A number of graduates from the M.A. program in History at California State University, Fresno have continued their study of history at several of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Su Kim Chung

After receiving her Master of Arts in History from California State University, Fresno, in 1995, Su Kim Chung continued her education and completed a Masters Library and Information Science (Archives and Preservation specialization) from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1998.

Of her current position, Su Kim writes, "I am the Manuscripts Librarian in Special Collections at the UNLV Libraries, responsible for selecting, acquiring and preserving materials that document the history of Las Vegas and southern Nevada. I answer reference queries on Las Vegas history using our collections, cultivate potential donors about depositing materials in the library by educating them about archives, and physically arrange and organize (process) archival collections and provide intellectual access to them by creating finding aids. I do outreach at the University and community level by educating students, faculty and community members about our collections and their importance in documenting the history of Las Vegas. I also work with my fellow archivists in the State of Nevada to create awareness of the importance of archives and primary source documents. I also create a voice for my department on the national level with my involvement in the Society of American Archivists which is the national professional organization for archivists in the US. I give presentations at both popular culture and archival conferences in order to increase awareness of the materials in our Special collections. I have written articles that have been published in American Libraries (the journal of the American Library Association) and the Journal of American Culture. Last year, I used our archival photograph collections to write a book called Las Vegas Then and Now which was published by Thunder Bay Press in October 2002."

"I have to say that I love my job, and it is very rewarding. If you love working with the actual building blocks of history (which is what I like to think that primary sources are) and you like variety, this is the job for you. Every day is different as an archivist/librarian. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to speak to other Fresno State students!"

Salvador Diaz

During his time in the Master of Arts in History program, Sal made rapid strides toward his goal to obtain a Ph.D. and become a teacher/researcher in history. His thesis, emphasizing early modern European studies, promises to be publishable work with considerable significance to his field of study. Sal's hard work and scholarship has paid off in acceptances to doctoral programs at Cambridge University, the University of Chicago, and Princeton University. Sal is currently working toward his doctoral degree at Princeton University.

Christopher McColm

Christopher McColm is pursuing his Master of Arts in History. will graduate in Spring 2004. He chose Fresno State not only for its proximity, but also for the opportunity to work closely with faculty. Chris says a significant aspect of his program was faculty "sharing their expertise and insight to me in my own study of history. This has had a lasting impact on the manner in which I approach my own field of research and my discipline at large."

According to program coordinator Dr. Michelle DenBeste, Chris "embodies all of the aspects of an outstanding graduate student in history. He writes well, reads and thinks critically, and is able to work in several languages. Chris is able to use sources in German and French. Chris is also an extraordinarily hard worker. He has served as my graduate assistant this past year. During that time he has developed our new web site, worked closely with me in dealing with the day to day duties of graduate advisor, and assists with students who have questions about the program. Chris also works as a supervisor at the writing center where he organizes writing groups, hires writing tutors and runs sessions with students to improve their writing skills. Chris' masters thesis will deal with nationalism in the Austrian empire in the late nineteenth century. This is an ideal project for him because he will be able to employ his French and German skills as well as deal with theoretical issues such as what constitutes nationalism. In a letter for Chris I described him as a 'modern Renaissance man.' He is familiar and comfortable dealing with the past, reading documents in foreign languages from several hundred years ago while also able to employ all the tools that a modern historian needs, i.e. computer skills and writing skills."

After receiving his master's degree, he plans to continue his research in a doctoral program.
Chris graduated from Fowler High School and received his bachelor's in History from Fresno State.