“My mom has an autoimmune disease and had to receive blood transfusions for multiple years,” Ferreira shared. This firsthand experience with the life-saving power of blood donation sparked her interest in the cause.

The Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at Fresno State partnered with the Central California Blood Center to host a campus blood drive Sept. 17 through 19. The blood drive is one of four hosted annually at Fresno State, with the next one scheduled for Nov. 19 through 21. Ferreira, a special projects coordinator at the Richter Center, is one of the driving forces behind the events.

“We had 432 successful blood donations – the highest number from a campus Blood Drive since September 2018,” Ferreira said of the most recent campus blood drive. “This has the potential to save 1,296 lives. We’re not just collecting blood; we’re gathering hope for patients in need.”

Ferreira’s involvement with campus blood drives began in 2021 when she started volunteering for the Central California Blood Center. Her initial role included distributing flyers, sharing social media posts and providing snacks to donors. As she became more comfortable with the process, she worked up the courage to donate blood herself.

“I remember being so nervous my first time,” Ferreira recalls. “But the staff was incredibly supportive, and once I realized how easy and impactful it was, I became committed to being a lifelong donor.”

Ferreira’s commitment to the cause deepened when she lost her childhood friend, Asher Gallegos, to germ cell cancer in 2022. “Seeing that was a real shock. It was the first person I had gone to school with for so long that lost their battle,” she said. 

Understanding that cancer patients often benefit from blood donations, Ferreira found a way to honor her friend’s memory. 

“Losing Asher made me understand that behind every donation, there’s a story, a life hanging in the balance,” she said. “It pushed me to overcome my own fears about donating and to encourage others to do the same.”

After graduating from Fresno State in spring 2023 with a degree in liberal studies, Ferreira joined the Richter Center]. In her role, she oversees campus blood drives, bringing her experience as both a volunteer and donor to inspire others.

Ferreira’s personal connection to the cause allows her to empathize with first-time donors who might be nervous. “I recommend bringing someone with you,” she said. “It’s helpful to have moral support, preferably someone who has donated before.”

She also encourages open communication with the staff. “Let them know you’re nervous. They’re incredibly supportive and can even let you watch someone else go through the process first if that helps you feel more comfortable.”

As for the future, Ferreira and her team have ambitious goals. “We’re aiming to surpass last year’s total of about 1,300 donors over our four annual drives,” she said. “We’ve already doubled our number of student blood drive ambassadors, which is really exciting.”

“Whether you donated, volunteered, or spread the word, you were part of something bigger,” Ferreira said. “You were part of a community that saves lives, one donation at a time.”

For more information on how to get involved, contact Kayla Ferreira at kferreira@csufresno.edu.

(Story by Katie Xiong, student assistant in University Marketing and Communications)

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Nancy Grosz Sager

Nancy Grosz Sager grew up in south Sacramento in the ’60s — the daughter of a milkman and secretary. At an early age, she didn’t realize that a college degree was attainable until middle school when her homeroom teacher sparked the flame that would open up her life to new possibilities and new career paths she didn’t know existed.

This fascination led to her majoring in anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she immersed herself in learning about culture and language. During her senior year, she heard from a guest speaker who talked about her profession as a teacher of the deaf. That moment changed Sager.

“I remember thinking, ‘I want to be her’,” Sager said with a laugh. “It really set me on the path to be a teacher of the deaf.”

The following summer of 1973, Sager began taking sign language classes through the local community center and, later, private lessons specifically in American Sign Language through friends in the Deaf community.

“They said they wanted to teach me how deaf people really sign,” Sager said. “At the time, American Sign Language was not really heard of.”

Sager quickly fell in love with deaf culture, which led her to Fresno State to pursue her master’s degree in deaf education. After earning her graduate degree in 1977, she completed the Interpreter Training Program at American River College in 1979.

Sager’s ties to Fresno State are personal and intertwined with her support of The Silent Garden program, which, much like her own lifetime of work, provides support for those who raise, support and train deaf and hard of hearing children and youth. Sager’s generous gift of $250,000 will go toward the Master Gardener Endowment in The Silent Garden to support a full-time director to manage the program.

The Silent Garden in the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State was created in 2008 to foster opportunity, understanding and awareness for the deaf and hard of hearing community in Central California. The program provides free educational conferences and resources to the community, as well as scholarships for deaf education and interpreting students.

“The Silent Garden is in full bloom, healthy and more meaningful and purposeful than ever, thanks to generous supporters like Nancy,” said Dr. Paul Ogden, founder of The Silent Garden. “Since retiring from the California Department of Education, Nancy has been traveling to workshops and conferences, supporting everyone in the field of deaf education. Parents value her knowledge, her tireless advocacy and her passion for assisting all teachers, families and deaf and hard of hearing children.”

Sager’s professional journey started with the Sutter County Office of Education where she worked for 14 years as a teacher of the deaf in middle school and infant/preschool classrooms. She later worked as a special education program coordinator for Sutter County for seven years before her role as a consultant of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs for the California Department of Education.

She oversaw programs that impacted over 17,000 deaf and hard of hearing students in California. From working closely with parents and educators to advocating for legislative laws, Sager’s commitment was palpable.

Among her greatest achievements was working on the Special Education Committee to the Commission on Teaching Credential, where she advocated for a teaching credential for specialized groups, including one specific to the education of deaf and hard of hearing students. Prior to this, the commission had included all of these groups into just one, generic special education category.

Sager was also at the forefront of California’s mandatory newborn screening hearing test, which was written into law. Because of her advocacy, every infant with identified hearing loss must be referred to early start programs and be provided additional resources. This single point-of-entry, in collaboration with the Department of Health Services and Department of Development Services, became a recommendation of the National Joint Committee on Infant Hearing in 2007.

However, Sager is quick to mention among her proudest accomplishments is the work she accomplished alongside parents.

“During all my years in the field of deaf education, including the last few years of retirement, I have been most passionate about working with parents – talking with them, supporting them, befriending them – as they raise deaf and hard of hearing children, including those with additional disabilities,” Sager said. “I have traveled all over the U.S. and met so many amazing parents. I’ve seen that once a parent has a friend or advocate within the field of deaf education, they do so much more for their deaf and hard of hearing children.”

In 2017, Sager was recognized with the Outstanding Alumni Award for the College of Health and Human Services at the annual Fresno State Top Dog Alumni Awards, in recognition for her lifetime of work. Although she’s made a significant impact throughout the U.S., she said the Central Valley will always have her support.

“I’ve attended many colleges during my higher education journey, but I always say ‘I went to Fresno State,’” Sager said. “I just feel such a strong connection to the university and being involved with The Silent Garden provides me a way to further that connection.”

The Silent Garden program will host its annual Scarlett’s Park Conference in The Silent Garden Sept. 20 and21 — a virtual conference focusing on deaf and hard of hearing children with special needs. To register or learn more, visit The Silent Garden website.

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Her debut poetry collection, “Tremor,” has recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, and Baca has just been named Fresno’s fourth poet laureate, the first woman to serve as the city’s top literary ambassador. 

At the boarding gate, Baca takes a call from a fellow alum asking if she’d be willing to volunteer for an unusual publishing project, to help raise money for a new student scholarship. Her charge: Write 15 new poems in 15 days, marathon style, as the university’s Creative Writing Alumni Chapter shares the poems in a month-long crowdfunding campaign.

Baca immediately says yes.

“I was so excited,” she said. “I thought it was such a creative, fun and thoughtful way to raise funds for scholarships, give support to Fresno State’s creative writing program and create a lot of interest and excitement.”

Baca is one of 15 Fresno writers — 13 Fresno State alumni, professor emeritus Juan Felipe Herrera and the city’s current poet laureate, Joseph Rios — who volunteered to join The Fresno 15 Creative Writing Marathon, a five-year drive to raise $25,000 for the university’s new Larry Levis Memorial Scholarship, which benefits graduate students in the Master of Fine Arts program.

From 2019-23, the marathon raised $26,238 from 159 donors, exceeding the crowdfunding project’s goal. Earnings from the endowed scholarship with the Fresno State Alumni Association will now provide an annual award to an MFA student in perpetuity.

Each October over the five-year campaign, three writers took their turns publishing 15 new pieces in 15 days, staggered throughout the month, as members of the Creative Writing Alumni Chapter promoted their work on the FresnoWriters.com project website. Community members “sponsored” the writers through donations big and small and encouraged them while they wrote. 

For Baca, who teaches English at Fresno City College, the writing marathon gave her motivation to create new work on a deadline while supporting her undergraduate alma mater.

“I was honored to have been asked,” she said, “and as soon as I was, I set about trying to think of which direction I would take with the new work.”

Baca first wrote eight poems about the surrealist painter Remedios Varo, whose paintings evoke wonder and curiosity. She then wrote seven poems with stories about her great grandmother and her sisters. Several of Baca’s 15-poem series have since been published in literary journals, and they form the backbone of her in-progress second collection of poems.

Baca said one poem from the project stood out, “The Gutiérrez Sisters in Grand Junction Boarding School, Colorado.” It was about her great aunt, Manuelita, and her two sisters. The poem later appeared as part of an interview in Ms. Magazine with the author Chivas Sandage.

“I had been researching my family history, and this was the perfect opportunity for me to work this family history into a poem,” she said.

Baca, who serves on Fresno State’s Arts and Humanities Advisory Board, said she loves the work that continues to flow from the creative writers in the English Department, and as an alumna she feels proud to champion MFA students through The Fresno 15.

“This project shows that the community loves and supports our writers,” she said. “The more people show interest in the arts, the more students will feel lifted up and supported as they create.”

The writers joining Baca, Herrerra and Rios as The Fresno 15 were: Sara Borjas, Michelle Brittan Rosado, David Campos, Sarah A. Chavez, Anthony Cody, Juan Luis Guzmán, Hermelinda Hernandez Monjaras, Lena Mubsutina, Monique Quintana, Steven Sanchez, Jeffrey Schultz and Brian Turner. 

Tapping in to a Community of Fresno Writers

Fellow Fresno author Ronald Dzerigian came up with the idea for the marathon, and he co-organized the project with the all-volunteer members of the Creative Writing Alumni Chapter. Dzerigian, a two-time Fresno State alumnus, works on campus as the coordinator of graduate student success and financial opportunities for the Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

In 2018, after publishing his debut poetry collection, “Rough Fire,” Dzerigian found himself looking for ways to jump-start his writing again. He participated in a poem-a-day marathon for Tupelo Press, writing new material daily for a full month straight. He saw the Tupelo 30/30 Project as an innovative way to earn money for the press while expanding its support network.

“We are surrounded by fantastic writers in the central San Joaquin Valley,” Dzerigian said. “So we thought, ‘why not tap into Fresno State alumni and Fresno writers of varying levels of success to raise funds for our new scholarship?’”

Dzerigian said his high school English teacher, Mike Cole, introduced him to the world of Fresno writers, and he has been in love with the voices of Central California ever since. Cole, also a Fresno State alumnus, taught the works of Philip Levine, Peter Everwine and C.G. Hanzlicek, the early faculty pillars of the university’s creative writing program. He also taught established writers such as Corrinne Clegg Hales, Dixie Salazar, C.W. Moulton, Sherley Anne Williams, Luis Omar Salinas and more.

These poets inspired Dzerigian, who first earned a bachelor’s degree in art at Fresno State, to return to campus to get his MFA in creative writing, and later to be part of the alumni chapter.

“My goal was to contribute to, and hopefully become part of, a new generation of Fresno writers,” Dzerigian said. “To bring together generations of notable and new writers that are associated with Fresno and Fresno State, in order to help raise funds for a scholarship named after an important Central Valley voice like Larry Levis — this made complete sense to me.”

Levis, an author of eight books of poetry, is among the most celebrated of Fresno’s creative writers. In 1968 he earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Fresno State, and he went on to a distinguished career as a writer and educator. In 1995 he was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Humanities. Levis passed away unexpectedly in 1996, at age 49.

Emily Muñoz, an annual giving analyst at Fresno State, said The Fresno 15 Creative Writing Marathon was a good fit for the university’s crowdfunding platform, which is used as a tool to give faculty, staff and students on campus a way to raise funds for causes connected with student success. Similar to websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter, Fresno State crowdfunding hosts custom project pages that open up storytelling and fundraising opportunities to partners across campus.

“For some groups, like the Creative Writing Alumni Chapter, this is their first step into fundraising,” Muñoz said. “This can be a huge undertaking, so we do our part to provide a framework for success. Ultimately, we hope to teach project teams how to build a cycle of philanthropy in areas that don’t usually fundraise for themselves.”

The writing marathon aspect of the campaign built a unique sense of urgency for the supporters and inspiration for the writers, Muñoz said. And, because the campaign was envisioned as a five-year project, donors from previous years kept coming back and getting involved, knowing they’d be asked to support the project each October. 

“It was very inspiring to see the growth of the project year after year,” Muñoz said. “The writers and donors alike worked together to produce something of value that the next generation of writers can read and be inspired by.”

Finding a Writing Home at Fresno State

The campaign’s impact will live on at Fresno State through the now-endowed Larry Levis Memorial Scholarship. The 2024 recipient is Taylor Seals, a second-year graduate student studying poetry in the MFA program. Seals aspires to work in literary editing and publishing, and she said being named a Levis Scholar fills her with gratitude.

“I feel believed in,” Seals said. “Coming from a low-income household, all of my financial responsibilities fall on me, as I work to pave my way up. It lights a fire in me to think that someone believed in me enough to help me get further in my career. It means I made the right choice in calling Fresno State my writing home.

Seals said she grew up “always feeling like my voice was never loud enough.” One summer, she wanted to do something about it. She started binge watching poetry videos on YouTube, and she started highlighting random definitions in the family dictionary, a worn and thin-at-the-edges volume on her small family library shelf that was way older than she was.

Her love for writing quickly bloomed.

“For me, falling into poetry was like visiting a childhood home after forgotten years,” Seals said. “Like I knew exactly where to rest my head among the frayed familiarities.”

Her poetry focuses on human relationships, she said, as she explores how to forge and preserve the deep bonds in her life through generations of trauma and healing, the songs of her mother’s mother’s mothers, and her lesbian identity.

“I believe what’ll make me feel most accomplished as a writer and a professional is the hope that I can convince someone someday to pick up that pen and start writing,” Seals said. “There is so much more life wrapped up in voices the world still has yet to hear from.”

To continue Larry Levis’ legacy and support creative writing, visit the Fresno State Alumni Association giving form, and under giving opportunities select the “Larry Levis Memorial Scholarship,” or call 559.278.1569.

(Editor’s note: The author of this story, Jefferson Beavers, was the co-organizer of The Fresno 15 Creative Writing Marathon project with Ronald Dzerigian. He is a communication specialist in the English Department and a two-time Fresno State alumnus.)

Related links:

• Hear Taylor Seals, the 2024 Larry Levis Scholar, read her poem “reMothering”
• Read Juan Felipe Herrera’s 15-poem series for The Fresno 15, “Johnni Capp Street: Notes from Donut Land”
• Read Joseph Rios’ 15-poem series for The Fresno 15, a series of local field guides

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This issue features a cover story on the history and tradition of Vintage Days, the annual spring festival that recently celebrated its 50th year on campus. Readers will learn the history behind the event and see throwback photos of some of the most fun and quirky traditions of yesteryear (think air guitar, tug-of-war, frog jumping and tricycle races).

So grab the keys to your ’75 Mercury Cougar convertible, start the engine, pop in that Doobie Brothers 8-track and get ready to cruise down Memory Lane while taking a swig of nostalgia.

Also featured in this issue is a photo essay on campus fashion over the decades–dating back to the 1970s when Vintage Days began. 

Fresno State Magazine takes an in-depth look at the music scene on campus over the decades, from the big-name and local bands who have performed at Vintage Days or other campus events to the mega stars who headline the Save Mart Center. Plus, learn about the many types of food vendors who serve Vintage Days crowds, including Jay’s Specialty Ice Cream, a business born out of a class project by alumna Janel Haas.

The Vintage Days theme continues with the heartfelt personal story of Shawna Blair, Fresno State’s coordinator of major events and staff development, who juggled health challenges while continuing to plan and execute Vintage Days in recent years.

This issue also shares some of the history and voices behind cultural activism on campus, including photos and personal anecdotes from alumni, faculty and staff.

In sports, Fresno State Magazine caught up with Pat Ogle, the longtime Bulldog Foundation fundraiser and former TV anchor who has had a front-row seat for the evolution of Fresno State athletics over the past 60 years. See what he says makes Fresno State so special to its fan base in this reader-friendly Q&A.

Fresno State Magazine is published twice per year by University Marketing and Communications at Fresno State. The magazine reaches over 100,000 alumni and friends via the print and electronic editions.

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The Top Dog Alumni Awards recognize a select group of Fresno State alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have enriched the legacy of excellence at Fresno State.

This year’s Top Dog Alumni Award honorees will be celebrated in spring 2025. The event was originally scheduled for fall 2024, but will be rescheduled for spring 2025 (details forthcoming).

Linder, CEO of the Marjaree Mason Center, will receive the Distinguished Alumna Award — the highest honor bestowed by the Fresno State Alumni Association. She is recognized for her dedicated and unwavering work to empower adults and children affected by domestic violence in Fresno County. The Marjaree Mason Center is one of the largest domestic violence services agencies in California, offering a variety of client services including safe housing, counseling, legal services, training and education.

A Fresno native and Fresno State graduate, she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism in 1998. Throughout her career, Linder has driven philanthropy to support community organizations such as Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation and Fresno Pacific University. Under her leadership, she has enhanced the Marjaree Mason Center service delivery system, improved resources for clients, and participated in statewide policy advocacy to create change for survivors of domestic violence. She has also led a $20 million fundraising campaign to build the organization’s new Community Resource Center.

Each year at Fresno State individuals who have completed a minimum of 30 units of coursework can be nominated and considered to receive a Top Dog Outstanding Alumni Award. One honoree is selected from each of the university’s eight academic schools and colleges, plus the Department of Athletics. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes Fresno State alumni for exceptional achievements in their fields.

The Arthur Safstrom Service Award honors alumni and friends of the university who have made a significant impact through the dedication of time, talent, and/or treasure. The 2024 Arthur Safstrom Service Award recipients are Gary and Marlene Peacock. 

Bulldog sweethearts, the Peacocks met at Fresno State as students in the 1970s and were married just days after graduation. Now, 46 years later, after successful careers in the Bay Area’s technology industry, the Peacocks passionately support student success through scholarships and mentoring. Together, they have spent countless hours building strong relationships with students and fostering lasting connections. 

Additionally, they have been champions of new projects aimed at advancing Fresno State to the forefront of agricultural technology in the region and have invested in future Bulldogs through a $7 million commitment through their estate plans to fund additional scholarships from their endowment.

Fresno State’s 2024 Top Dog honorees:

• Distinguished Alumna: Nicole Linder (1998), CEO, Marjaree Mason Center.
• Arthur Safstrom Service Award: Gary Peacock (1977), retired vice president of sales, KLA-Tencor and Marlene Peacock (1977),  retired manufacturing program manager, Cisco Systems, Inc.

 Outstanding Alumni by college or division:

• College of Arts and Humanities: Jim Boren (1972), executive director, Institute for Media and Public Trust at Fresno State. Boren is an award-winning journalist who is widely recognized for his expertise in newsroom management. With a career spanning four decades of newspaper experience, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the national news scene. He has covered national politics and served as executive editor and senior vice president of The Fresno Bee until his retirement in 2018.
• College of Health and Human Services: Carol E. Scott  (1973, ’76), owner, Carol Scott Consulting. Scott is a prominent leader in the children’s museum profession. Scott has been instrumental in the development of several museums and nonprofit groups across the country, including the Children’s Museum of the Upstate South Carolina and most recently the Modesto Children’s Museum.
• College of Science and Mathematics: Tami Lundberg (1987), chief technology officer, Fresno Unified School District. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Lundberg has an extensive background in information technology and product development. In her current role, she serves 74,000 students, 11,000 staff and 106 schools in the Central Valley. She has a passion for engaging students with rich technology experiences, and for providing students with equitable technology resources.
• College of Social Sciences: Lee Brand (1973), former mayor, City of Fresno. Brand, a successful businessman and former Fresno mayor, has a long history of public service. During his tenure as mayor, the City of Fresno achieved its lowest unemployment rate and also established its highest reserve in history. Brand ended his political career leaving his legacy by donating almost $400,000 from his campaign account to support student scholarships advocating the importance of higher education. 
• Craig School of Business: Allysunn Walker (2008), president and CEO, Southwest Fresno Development Corporation. Walker is a prominent figure in the community economic development field, focusing her career on creating wealth-building opportunities for communities of color. As CEO, she has implemented strategies to transform communities and empower residents of Southwest Fresno. Additionally, Walker is a consultant, small business owner, investor and author.
• Department of Athletics: Sandi Taylor (1982, ’88), retired athletics director, Bakersfield College. Taylor is a highly respected coach and leader in the realm of college athletics. During the course of her 30-year career at Bakersfield College, she oversaw multiple facilities projects and secured numerous Western State Conference championships across the 20 sports under her purview. She solidified her reputation as a leader in women’s athletics and enhanced opportunities for student-athletes during her tenure in higher education.
• Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology: Lloyd Fagundes (1979), Ralph Fagundes (Alumnus) and Fred Fagundes (1986), owners and partners, Fagundes Brothers Dairy. The Fagundes brothers are third-generation farmers, businessmen and entrepreneurs. Their network of six independent dairy farms is the largest producer of milk for Horizon Organic Milk, a Danone company. They also own and farm more than 10,000 acres of almonds that are sold domestically and exported internationally to Europe, Japan, India and China. Their philanthropic reach and community involvement are extensive and diverse.
• Kremen School of Education and Human Development: Phouangmala Diane Phakonekham (2005, ‘11), president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California. Phakonekham is a passionate advocate for children in the Central Valley. She encourages collaboration and shared resources within local nonprofits. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programming to serve more than 1,000 children in four counties and has built its high school program to provide services to 19 school sites.
• Lyles College of Engineering: Tony Akel (1983, ‘85), president, Akel Engineering Group, Inc. With 38 years of professional experience, Akel has led more than 300 system master planning and special study projects throughout California and the United States. His firm is an industry leader in digital water engineering, offering expertise in creating integrated infrastructure master plans for water, sewer and storm systems.

“The Top Dog Alumni Awards is an inspiring event that recognizes the achievements of our most accomplished alumni,” said Jacquelyn Glasener, executive director of the Fresno State Alumni Association. “This year’s class of honorees represent what it truly means to be a Bulldog. We are excited to celebrate their achievements and to inspire others through their impactful stories.”

For more information, or to nominate your Top Dog, please, visit fresnostatealumni.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Peter Robertson at probertson@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.4669.

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A $1 million gift from Earl and Murial Smittcamp and family launched the Smittcamp Family Honors College in 1998, and the first cohort of students enrolled in fall 1999. In a competitive process, 50 top high school graduates from a pool of more than 500 are admitted each year. They take a series of specially designed honors courses, perform community service and interact in educational and social activities.

Graduates of the college have become university deans, United States diplomats and physicians, among other successful careers.  Several other Smittcamp Family Honors College alumni continue to shape the Bulldog legacy on campus, helping to shape the university and foster student success.

Here are a few of the many Smittcamp Family Honors College alumni who have made Fresno State their professional home.

Stephen Trembley

Stephen Trembley
Title: Senior Director of Broadcast Strategies
Department: Athletics
Academic Degrees: B.A. in mass communications and journalism (broadcast journalism); M.A. in kinesiology (sports administration) at Fresno State.

Stephen Trembley’s decision to join the honors college in 2004 was influenced by his parents, both Fresno State alumni, making it “a true honor” for him to continue the family tradition.

“There’s not another honors program like this one in the country,” Trembley said.

During his time at the honors college, Trembley thrived in the rigorous academic environment. He recalls the camaraderie and intellectual challenges of the annual retreat at Huntington Lake, where bonding with peers and listening to inspiring speakers were highlights of his college experience.

After graduating, Trembley’s commitment to Fresno State only deepened. He transitioned smoothly from student to professional, starting with a full-time internship in the Athletics Department. He then pursued a master’s degree in kinesiology. Trembley now manages athletic broadcast strategies, ensuring that games, press conferences and other events are captured and shared to elevate the Fresno State athletics brand.

One of Trembley’s proudest achievements is his work in broadcasting, particularly his role in broadcasting the nation’s first college football game exclusively in Spanish for the Mountain West Conference Network in 2023 when Fresno State hosted Eastern Washington. 

Trembley said he is passionate about storytelling and is committed to serving Valley audiences by showcasing the athletics program on various platforms.

The honors college instilled in Trembley a strong sense of collaboration and the importance of family, he said.“Something I think about is how to work alongside the changing world we live in. I believe in collaboration and change, but just because we change something, doesn’t mean we can’t change it in a way that still respects tradition.” 

As the honors college celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Trembley reflects on its legacy of creating a close-knit, talented community that continues to make a significant impact on its students.

“It’s done a fantastic job bringing talented people together,” Trembley said. “It is amazing to see people stay. I’ve been in Fresno, and I can confidently say it has created a home for a lot of incredible people.”

Kimberly Stillmaker

Kimberly Stillmaker
Title: Associate professor
Department: Civil and Geomatics Engineering
Academic Degrees: B.S. in civil engineering from Fresno State;  M.S. and Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of California, Davis

Dr. Kimberly Stillmaker’s journey with the Smittcamp Family Honors College began in 2004 when someone her father worked with suggested she apply. Though she initially aimed for the University of California, Berkeley, her grandfather’s desire for her to stay in Fresno – and the allure of the President’s Honors Scholarship that each Smittcamp honors scholar receives for up to eight semesters for their undergraduate degree program – ultimately drew her to Fresno State.

Stillmaker’s time at the honors college significantly influenced her academic and professional path. She met her husband and fellow honors scholar, Dr. Aaron Stillmaker, through the program, and their mutual decision to come back to Fresno State shaped their careers. 

Stillmaker is now an associate professor at Fresno State, and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in structural engineering, structural mechanics, and first-year engineering courses. She also provides academic mentoring.Transitioning from student to faculty was a natural progression for Stillmaker. The skills and support she received in the honors college helped her adjust quickly and become an effective mentor and adviser. She said she is driven by a passion for improving gender equity in engineering.

Stillmaker is co-principal investigator on the ADVANCED Partnership Grant NSF at four CSU campuses. This initiative aims to improve equity for women in engineering.

“I hear my students’ concerns, and I want better for them,” Stillmaker said. “My students’ experiences drive me, and I want to see them with outstanding careers with lots of opportunities.”

The Honors College prepared Stillmaker for her role at Fresno State by minimizing her financial burden and allowing her to focus on her studies. The supportive community and the advising she received were invaluable, she said, and helped her graduate without debt and deeply engaged her with the campus.

“Something I took away from the Smittcamp program was its intrusive advising,” Stillmaker said, “I am actively invested in my students, and can serve my students faster with my prior knowledge as an alumni.”

Looking back, Stillmaker didn’t anticipate the profound personal benefits and strong community she found in the honors college. Meeting her husband and forming lasting friendships were unexpected yet cherished outcomes, she said. She is deeply grateful for the positive impact the program had on her life.

“I hope future and current scholars take this opportunity to get engaged with the university and to get to know your classmates — both in the Smittcamp program and outside,” Stillmaker said. “The individuals who I was studying with are now people I’m working with and close friends of mine.” 

Stillmaker acknowledges the noble and generous spirit of the Smittcamp family’s donation, which has created opportunities for local talent. The Honors College’s support has been a cornerstone of her success and continues to inspire her contributions to Fresno State, she said.

Ryan Ditchfield

Ryan Ditchfield
Title: Assistant professor
Department: Criminology
Academic Degrees: B.A. in political science and B.S. in criminology (forensic behavioral science,) at Fresno State; M.S. and Ph.D. in social psychology at Iowa State University

Originally from Zimbabwe, Dr. Ryan Ditchfield and his family moved to Fresno because it was the only place in the United States where they had relatives. As he approached the end of high school, Ditchfield explored various college options, including Cal and UC Irvine. However, the Smittcamp scholarship at Fresno State was particularly appealing because it offered financial support without the need to prove U.S. residency.

Ditchfield joined the Smittcamp program in 2012, and the time in his undergraduate years was filled with memorable experiences. He forged close friendships that have endured for over a decade. The program’s emphasis on diversity was significant to him, as it resonated with his values. 

He said one of his most transformative experiences was getting involved in research during his freshman year, which ignited his passion for academia.

“Having peers around me to help guide me was so significant in my academic journey,” Ditchfield said. “I thought I was just going to survive, but I ended up thriving here because of the wonderful environment.”

Surrounded by motivated peers who aspired to challenge themselves, Ditchfield found an environment that fostered his ambitions. These relationships helped him navigate the complexities of college life and inspired him to pursue research. He graduated in 2016 as the Undergraduate Dean’s Medalists for the College of Social Sciences.

Returning to campus as a faculty member in 2021 felt exciting for Ditchfield. His experiences as a Smittcamp scholar provided valuable insights into student life, enabling him to create meaningful, accessible and engaging research opportunities for his students. 

Ditchfield, a criminology professor, is passionate about addressing wrongful convictions and promoting evidence-based procedures. His work combines scientific inquiry with advocacy, aiming to improve justice system practices. He enjoys designing creative assignments that encourage students to develop their own ideas and engage deeply with the subject matter.

“I am always challenging my students to bring out the best in them,” Ditchfield said. “I hope students continue to challenge themselves and seek out opportunities that seem hard or difficult to achieve. A lot of students have potential, they just need to get out of their comfort zones.”

Looking back, Ditchfield never imagined he would end up where he is today. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, he said, and the enduring impact it has on its scholars.

(Story by Katie Xiong, student assistant in University Marketing and Communications)

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Her art is bright — cheerful. 

But for a time in her life, Althami couldn’t practice art. When she first pursued her undergraduate degree 12 years ago at the International University of Technology Twintech in Yemen, war broke out and forced the university to close. She was one year away from graduating. 

Althami turned to writing. She captured her feelings and her experience living through war in a digital diary on her phone.

“When I have bad feelings, I like to write,” Althami said. “When I have good feelings, I like to make art.”

Those words turned into a self-published book that Althami wrote as part of an independent study course at Fresno State when recent world events stirred up the emotions that she worked hard to put behind her. The somber-looking black and red book, titled “The War You Think I Survived,” was displayed next to her colorful product packaging designs at her senior design show in April.

Althami said someone attending the show flipped through the book and said to her, “Wow, your book is so sad and your designs are so bright and happy.”

“I’ve always been drawn to bright, lively colors in my work, but having someone else notice that, especially in contrast to the content of my book, really gave me a new perspective on myself,” Althami said. “This reflection brought me to a deeper understanding of myself as an artist and made me realize that design is my coping mechanism.”

Althami was born in the United States and moved with her family to the Middle East when she was 4, eventually settling in Yemen. She studied multimedia design at International University and loved it, but her studies were cut short. She got up one day, grabbed the car keys and her father asked her where she was going. The war had started.

The situation was bleak: there was no electricity or water and her family’s basic needs were not met. After about three months, the family tried to leave the country by crossing the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. After two days of no food and sitting in the sweltering desert at the border, they returned home. When the airport reopened nine months after the start of the war, the family bought tickets to fly to Egypt.

The university lost its accreditation during the war, so Althami had to start all over. She tried many times, but the trauma of living through the war paralyzed her for three years. But other aspects of life continued. Althami got married, and with her husband, moved to Sacramento while her family stayed behind in Egypt.

Once settled, she finally returned to school. Althami went to American River Community College where it took her four years to earn her associate’s degree in arts-new media. During that time, she took time off to have a baby. Then, she transferred to Sacramento State where she took classes for three semesters before her husband’s job brought them to Fresno and Althami to Fresno State.

The faculty were helpful and encouraging as they reviewed Althami’s work and experience, helping to guide her through the program so she could complete high quality work and graduate quickly, she said. The transfer process from Sacramento State involved a lengthy course evaluation. Althami said she was especially appreciative of professors Dr. Laura Huisinga and Virginia Patterson, who both motivated and encouraged her through this journey.

“It felt like a dream. I’m glad I’m done now,” said Althami, who hopes to work for a marketing agency. “I’m older than an average student, so it was hard to manage all of this stuff … I studied three times over. Every time, I learned something new. You’re going to meet different kinds of people, be exposed to different experiences, but do your best, never stop, don’t compare yourself to others. Even though your process is slower than other people, it doesn’t matter. You’ll look back at yourself and thank yourself for doing it.”

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Walking across the stage at Fresno State’s graduation.

Valdez graduated from Fresno State in 1983 with a degree in criminology, but never walked. He changed that on May 17, when he returned to participate in the College of Social Sciences commencement ceremony at the Save Mart Center.

“Fresno State offered me the opportunity to walk the ceremony, which would have been May of 1984. That was the date that I was supposed to walk.”

But Valdez had already began his career as a correctional officer at the Soledad prison by that time and chose not to return to Fresno to walk in the commencement ceremony.

Instead, Valdez focused on his career and his family. He married his college sweetheart, and they started their life together. To this day the couple is still together.

Richard Valdez and five of his nine grandchildren.

Valdez credits his success to his education at Fresno State and his family.

“As I was progressing in my career, I looked back and realized if it wasn’t for a lot of that knowledge, skills and the education that I was getting at Fresno State, I may not have survived this type of career,” Valdez said.

Valdez said he learned to see inmates as people instead of prisoners.

“One of the things that [Professor Emerita Dr. Ruth] Masters emphasized back then is that when people are in prison, we’re not there to punish them. They’re already being punished by being sent away from their families,” Valdez said.

Valdez said his job as a correctional worker was to treat the inmates with dignity and respect.

Valdez’s career spanned 30 years, working in different positions in corrections. Eventually Valdez transferred from Soledad to San Diego where he currently lives.

Valdez retired early at age 50, and for the past 10 years there has been one goal that has been on his mind — walking across the graduation stage.

“For the last 10 years…I’ve been contemplating and just pondering. You know, why didn’t I walk?” Valdez said.

Last year, Valdez drove up to Fresno State to attend his niece’s graduation. He saw her joy and it inspired him to ask if he could also walk.

“I didn’t know if it was possible or not, so I contacted Fresno State and said, ‘Hey, I would like to walk the line,’ and I’m so thankful that [the] department said ‘yes,’” Valdez said.

Valdez celebrated his graduation in front of his family, including five of his nine grandchildren. He said his desire to walk during graduation wasn’t only for himself, he wanted to do it for his grandchildren.

“It would inspire them, and that’s probably the most important thing for me,” Valdez said. “Allowing my kids to be inspired by seeing their grandfather walk.”

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“During my medical externship while in the speech-language pathology graduate program, I had three children and had to stop working to attend my externships full-time,” said Alvarado, a speech-language pathologist working at a skilled nursing facility operated by Jericho Care Group. “So purchasing scrubs was a large expense.”

Now, 11 years into her career as a speech-language pathologist , Alvarado has worked closely with dozens of graduate students as a clinical supervisor. She said she knows firsthand the costs graduate students face when purchasing new scrubs, which can cost upwards of $200 or more for several pairs.

As part of the two-year graduate program, students are required to complete five semesters of clinical practicum, which includes medical externships in their final two semesters. These externships are unpaid and usually occur four to five days a week, on top of classes three days a week.

Motivated to make a difference, Alvarado began collecting the scrubs in early 2024 with just a simple flier asking for donations of new or gently used scrubs. She posted fliers in medical centers and distributed them to coworkers and friends in the profession. What started out as a small effort by word of mouth blossomed into something bigger as the speech-language pathology and local health care community came together to show their support. Within just a few weeks, she collected 100 new and gently used scrubs.

“Some medical placements require scrubs to be worn as part of their uniform,” Alvarado said. “These students are in their last year of a long, strenuous journey through the master’s degree program. By providing access to free scrubs, our closet will be reducing barriers and setting students up for success as they finish a critical part of their program.”

Alvarado and Sabrina Nii, the director of the Fresno State-Scottish Rite Speech and Language Clinic on campus, held the first scrub popup in January  – a few weeks before graduate speech-language pathology students were set to begin their medical externships.

Leilani Natividad, who graduated in May with her master’s degree in speech-language pathology, was among the first to benefit from the scrub closet.

“Graduate school is a stressful time, not only because of the academic rigor of the program, but also the financial demands it requires with unexpected expenses like purchasing appropriate clothing for our internship settings,” Natividad said. “This is why I greatly appreciated Athena and everyone who donated their scrubs, as it alleviated a little bit of financial stress from me. The scrub closet is an amazing initiative that will benefit so many students.” 

Popups will be hosted at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, as well as in the summer, where graduate speech-language pathology students are able to pick out four pairs of medical scrubs each. However, the scrub closet is available throughout the year for those who need it. The next popup will be in August. 

For more information, or to donate to the scrub closet, contact Sabrina Nii at sanii@csufresno.edu or Athena Alvarado at athenaalva19@gmail.com.

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Rojas said he was flattered to receive such a high honor, but for him the award is a reflection of the supportive “kindness, compassion and advice” he received from his professors and mentors. 

“It’s cool to have this. I’m grateful, but this is really for them,” Rojas said.

Rojas’ educational journey began with an associate’s degree at Fresno City College before he transferred to Fresno State, where he graduated with a double major in history and biochemistry.

Initially Rojas aspired to work in chemistry, but his career ambitions changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“Most of my family got sick from COVID,” Rojas said. “My mom was pretty touch and go, but she recovered… During that time, I began to have a consciousness about how this all connects. And, so, in my graduate study, I decided to switch from doing chemistry to just sticking with history.”

Rojas’ lived experience inspired him to investigate the history of medicine between the 14th and 18th centuries. 

“Medicine, botany, anthropology, social sciences, all came to being, all were enforced by these certain ideas on civilizational improvements, how to categorize, how to control nature as well as the ugly side to that,” Rojas said. 

Rojas said that time in the History Department brought a lot of “goodness,” but his studies have shown him there is a “big, ugly side” that needs to be acknowledged. 

“That’s where my research has led to, understanding how science and the scientific community fit within this larger story of race, gender, empire and colonialism,” Rojas said.

During the heights of COVID, countless news stories reported how the pandemic exacerbated inequities in rural, low-income and marginalized communities, especially immigrant communities and communities of color. 

Rojas said before the pandemic he already lived many of the inequities he saw exacerbated. 

“I come from a very poor background, live in a very heavily policed neighborhood where there is a lot of under-development, too,” Rojas said. “But nothing can really put into perspective just how systematic, and nationwide, all these issues are in terms of poverty, in terms of policing, in terms of everything that the pandemic exacerbated.”

Rojas found refuge in mentors and friends and support through his academic community. Rojas said his academic experience at Fresno State has inspired him to “keep going.” He will be pursuing his doctoral degree in history from the University of Pittsburgh in the fall. 

But Rojas has an even bigger goal he would like to achieve. Rojas hopes to return one day to Fresno State to teach as a professor.

“The one place I want to come back to, more than anything, to teach, to get tenured, or however that process works, is here. Because it was here that I became the scholar I am today, the person I am today,” Rojas said. 

Rojas said he wants to “pay forward” the help and support he received to other first-generation students attending Fresno State. He said he remembers the struggles he faced as a first-generation student to figure out financial aid and has made it his goal to not let that happen to others.

“I want to come back here and encourage students like me with similar backgrounds that, ‘hey, even though there is a lot of issues with systemic racism, discrimination, poverty, a lot of unfair inequalities, they don’t have to hinder you,’” Rojas said. “As long as we keep fighting, we can make it here. I am proof that if you work hard enough, we can get there, we can do it. We can pass through all this adversity and be proud examples of what it means to be first-generation students.”

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