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The 2021 Top Dog Alumni Awards

 
The Fresno State Alumni Association is proud to recognize this year’s awardees in a one-hour special, televised on ABC 30 at 7 p.m. (PST) on Sunday, April 18, 2021. It will also be streamed for those outside the Fresno area.
 
“The Top Dog Alumni Awards is an inspiring event that recognizes the achievements of our most accomplished alumni,” said Jacquelyn Glasener, executive director of the Fresno State Alumni Association. “This year’s class of honorees represent what it truly means to be a Bulldog, and we are excited to celebrate their successes with the University and community.”
 
Since 1953, Fresno State has honored alumni and friends who embrace the Bulldog spirit and have made significant contributions to their profession, the University and the community. 
 
For a list of past recipients, click here.
 
  
  

Top Dog Award Categories and Criteria

The Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award has been established to recognize individuals that have distinguished themselves in their post-collegiate career on a national or international level. It is the highest honor given to an alumna/us of the University. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be selected from the pool of the Outstanding Alumni nominees and must be a confirmed graduate of the University.

The Outstanding Alumni Award

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes Fresno State alumni for outstanding accomplishments in their field(s) and to present such alumni to Fresno State students and alumni as examples of exceptional achievement. Each school/college and area included in the nomination packet is awarded one Outstanding Alumni Award.

Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees* shall have completed 30 units of coursework.

2. The nominee should demonstrate leadership and service to their profession, the community, and society at-large. 

3. The nominee should have a record of distinction and accomplishment in their field. 

4. The recipient or a family member must be able to attend the awards ceremony.

*Current Fresno State employees must be nominated for reasons outside of their actual job description.

The Arthur Safstrom Service Award

 The Arthur Safstrom Service Award honors an alumna/s, faculty, staff or friend of California State University, Fresno, who has given outstanding service to the Fresno State Alumni Association and/or the University.

Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees for the Arthur Safstrom Service Award shall be alumni, faculty, staff* or friends of California State University, Fresno.

2. Service to the Fresno State Alumni Association and/or the University will be the prime factor of award eligibility.

3. The recipient or a family member must be able to attend the awards ceremony.

*Current Fresno State employees must be nominated for reasons outside of their actual job description.

 

Selection Process

The Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be selected from the pool of the Outstanding Alumni nominees and must be a confirmed graduate of the University.

The Outstanding Alumni Award

1. Each school/college, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Graduate Studies, Library, and
Athletics, will receive copies of all alumni nominated from their area, as well as nominations for the Arthur Safstrom
Service Award. The school/college or area will review outstanding nominations and submit the names of its top three
candidates (in unranked order) for each award to the Fresno State Alumni Association.

2. The Top Dog Selection Committee will meet and review all nominations. The Committee shall have the discretion to
accept or reject any of the candidates in each area.

3. The Executive Director of the Fresno State Alumni Association will notify the winners of the awards.

4. Individuals who receive the Outstanding Alumni Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award will be honored at the Top Dog Alumni Awards, hosted by the Fresno State Alumni Association.

The Arthur Safstrom Service Award

1. The Top Dog Selection Committee will meet and review all nominations. The Committee shall have the discretion to
accept or reject any of the candidates and is responsible for selecting the Arthur Safstrom Service Award.

2. The Executive Director of the Fresno State Alumni Association will notify the winner of the award.

3. The Arthur Safstrom Service Award recipient will be honored at the Top Dog Alumni Awards, hosted by the Fresno State Alumni Association.