The Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala will be held on Friday, October 10th during the week of Homecoming.  Each year the FSAA honors outstanding alumni for their great contributions to the community.   Tickets are now on sale.  Don't wait, they'll go fast!    

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors
Gala Gold
Cargill
Office of the President, California State University Fresno
Gala Silver
Baker, Manock &Jensen
Fresno State Winery
The Gazarian Family
Marsh Alumni Services
Table Mountain Rancheria

Engineering Chapter Event-
Fresno State vs. Hawai'i Tailgate October 4th

Campus Alumni Picnic Oct. 7th - Bring your favorite sack lunch and enjoy cake and a great live steel drum band. Microwaves will be provided. Bring a coworker, too!  The entertainment starts at 12:00 at the Smittcamp Alumni House. [More]

Red, White and Wine October 8th  - Join the Alumni & Friends of the Craig School of Business for a night of wine tasting and networking.  This event will be held at the University House from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  All proceeds benefit the Alumni & Friend's scholarship endowment for students studying business.  For more information about sponsorship, please contact Tracy Newel.
[RSVP HERE]

Scholarship Reception October 10th - Join in honoring the 2008-09 Bulldog Pride Fund Scholars -- Amanda Junge, Alisia Lopez and Jared Lindo -- on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Jensen Library of the Smittcamp Alumni House.  Admission is free to this reception which is being presented prior to the Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala being held at the Save Mart Center. [RSVP]

FSAA Tailgate Time October 11th - Join the FSAA, alumni and friends at our home tailgate location right next to the Bulldog Blvd main stage.  Smash Mouth will be the entertainment for this wonderful event! Buy your tickets today!   

Chicano Alumni Annual Scholarship Banquet Oct. 17th 6:00 p.m. to Midnight @ the Fresno Convention Center - Featuring Grammy Award Nominee Shelly Lares. For sponsorship and ticket information contact francesp@csufresno.edu or by calling 278-5374

Alumni Community Service Event Oct. 18th @ Community Food Bank - Help sort food items that Fresno State students and alumni collected during Homecoming 2008!  Show your Fresno State pride by volunteering for this food sort. Wear something red and blue and remember to please wear closed-toed shoes to protect your paws! If you would like to participate, please RSVP to Teresa Thomas at the Community Food Bank via email or call (559) 237-FOOD.

MCJ Alumni Hall of Fame Reception Oct. 30th - The Mass Communications and Journalism Chapter will induct Ray Steel (1968) into their Hall of Fame on Oct. 30th from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Smittcamp Alumni House.  Reconnect with your MCJ classmates over wine and hors d'oeuvres.  RSVP by calling (559) 278-2087.  

Bulldog Pride

The band plays at the FSAA vs. UCLA  Tailgate outside the Rose Bowl

The Dallas Bulldogs take a moment to smile for the camera during their Fresno State vs. UCLA tailgate.  Their party was held at the Frisco Bar owned by alumni couple Von and Roseanne Best.

Are you a super fan? Send in pictures of how you, your family, friends, or coworkers show your Bulldog Pride! Whether at the office on Red Fridays, at tailgates, or on vacation, send in your pictures of you displaying your Bulldog Pride.

Submit Your Bulldog Pride Photo Today!

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

Fresno State News & On Campus Events

Call for Nominations - Institute of Family Business
The Institute for Family Business is calling for nominations of Central Valley family owned businesses for consideration for the 2009 California Family Business Award. If you know of a family owned business, whether personally or as a customer, you may submit their name. Please complete this online nomination form.  The 2009 Awards Finalists will be announced in The Business Journal newspaper prior to the 20th Annual Award Ceremony held on Jan 15, 2009.  For more information about the IFB or the awards you may go to our website or call Lori Few at 559-278-5662.

Oct 11th - “The Maddy Report,” a production of the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno, will spotlight the Gilmore-Florez contest in an hour long debate at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 (repeating at 10 a.m. Oct. 12) on KSEE, Channel 24.  James Geluso of the Bakersfield Californian, Paul Hurley of the Visalia Times-Delta and Jackie Kaczmarek of the Hanford Sentinel will ask the the debate questions. Maddy Institute executive director Mark Keppler will moderate. Maddy Institute online

Oct. 16th -The Lyles Center lends a hand at Central Valley Stock Exchange. Community and business leaders will get a chance to “invest” $1 million in businesses with potential to energize the regional economy at the Central Valley Stock Exchange from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, for which investors pay $65 to participate, is also an opportunity for volunteers in the mentorship program of the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno to do a little work – registering participants, running trade notes, etc. – and get a close-up look at how business gets done.  [More]

 
October 17th - The Ag One Foundation and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology cordially invite you to join them on October 17 for the 11^th annual Alumni and Friends Wine Tasting at the Fresno State Winery. The event will be held at the Fresno State Winery and World Cooperage Barrel House from 4:30 pm to 7: 30 pm. [More Info]

Oct 16th - 18th - “Teaching about the Middle East in the 21st Century” is the theme of a conference Oct. 16-18 at California State University, Fresno that will present research of top international scholars.  Speakers and workshops will share research and teaching about such influences on the contemporary Middle East as art, literature, history, religion, sociology and politics.  The conference, which is aimed at educators and students, is open to the public. It is sponsored by the Middle East Studies Program in the College of Arts and Humanities.  The three-day event begins at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 with a keynote examination of plural beliefs about feminism in Islamic culture by Dr. Haleh Afshar, a professor of politics and women's studies at the University of York in England. [more]

Nov. 7th - Fresno State's Women's Studies Program will host Kathrine Switzer at 7pm in the Satellite Student Union.  Switzer broke the gender barrier at the previously all-male Boston Marathon in 1967.  It was an incident that revolutionized the sports world when she was physically attacked by the race director for wearing official numbers in the race. The photo of this incident flashed around the globe and became one of Time-Life’s “100 Photographs that Changed the World.  The event is open to the public and may be attended by folks not running in the Trail of Two Cities half and full marathon. For more information about Kathrine visit her online. Photo taken by the Associated Press.
 

Athletics  

Bulldog Football games can be heard throughout the San Joaquin Valley on KMJ 580 AM.  Bulldog radio coverage begins two hours prior to kickoff with the 90 minute call-in show “Dog Talk” hosted by Wood and Loeffler followed by the 30 minute “Countdown to Kickoff.”  Be sure to catch all the post-game highlights and reaction on the “Bulldog Review” post-game show.  Bulldog Football can also be heard in Spanish on 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. 

Women's Volleyball - 790 AM ESPN Radio The Deuce, the flagship station for Fresno State volleyball, will also broadcast two home volleyball matches on October 2nd at 7 pm and 18th at 7 pm. 

Soccer Fever! October 12th versus Hawai’i - Show your football ticket for the Homecoming game vs. Idaho at the Bulldog Stadium ticket office to receive free admission to the soccer game on Sunday, October 12th versus Hawai’i at 2 pm.

The Homecoming festivities will start on Monday, October 6 with a kickoff event outside the University Student Union from 11 am – 1 pm hosted by Fresno State Athletics and USU Productions. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to the event and receive a FREE ticket to the volleyball game on October 11th.   Also on Friday, the athletics department will host a Pep Rally inside Bulldog Boulevard from 6 pm to 7 pm. The Pep Rally will feature Fresno State teams, prizes, inflatable games, a DJ and more! The annual Homecoming game will take place on Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 pm as the Bulldogs host Idaho in Bulldog Stadium. For ticket information visit gobulldogs.com or call 278-DOGS. For more information on all Road Trip to Victory – Homecoming 2008.

Men’s Basketball Red and White Scrimmage - The Fresno State Men’s Basketball team will host a free Red and White Scrimmage and skills showcase on Wednesday, October 29^th at the Save Mart Center.  The time is yet to be determined but visit gobulldogs.com for more information leading up to the event including basketball ticket information for the upcoming season.   

Bulldog Benefits 

Tackle Your Electricity Bill with Solar and Support the Fresno State Bulldogs!
Purchase a residential solar electric system from REC Solar by October 31, 2008, and receive a special discounted price. For every system sold, REC Solar will make a $100 donation to the Fresno State Alumni Association.

Purchasing a solar electric system from REC Solar will allow you to:
Reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bills
Increase the value of your property
Invest in clean, renewable energy
Control your cost of electricity

Eligibility
All FSAA Members who live within 75 miles of an REC Solar branch office. For a list of locations, visit http://www.recsolar.com

How to Get Started
Contact Amanda (Holder) Leath to request a FREE site evaluation and financial analysis to see if solar is right for you, 559.320.5927 or aholder@recsolar.com.

Hurry – this offer expires October 31, 2008!
*Offer not valid with any other promotional offers.

Alma Mater Pro Shop - Clubs, Gifts, Accessories
Order Bulldogs' imprinted clubs, gifts and accessories from Alma Mater Pro Shop. [Online]

The Dogs have teamed up with the Travel Shoppe and Pleasant Holidays as our Bulldog Fan Travel Partner. Book your exclusive five day game package including airfare from Fresno, accommodations, game tickets, ground transportation and a game-day tail gate party. For more information visit gobulldogs.com.

FSAA 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 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!

 

Bulldog Entrepreneur Spotlight

Chris Brockway started his label, Broc Cellars, four years ago. Brockway is part of a new generation of winemakers that is bringing this age-old practice into urban settings.  Chris Brockway caught the eye of the San Francisco Chronicle in late August. While living in San Francisco, having his winery in Berkeley and sourcing grapes from elsewhere, it was quickly noticed he was no ordinary vintner. Chris followed his passion for wine making to Fresno State in pursuit of a degree in enology. He graduated in 2002, and headed to the Bay Area, where he worked for experienced urban wine makers. In 2004 he used his skills and launched his own label.   After opening his winery in Berkley this June, he’s now making unique Syrah and Grenache blends, selling his wines in restaurants in his home state of Nebraska, and as far away as South Korea. Broc Cellars Online

Mike Lukens (MPA 2007) started the website San Joaquin Valleyfornia which chronicles policy and political news in the eight-county region. It includes information such as news articles, editorials and opinion pieces from the Valley’s major newspapers, as well as relevant information from statewide and national media resources. In addition, the site includes a daily post with a Valley-wide perspective on an issue of interest to Valley residents, as well as links to regional entities.  Such links include public policy and political organizations, local, county, and state governments, and the media.  All this for FREE! Mike is also serving as a host of "The Maddy Forum," a 30-minute weekly public affairs show focusing on issues impacting Central California.  It will air on KFSR radio.

Ken Rose (1996) started California Chocolate Fountains five years ago.  Their fountains will be featured at the Top Dog Alumni Awards this month! California Chocolate Fountains is a Central Valley-family owned company with over 5 years in the chocolate fountain business and have handled events ranging from 20 to 2,000 guests. They have helped their clients celebrate over 1,500 events, which makes California Chocolate Fountains one of the most trusted names in Chocolate Fountain Rentals.  Chocolate Fountain Rentals are completely full service and include a professional chocolate fountain attendant. They do ALL the work for you, so you can relax and enjoy your event (and the Chocolate!)  Their fountains have even been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, HGTV's Kitchen Trends, as well ABC's Extreme Wedding Makeover and ABC's new hit TV series, Greek. Check them out online!

ARE YOU A BULLDOG BUSINESS OWNER?  TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY!

Alumni Spotlight

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

Ray Steele (1968) announced that he is retiring as President and Publisher of the Fresno Bee.

Manuel Annear (1989) graduated from Umpqua Community College’s nursing program in June, and is now working on his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Southern Oregon University.

 

Jim Nielsen is a State Assembly candidate, and was elected to his first of three terms in the State Senate in 1978. He served as Senate Republican Leader from 1983-1987. Jim was raised in the San Joaquin Valley, and graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business.

Timothy Green (2004) and Andrea Johansen are happy to announce their engagement. The wedding ceremony will take place on October 11, 2008 at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
 

Jane (Hardebeck) Holmes (1993) is a first grade teacher at Sierra View in Oakdale and was featured in the Modesto Bee. After following in her family’s footsteps to become an educator, Jane saw the impact they made academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally on their students. With 14 years of experience, Jane continues to strive to give her students the tools necessary to succeed in the classroom.

Thomas Douglass (1996) is a music teacher at Spring View Middle School and has recently been recognized as an outstanding music educator by Heritage Festivals. Along with his music duties at Spring View Middle School, Tom is the director at the Donner Mine Music Camp, a member of the Sierra Nevada Winds, California Music Educators Association, California Band Directors Association, and was featured as “Who’s Who of American Teachers” several times.

Steve Lopez (1972) is becoming a part of history in Tracy, CA as the new football stadium is named in his honor. On Friday night, the Merrill F. West high school football team will host its first home game at Steve Lopez field in Tracy.

John Sawyer began his tenure with the University of Delaware in 1991, and now is being appointed, in addition to his teaching assignment, as Faculty Fellow in the University’s Office of Graduate and Professional Education for a three-year term.

Nick Yovino (1971) is retiring after 37 dedicated years working for the City of Fresno. During Nick’s time with the city, he has been vital to the progression of the Fresno downtown revitalization project.

Timothy Leach (1970) has returned to the farm. After earning his degree in Agribusiness, Tim worked as a lender with Fresno-Madera Farm Credit. By financing as a banker and lender, he was able to save enough and together with help from family; he was able to purchase his own farm. After 35 years financing ag and working as a part-time farmer; Tim is now retiring to do what he loves to do.

John Hernandez (1996) has been selected as the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year for Region 1. Region 1 represents the following states, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii.

John Tashjian will have his poems published in a book titled Heads and Tails.  The book will be released soon, keep a look out!  John has dedicated this particular book to Dr. Peter Everwine the English instructor.  
 

  

Volunteer Opportunities

Take A Student to Eat (TASTE)
FSAA is hosting a new mentoring program! TASTE allows you to take two students to lunch and talk to them about your profession or industry. This is a great way for alumni to give back directly to students. Mentors can help current students learn to network and carry professional conversations. This is a great opportunity for the busy professional wanting to volunteer their time! Click here for an easy application.

CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE IN THE COLLEGIAN!

Regional Alumni Clubs
In the last two weeks we have received an overwhelming response to alumni hoping to watch and celebrate the big win together. Join inCircle, our online networking site, to meet other alumni living in your region!  To find out how you can help organize a regional alumni club, please contact Katie Johnson at (559) 278-ALUM.

Welcome New FSAA Members

Ms. and Mr. Clarissa Lorraine P Ravelo, Mr. Thomas Doty, Ms. Lauren Chalmers, Ms. Lucy Areias, Mrs. Mellissa Jessen, Mr. Dan Hensleit, Mr. Joseph Borg, Ms. Jennifer Vang, Ms. Lisa Hernandez, Ms. Molly McCaughey, Mr. Robert Fire, Mr. and Mrs. Shane Cahill, Mr. George E Moore II, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Williams, Mr. Jason S. Liao, Mrs. Brulene J Zanutto

Join Today

Links & Helpful Information

Fresno State News Upcoming Campus Events Bulldog Athletics Save Mart Center University Theatre

Thank you to the Office of University Communications:  Interim Assistant Vice President Shirley Melikian Armbruster, BA ‘73; & Tom Uribes. Special thanks to Fresno State News & the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band E-Newsletter Archive Sept 2008 August 2008 July 2008

FSAA Staff Executive Director: Jacquelyn K. Glasener, MA '02 Publisher and Editor: Katie Johnson, BS '03, BA '03 Alumni Research Assistance: Sarah Mohr, Angel Langridge

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