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Leader of the Pack
Student Profile - Sarai Armenta (2009)
Sarai Armenta came to Fresno State to study Mass Communication and Journalism with three options in public relations, broadcast journalism and photo journalism. Sarai is bilingual and uses her Spanish-speaking skills as a youth employment specialist for the Employment Development Department for the State of California.
Sarai has explored many opportunities at Fresno State by getting involved in different organizations and activities. She writes for the Collegian, Fresno State’s student newspaper, and is a member of Fresno State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. As a student member of the FSAA, Sarai enjoys student advantages and networking.
Her most memorable moment at Fresno State was seeing her first story published in the fall 2008 issue of the Fresno State Magazine. Profile written by student intern Sara Mohr (2009)

Shiena Polehn (1969) - My Thanks to Fresno State
"I owe a lot to Fresno State. As a mother of two young children, I left Hanford early in the morning for the 70 mile round trip for my first geography class at 9:00 a.m.  In 1969 there was only one other woman in my classes but we held our own.  I especially remember Dr. Richard Montgomery who explained the US college system to me (I came from England) and Dr. Cole, who set his alarm clock for the wee hours of the morning to talk to the registrar of my British college and pry out another 12 units of credit for me. He seemed like a bear in class, but he had a heart of gold. Finally, in 1969, I had enough credits to graduate, even get a four pointer (I thought this was something to do with elk or moose). The American college procedure is unique. My regional geography came in useful when I became an English- as-a-Second Language teacher for 25 years at various California locations. My students were amazed when I knew where they came from, even a young man from Guinea-Bissau whose language was Portuguese. I was the first one he’d ever met in the U.S. who knew its location. Personally, it’s been useful traveling around the world and to all seven continents without getting lost! Thank you, Fresno State!"  Shiena (above) in Antarctica next to a skeleton of a whale.  Ms. Polehn is an FSAA annual member. 

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

John Segale (1983) and his daughters Abby (left) and Annie (right) took this spirited photo on their last vacation to Boise, ID. "To access the field we walked past the field house where some Boise State players were practicing. We posed on the blue turf and walked past them on the way out. To say they were a little stunned by our actions is an understatement!"  THAT'S GREAT SPIRIT!

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 Air Force ROTC at Fresno State has been named the best midsized unit in the country. The 61-cadet unit was awarded the prestigious Right of Line Award for “Best Detachment in the Nation” in the medium-size category. Col. Kevin Martin, the AFROTC’s Southwest Region Commander from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, presented the Right of Line Award to Fresno State during the university’s Veterans Day observance. [More]

The Downing Planetarium at Fresno State will present its popular holiday show, “Season of Light” on Dec. 5 and 6. This family-oriented program focuses on winter holiday traditions from many cultures, and how they have been used for millennia to light up this darkest and coldest of seasons. [more]

The Gibson Farm Market at California State University is introducing another student-produced food item just in time for holiday enjoyment and giving: olive oil made from Koroneiki variety fruit grown in campus orchards. (Left) Ken Heupel, lecturer in Plant Science, explaining the characteristics of Koroneiki, an olive variety from Greece to William Thornton, a plant science major student. [More]

Free Irrigation Technology Seminar Dec. 11 - The Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno will offer a seminar from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 11 to help growers learn how a well-designed irrigation system can lead to saving water and energy while producing a profitable crop. Register HERE

Engineering college named ‘Lyles College of Engineering’
Trustees of the California State University system approved naming Fresno State’s engineering college the Lyles College of Engineering to honor a $10 million commitment by Bill Lyles, his family and companies. [More]

Russel Statham, a business administration student in the Craig School of Business has been appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger to the California State University Board of Trustees.  Statham, 21, is one of two student trustees, joining Curtis Grima of California State University, Sacramento, who is in the second year of his two-year term. Statham will serve as the nonvoting student trustee this year and Grima as the voting student trustee. Statham becomes a voting member July 1. [More]

That’s right! Visit the new Celebration of Wine website to order Early Bird discounted tickets @ $5 off the normally priced $70 ticket. You’ll only pay $65 to enjoy Central California’s most prestigious wine tasting.  Hosted by Viticulture & Enology alumni, all proceeds go to the Viticulture & Enology Department.  Tickets to this event are great for gifts and with the Holidays just around the corner, we’ll be happy to provide gift certificates.  Visit us at www.acelebrationofwine.com to order tickets. After January 15, 2009 the tickets will return to the original price of $70, so don’t delay – ORDER NOW!

African-American Student Recruitment Conference is Dec. 13
“Be a Leader: Lead the Change” is the theme of the 27th annual African-American Student Recruitment Conference scheduled 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at California State University, Fresno’s Satellite Student Union. Jamal Jones, who played football at Fresno State and is now the team’s chaplain, will be the keynote speaker. [More]


The Normal School Novelist Adam Braver will help launch a new Fresno State literary journal, The Normal School, with a reading Dec. 4 at the university. The Normal School is a semiannual publication under the co-editorship of Steven Church, an assistant professor of English at Fresno State. There is no charge for the reading, after which copies of The Normal School will be available for sale for $5 (two-year subscriptions $20). [More]

The 2008 Distinguished Achievement award of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, California San Joaquin Valley Chapter, was presented to the Business Associates, which benefits the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno. [More] Pictured are Business Associates board members, the Craig School deans and the president of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, from left, John Stewart, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, Jodie Rubino, Yezdyar Kaoosji, Larry Johanson, William Griffith, Douglas Weber, J. Scott Bristol, Dr. Robert Harper.

BLAST FROM THE PAST! It was 40 years ago that a major student landmark – the University Student Union – opened at California State University, Fresno, and the USU has served since then as the center for Fresno State student life. [More]

Mark Boud, who founded Irvine-based Real Estate Economics, will discuss central San Joaquin Valley economic and housing market trends and opportunities at a seminar Dec. 4 sponsored by the Arnold and Dianne Gazarian Real Estate Center at California State University, Fresno. [More] 

Richter Center ambassadors promote service at Fresno State
Richter Center ambassadors, seated, left to right, Cassidy Smith, Lindsey Hamilton, Melissa Watkins, Celeste Pilegard. Standing, left to right, Daniel Cisneros, Daini Vargas, Leah Rath, Dalitso Ruwe, Madhu Chowdhury.  Nine new student ambassadors of the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning at California State University, Fresno will promote the center and the university’s community-service efforts. [More]
 

Athletics  

President Bush praised NCAA College World Series Champions Fresno State players as "a team that refused to quit" during a meeting today at the White House. The team and coaches met privately with the President before being publicly honored on the South Lawn of the White House, where they were congratulated on their history-making win. [More & Video]

 

Men’s and Women’s Basketball Promotions
Monday Madness Ticket Promotion – all tickets buy one get one free (equal or lower price) at every Monday home game
Working Wednesday Promotion – fans can enter to win via their business card for prizes, free tickets to future games, etc. at every Wednesday home game, excluding the exhibition game on November 5.
Thursday Games Ticket Promotion – “Thursday Nights at the Save Mart Center” - Fresno State Faculty & Staff receive $5 off adult upper bowl tickets at every Thursday men’s basketball home game and a special $2 general admission ticket price at every Thursday women’s basketball home game. To receive these discounts, you must present your valid Fresno State faculty/staff ID at the Save Mart Center Box Office on game day. There is a limit of 4 discounted tickets per ID.

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 basketball games (while supplies last) as well as soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball. For more information visit www.gobulldogs.com.

Go to www.gobulldogs.com to view all athletic schedules

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 Non-Profit Spotlight

MUSIC TOGETHER FRESNO-CLOVIS is operated by Jill Janzen (1992). Ms. Janzen has taught Music Together since 2006 in Bologna, Italy, while also teaching international children the English language through song, movement, games, and storytelling. Prior to that, Ms. Janzen taught English to children and adults in Shimonoseki, Japan. Founded in 1987, Music Together is an international, research-based music and movement program for infants, toddlers and their adult caregivers , which began as an educational project at the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, New Jersey. Visit Music Together online!

Suzanne Moreno (1989, 2000) is the Executive Director of Encourage Tomorrow.  Encourage Tomorrow is a nonprofit that provides quality educational programs to empower students and families to become resilient and to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Encourage Tomorrow is currently in need of adult mentors for its School-based Mentoring Program in the various elementary schools in Fresno Unified School District. Volunteers will meet with their mentees once a week for one hour at the student’s school site. Mentors are expected to commit at least one year with the program. The mentors and mentees will engage in activities prepared by the Program Coordinator and Site Facilitators that are designed to empower mentees. This is a great opportunity for a Fresno State alumnus to make a difference in a child’s life and to give back to our community. If you interested, please contact Sai Mouanoutoua, Outreach Specialist at (559) 233-2880.
 

Alumni Spotlight

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

The VINEYARD,by Linda Lloyd Pitts (1973), is the award winning painting chosen by the Central California Winegrowers Association to represent the 2008 Fall Wine Cornucopia at Chukchansi Stadium. The painting, which is part of a series, is a combination of watercolor, inks and acrylics. There are limited, numbered lithographs available; contact Linda at 559-227-0070 or by email. Linda's webpage is Lindapittsart.com.

Steven Rocca (1995) and Jenny Filter are happy to announce their marriage on June 7, 2008 on the beach at Cayucos. They currently reside in Fresno, CA. A reception was held at the Veterans Hall in Cayucos. The couple honeymooned at Molokai, Hawaii, and are making a home in Fresno.

Eric Stern (1987) (Winemaker) and Greg Stach (Assistant Winemaker) are the creators of Landmark Vineyard's Damaris Reserve (2006) Chardonnay. The Chardonnay was selected and served for the G-20 Summit State Dinner held at The White House on Fri. Nov. 14, 2008. The dinner, hosted by President George W. Bush, was attended by the leaders of nearly 20 nations.

Scott Graham (2005), CEO of XPACS (Xtreme Personal Assistant Concierge Services), is this year’s Entrepreneur in Residence sponsored by the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In November, Graham visited Fresno State campus to speak with students about his achievements as an Entrepreneur. In addition, Graham has been invited for dinner at President Welty’s home in Fresno. “I feel privileged, fortunate and honored to be given this opportunity,” Graham said. “I am very appreciative of Fresno State and am excited to give back.”

Daniel Silva (1983) Though all 11 of Silva’s books have been New York Times and national bestsellers, his success has not been limited to the United States. His books have been translated into more than 25 languages and have been published across Europe and around the world. He is currently at work on a new Gabriel Allon novel.

James Finley (1962) has been confirmed as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (A&T) by the U.S. Senate. In this role, he presides over policies that govern acquisition and procurement in the Department of Defense (DoD). He also advises the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics on acquisition matters and technology integration and protection.

Stephen Ortega (1990) is featured in the recent issue of FedEx Services' quarterly, internal publication "Sales Vision" for assisting Sandpiper Technologies, Inc. in Manteca, Calif. The two-time Fresno State grad is an FSAA member, as well as a member of the FSAA board of directors.

Kamaljit Boparai (1999) and Pawan Boparai are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Jeeven Kaur Boparai. She was born on October 17, 2008 at Kaiser in Fresno, CA, and weighed 8 lb., 1 oz.. and was 21 inches long.

 

 

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!

 

Welcome New FSAA Members

Brandie Guthauser, Kevin Smith, Shiena Polehn
 

Join Today

Links & Helpful Information

Fresno State News 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 Nov 2008 Oct 2008 Sept 2008

FSAA Staff Executive Director: Jacquelyn K. Glasener, MA '02 Publisher and Editor: Katie Johnson 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