1996), left, and Malcolm Axtell are happy to announce their marriage on May 24, 2009 in Stockton. They currently reside in Sunnyvale.

Jennifer Murphy (2007) is serving in Ethiopia for the Peace Corps. She departed this October for an assignment in Community Health/HIV/AIDS.

Carl Nelson opened Cullen Creek, an olive oil mill in Sanger. The company began processing and bottling oil from its own 400 acres, and it plans to add acreage from other growers.

Joy Vincent-Killian (1996), right, has been elected president of Congregation Brit Shalom located in State College, Pennsylvania.

Jennifer (Lucero) Heintz (2002) and Bryan Heintz are happy to announce their marriage on September 19, 2009 in Carmel, CA . They currently reside in Fresno, CA .

Scott Beck (2004) has been named head wrestling coach for the Roosevelt High School Rough Riders in Fresno, California. As a student, he was member of the Bulldogs' wrestling team for four years.

Ron Moore co-wrote "The Chopper Caper," a novel about a pair of Vietnam War combat helicopter pilots who plan to rob an armored car.

 

Links & Helpful Information

Fresno State News Bulldog Athletics Save Mart Center University Theatre Musical Productions

Thank you to the Office of University Communications:  Interim Assistant Vice President Shirley Melikian Armbruster, BA ‘73; & Tom Uribes. Special thanks to FresnoStateNews.com & the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band E-Newsletter Archive October 2009 September 2009

FSAA Staff Executive Director: Jacquelyn K. Glasener, MA '02 Publisher and Editor: Katie Johnson BA '03 Alumni Research Assistance: Angel Langridge, Denise Grayson, Peter Robertson

Fresno State Alumni Association • California State University, Fresno
Smittcamp Alumni House • 2625 East Matoian Way SH124 Fresno, CA 93740-800
[559] 278-ALUM • bulldogs@fresnostatealumni.com