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Angie Cisneros earns business honors

By Stephanie Rodriguez

Angela Cisneros, coordinator of the Fresno State Reentry Program, was honored as one of the Top Ten Business and Professional Women in Fresno County for 2001 at a luncheon on Oct. 17.

The awards are sponsored by the Marjaree Mason Center.

Cisneros started working at Fresno State in 1969 as a secretary in what is now known as Chicano and Latin American Studies. She said students would ask her to type papers for them, and that inspired her to enroll as a student herself. She received a bachelor of arts in public administration in 1978 and a master's degree in social work, with an emphasis in social planning and administration in 1982. Cisneros says once she started, she was determined to finish her education."I couldn't quit - no one cares that you almost got a degree," she said.

In 1984, Cisneros joined the Reentry Program, which offers services to students who are 25 years old or older and who have not been enrolled in college for five years or more. The program provides students with academic advising, referrals to campus services, peer support, tutors and workshops.

Cisneros said she understands re-entry students' frustrations and anxieties. She empathizes with students who have to juggle a school schedule with a work schedule, plus manage families.

A trend that Cisneros has noticed is many re-entry students are part of the "Sandwich Generation" with responsibilities for taking care of both their elderly parents and their own children.

"A lot of re-entry students have to dash into class from work," she said. "Plus, they may have to take care of parents and kids."

Kathleen Molina, a re-entry intern counselor, believes that Cisneros brings her passion and drive to her work."She's a very stabilizing force in this program and she provides a great deal of motivation to students," said Molina.

One reason that Cisneros feels that she was selected as one of the Top 10 women is that the Reentry Program has received national recognition for its services. The program was awarded the American College Personnel Association, Outstanding Adult Learner Program Award for 1999-2000.

Stephanie Rodriguez is a University Relations student intern.

Back to University Journal, 11/12/01 Issue