Fresno State v. Nevada - Nov. 7th
Menu Includes: Hamburger or Hot Dog, Garlic Bread, Salad, Ranch Beans, Non-Alcoholic Beverage, No-host Bar RSVP Here

Fresno State v. New Mexico State - Nov. 15th
Menu Includes: Two Tri-tip Tacos, Garlic Bread, Salad, Ranch-style Beans, Non-Alcoholic Beverage, No-host bar RSVP Here

D.C. Reception - Nov. 12th
Join the D.C. Bulldogs for a reception honoring the Men's Baseball Team for their tremendous season last year.  In case you didn't know, the baseball team won the College World Series last season.  The reception is one of two major stops while the team is in D.C.  They will also have the opportunity to meet President Bush who is hosting a celebration for all college teams that won national championships this year.  More info about the reception here.  

San Diego Pre-Game Reception - Nov. 22nd
Join the San Diego/Riverside Bulldogs for a pre-game reception at Cox Area in San Diego before the Fresno State v. San Diego State basketball game.  

 

Got a Thirst for LIFE Membership?  Join as a LIFE member and receive a $50 Starbucks gift card.  Not into coffee? That's ok - we have four other gift choices!  Find out here!

 

Bulldog Pride

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

The Fresno State Winery will open its doors to the community on Thursday, November 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the release of its first wines of the 2008 vintage - two Nouveau wines and the Vin D’une Nuit. The $15 admission will include samples of the three new wines, light hors d’oeuvres, and a cooking demonstration by Fredrick Clabaugh, executive chef of the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Le Vin Nouveau attendees will have a chance to win a two-night package for two to attend the 2009 Winemaster’s Weekend, valued at over $650, and a chance to win a large format etched bottled of the winery’s 10th Anniversary Syrah wine, dedicated to Dr. Carlos Muller, professor emeritus. Special discounts on wine purchases will also be available. Individuals must be 21 years of age or older to attend Le Vin Nouveau. A $5 discount will be available to Fresno State alumni, faculty, staff, and students with a valid ID at the door. For more information, call 278-6070 or visit www.FresnoStateWinery.com.

The Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship www.lylescenter.com and the Coleman Foundation www.colemanfoundation.org are pleased to announce the following recipients awarded a Coleman Fellowship for the 2008-2009 year. The award provides a stipend of $5000 to each Fellow. We had many competitive proposals from across campus making the decision difficult.
Awardees are:
Professor Lizhu Davis, Department of Child, Family and Consumer Sciences for the course “Fashion Entrepreneurship”
Professor Henry Delcore, Department of Anthropology for the course “An Interdisciplinary Approach to Entrepreneurship Education in Engineering, Social Science and Business”
Professor Dave Goorahoo, Department of Plant Science for the course “Organic Farming for Entrepreneurs”

University Lecture Series - Nov 6th 7:30 p.m. at the Satellite Student Union
Christy Haubegger, visionary founder of Latina Magazine, will speak on campus.  She has expanded the presence of Latinos in media, television and motion pictures. Haubegger is the visionary founder of Latina, the first bilingual magazine targeted exclusively to Hipanic women in the United States. Christy Haubegger's Bio

Ag management conference to feature economic outlook - Two of the most serious agricultural issues of the times – food safety and water resources – will be the lead topics of discussion at the 27th Annual Agribusiness Management Conference on Nov. 18 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fresno.
The conference in recent years has drawn more than 400 participants from across California to learn of the latest developments and trends in agriculture and agribusiness, both locally and globally. It is sponsored by the Center for Agricultural Business (CAB) at California State University, Fresno and Bank of America. [more]

With the semester nearing its end and the holiday season beckoning, California State University’s November musical performance calendar gets crowded, creating a gift for music lovers of all tastes.  Here’s what’s ahead for November 2008. All events are open to the public.

“Shiloh Rules” focuses a comedic spotlight on Civil War re-enactors in the second University Theatre production of the 2008-09 season at California State University, Fresno.  Performances will be Oct. 31-Nov. 2 and Nov. 4-8 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre in the university’s Speech Arts Building. [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.

Craig School’s MBA ranks among best in nation
The graduate program in the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno is once again among the best schools in the country, according to The Princeton Review.
The New York-based education services company features the school in the just-published 2009 edition of its “Best 296 Business Schools.” The “best” designation is based on surveys in 2005-2008 of students who attend schools with accredited Master of Business Administration programs.
The Craig School was commended for solid preparation in general management, teamwork, communication/interpersonal skills, presentation skills and entrepreneurial studies.

Athletics  

Go to www.gobulldogs.com to view the football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer schedules

Meet the Teams at the River Park Promenade
The men’s and women’s basketball teams will be at the River Park Promenade next to Jamba Juice and Borders on Saturday, November 1. The event will tip off at 4:00 pm and run until 5:30 pm. Join the Pep Band, Spirit Squad, TimeOut, Victor E. Bulldog and the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Bulldog Shop will be there with the latest merchandise along with inflatable games and be sure to bring your camera for pictures with TimeOut and Victor E. Bulldog. The men’s and women’s basketball teams will be signing autographs starting at 4:30 pm.

Junior Bulldog Kids Club
The Junior Bulldog Kids Club is available to children 8th grade and under. Membership benefits include the official Junior Bulldog Kids Club t-shirt, credential, weekly email newsletter from TimeOut and more. Benefits also include free admission to all men’s and women’s home games (while supplies last) as well as soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball. For more information visit www.gobulldogs.com.

 

Bulldog Benefits 

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

Rosanne (1984) and Von (1984) Best own and operate Solare' Spa & Cafe in Frisco, TX.  This wonderful retreat is dedicated to serving fresh and innovative menu items for breakfast and lunch.  The atmosphere is a comfortable gathering place with a California Coastal theme based on the Chumash heritage.  The spa offers relaxing treatments for women, as well as specialized treatments for men.  Check out Solare' Spa and Cafe online.    

Edward Sbragia (1977) left his post as head winemaker at Beringer, a position he had held since 1984, to give most of his attention to his own label, Sbragia Family Vineyards. His wife, Jane (1974) is also an alum.  Ed says that "Sbragia Family Vineyards is a dream that I've had for some time, a small, family-owned winery making limited, individual lots of wine from grapes grown in select blocks of my favorite vineyards. I've always had one foot in Sonoma and the other in Napa. Both areas mean a lot to me emotionally. I'm more attached to Dry Creek because it's where I raised my kids. But the wines that I've made at Beringer are like children, so Napa is also a very special place for me. Either way, the wines are intensely personal, an expression not only of terroir, but of my family's winemaking heritage."  Varietals produced by Sbragia Family Vineyards include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Check out Sbragia Family Vineyards 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!

Matthew Manna (2005) and Megan Kooyman were married in June in a ceremony overlooking the river in Acampo. Matthew graduated from Lodi High School in 2000, and then from Fresno State in 2005. He is employed by Manna Ranch, and is the son of Mike and Lisa Manna, of Acampo. The couple spent their honeymoon on the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Thomas. They have made their home in Acampo.

Norma Verduzco (2004) is the operations project director for Family HealthCare Network, and has been with FHCN for 12 years. She started as a cashier at the Porterville Center, and has worked her way up to her current position where she is responsible to ensure that Network projects are made operational and eventually implemented through the Network's 11 health centers. Besides pursuing her education and working full-time, Verduzco and her husband, Carlos, are raising their three young sons.

Robert Garfield has assumed the role of interim president of American Frozen Food Institute. Robert a 16-year veteran at AFFI, most recently served as senior vice president of public policy and international affairs. In this role, he oversaw all facets of public advocacy, including AFFI's work as industry liaison to the regulatory agencies, legislative offices and the media.

Bryan Poe (1990) is vice president of construction for Current Trend Contractors Inc. in Agoura Hills. Bryan is running as a write-in candidate for the Municipal Advisory Council.  Poe didn't decide to run until Oct. 15, too late for the county to include his name on the ballot. He supports efforts to strengthen schools, improve the quality of life in the community, increase safety for children, and develop programs to keep children active and healthy.  

Chanie Sutherland (2004) and Alessandro Greco (2003) are happy to announce their marriage on June 21, 2008 at the Auburn Library Garden Theater in Auburn, CA. They currently reside in Loomis, CA.

Justin Lindo (2007) and his wife, Rosa, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Natalia Bernardete born on Oct. 9, 2008 at 4:48 a.m. She was 20 1/2" 6lbs and 15oz. Lindo is currently in the physical therapy masters program.

 

Dr. Matthew A. Jendian has recently had his book, "Becoming American, Remaining Ethnic: The Case of Armenian-Americans in Central California," released by LFB Scholarly Publishing. The book provides a snapshot of the oldest Armenian community in the western United States. It explores the processes of assimilation and ethnicity across four generations and examines forms of ethnic identity and intermarriage. Jendian was honored in "Menk," an encyclopedia of biographies of prominent scholars of Armenian origins. This is his first book. "

Doug Yavanian (1967) recently received a “Life Time Achievement” Award from the Carlsbad Visitors Bureau.  He was the founder of both the Carlsbad and Escondido Visitor's Bureau.   Mr. Yavanian currently serves on the FSAA Board of Directors as Vice President of Alliance and Leadership Development. 

 

 

 

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

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Davic McMunn, Ms. Diana L. Gomez, Christine E. Ortiz, RN, PhD, Brent Eric Petersen, Darren Ezad Tali, Mrs. Kymber Katen, Mr. Bill Perry, Mr. Rene Munoz, Mrs. Cheryl Larson, Curtis Clarke Vincent, Jr., Zaira Z De la cruz, Rea E Allen, Whitney Jenkins, Mrs. Susan Grana, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fike, Mr. and Mrs. Don Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Salvador, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Rosenfeld, Mrs. Jane H. Millett

LIFE Member of the Month
Name: Lee Brown
Class: 1961
Major: Criminology Minor: Sociology
Current Residence: Houston, TX
Current Employer: Brown Group International (Chairman and CEO)
Life Member Since: 2003

Lee Brown received a football scholarship to attend Fresno State and following in the footsteps of his older brother Nick Brown. Lee explains that his older brother, football coach and the football scholarship contributed to his decision to attend Fresno State where he played offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Bulldogs.

Mr. Brown credits Fresno State for giving him the educational foundation needed to succeed in his career. He believes the university provides an opportunity for people to reach their full potential and go beyond their limitations. "Fresno State provided the foundation for me to go do things that I've never dreamed of before," he says. "All the education I've obtained allowed me to go as far as being a member of the President's Cabinet to being the police commissioner of the largest police department in America to being the first African American mayor of Houston, Texas."

Read Lee's entire profile here!

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 Oct 2008 Sept 2008 August 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