U.S. Postal officials Steve Pearl (left) and Mary Walters (center) congratulate Mehrzad Zarrin (right front), Lynn Hemink and Joel Zarr on the success of the Pavilion contract station.

Campus post office enjoys successful first year

by Tom Uribes

Fresno State's contract station of the U.S. Postal Service observed its first anniversary Nov. 24, basking in accolades bestowed upon it by postal authorities.

Located in the Pavilion of the University Student Union, the contract station has generated more than a million dollars revenue in its first year of operation, far exceeding the expectations of Woodward Station Supervisor Steve Pearl.

Pearl was on campus recently to present a plaque to Joel Zarr, USU director, and Mehrzad Zarrin, contract station manager, for "providing our mutual customers excellent service during 1998."

"Fresno State is the most successful of the three contract stations in the Woodward Station area," Pearl said. "It has passed its projected revenues of one million dollars in

its first year, which is much better than anticipated."

Postage stamps generate the single greatest source of income for the station, Zarrin said, moving at about $5,000 to $7,000 weekly. But it also does a brisk business in overnight and package deliveries.

"Many students do not have transportation or live out of country, so they mail their books or other belongings home," she said. "We have sent boxes of books that weigh 40 to 50 pounds."

She also stocks up on "lots of extras" like boxes, envelopes, popcorn wrap, padded envelopes, tissue and even candy.

The contract station employs four students, who undergo annual training in the summer by the Postal Service.

Zarrin expects a busy holiday season and has stocked up on Christmas merchandise and holiday stamps. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the winter recess, Dec. 22 to Jan. 19, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The station will be closed Dec. 25 to Jan. 1.