The Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State has welcomed 1,136 high-achieving students from all over California, drawing some of the brightest minds to the university since its inception 25 years ago.
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)
