Secretary of State Bill Jones named 1999 Distinguished Alumnus

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California Secretary of State Bill Jones 00 the former assemblyman known for his agricultural, water and trade expertise, who gained national recognition with the popular Three Strikes law - is the university's Distinguished Alumnus.

Jones, a 1971 graduate with a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business - whose political career began when he was student body president at then Fresno State College - will be presented the 1999 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 88th Commencement on Saturday, May 22, in Bulldog Stadium.

"Bill Jones has distinguished himself in public service as an individual with the highest integrity and a man dedicated to the Central California Valley," said President John D. Welty. "We are very proud of his leadership and contributions."

The 49-year-old Jones, a native California rancher who worked on his family-owned farm near Mendota, represented the central San Joaquin Valley in the California State Assembly for six two-year terms before his election as the state's 27th secretary of state in 1994.

He became the first Valley resident to serve in a statewide constitutional office.

Daniel Bartell, dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, said Jones garnered state support for several university agricultural programs and "has been generous with his time over the years to speak at campus events" ­ acts that helped earn him the 1994 Alumni Award of Excellence from the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Known for his staunch support and activism representing the Valley's agricultural interests, Jones also received national acclaim for authoring the "Three Strikes and You're Out" crime law in 1994. The law was the outcome of the murder of a young woman in Fresno.

In addition to the Three Strikes law, Jones was instrumental in the passage of such legislation as the Food Safety Act of 1988, the 1991 reapportionment of legislative districts, and Proposition 204, which may play a major role in determining the future of the state's water supply. The secretary of state is currently pursuing the dual goals of 100 percent voter participation by all eligible citizens while maintaining a zero tolerance policy for voter fraud.