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KSEE TV honors two from Fresno State

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King, Pierce among 'Portraits of Success'

Fresno State staff members Britt King and Walter Pierce are among five local leaders honored in February by television station KSEE 24 and Companies That Care in the 2002 Portraits of Success program in celebration of African-American History Month.

KSEE General Manager Mark Benscheidt said the awards are the station's means of recognizing individuals "who have done special things to make this a better community."

And, he said, "By honoring them with a lunch and telling their stories on television, we hope they will become role models to others. These are pretty regular people who are doing some extraordinary things and making a difference for all of us."

King, Pierce and the other honorees, Reuben Phillips, Bessie Miller and Dr. Mae Rogers, were recognized at a luncheon hosted by KSEE news anchors Jack Noldon and Priscilla Kwan.

A five-part series highlighting the accomplishments of the five was broadcast by the station, and throughout February, KSEE 24 is airing 15-second vignettes featuring each of the award recipients.

Currently in her fourth year as women's basketball head coach, Britt King strives to bring together a team that can compete within the WAC and nationally. King has turned Bulldogs women's basketball into one of the hardest working and most tenacious programs in the West.

King's honors and awards include being named Providence College Athlete of the Year in 1986 and Black Coaches' Sports Magazine's Coach of the year in 1995.

Walter Pierce began his tenure at Fresno State as the first affirmative action director. Since 1974 he has served students through the Office of Advising Services, where he has helped thousands of students with academic planning to achieve their degree objectives.

Pierce has maintained a close working relationship with the Athletic Department as an adviser to athletes and mentor to coaches.

Pierce retired from the university earlier this month, after 30 years of service. He plans to become more involved in his church and manage his real estate properties.

In 1946, Reuben Phillips was the first African-American to break into auto parts sales in Fresno. In 1977, he was the first African-American to serve in the city's Finance Department.

Bessie Miller is the site manager for the California Employment Development Department, but her passion is working with young people.

Dr. Mae Rogers has spent the past five years working with students ordered by the court to attend an alternative school program.

Back to University Journal, 2/25/02 Issue