College of Arts and Humanities to hold first-ever Top Dog reunion luncheon

For the first time, the College of Arts and Humanities will celebrate the current and former Top Dog honorees of the college at a luncheon Friday during Homecoming Week.

“The Top Dog honorees from our college have made immeasurable contributions to our college campus and to our broader community, through their distinguished careers, volunteer work, philanthropy and leadership,” said Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “It is humbling to see the breadth of all they have accomplished in their lifetimes. We wanted to honor that by thanking them.”

This year’s Outstanding Alumni in the College of Arts and Humanities is Dr. Janice M. Emerzian [English and Biology, 1969]. She has made her mark professionally, serving as the director of Disabled Students Programs with the State Center Community College District. She travels the nation speaking, teaching and advocating for people with disabilities. Dr. Emerzian has taught at Fresno State, Fresno Pacific University and UCLA and has received numerous distinctions in her field. (Read more here.)

Previous honorees are listed below.

Distinguished Alumni Award (Top Dog)

• 2015 – Armen D. Bacon [Psychology, 1973; Summer Arts alum]
• 2011 – Dr. Diana M. Meehan [English, 1966]
• 1993 – Dr. Roy Christopher [Speech Communication, 1957, ’61]
• 1987 – Prof. Shirley Anne Williams [Liberal Studies,1966]
• 1985 – Edwin J. Gray [Speech Communication, 1957]
• 1974 – Dr. James D. Hallowell [Business Administration–Marketing, 1955]
• 1956 – Ernest A. Benck Jr., [English]

Arthur Safstrom Service Award

• 2011 – Peter Robertson [Industrial Arts-Graphic and Interior Design, 1992, ’95, ’05]
• 2009 – Sidney B. Cox [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1952]
• 2005 – Jan Richter [Speech, 1953]
• 2003 – Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson – [Doctor of Humane Letters, Honorary Doctorate, Arts and Humanities]
• 2006 – Dr. Richard A. Johanson – [Doctor of Humane Letters, Honorary Doctorate, Arts and Humanities]
• Dr. Elmer “Bud” Richter – [Doctor of Humane Letters, Honorary Doctorate, Arts and Humanities]
• 1992 – 1996 – Vinci Ricchiuti [Speech Communication, 1981]
• 1988 – Hon. Debra J. Kazanjian [Speech Communication, 1974]

Outstanding Alumni Awards

College of Arts and Humanities

• 2015 – Hon. Mark A. Scott [Speech Communication, 1980]
• 2014 – James L. Melikian [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1969]
• 2013 – Henry Anthony Marquez [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1985]
• 2012 – Desa C. Belyea [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1951]
• 2011 – Robert W. Ritter [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1972]
• 2010 – Brian D. Turner [English, 1994]
• 2009 – John P. Loiacono [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1985]
• 2008 – Bradford C. Lewis [Theatre Arts, 1980]
• 2007 – Dennis R. Woods [English, 1969]
• 2006 – Patrick C. Ogle [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1965]
• 2005 – Ray Steele Jr. [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1968]
• 2004 – Gary A. Soto [English, 1974]
• 2003 – Robert Beltran [Theatre Arts, 1978]
• 2002 – Manny V. Fernandez [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1997]
• 2001 – Jan Yanehiro [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1970]
• 1998 – Nancy A. Osborne [Speech Communication, 1976]
• 1997 – Dr. Geoffrey Gamble [English,1965, ’71]
• 1996 – Vinci Ricchiuti [Speech Communication, 1981]
• 1995 – Larry Levis [English, 1968]
• 1994 – Paul Kuroda [Mass Communication and Journalism, 1976]

Division of Graduate Studies

• 2015 – Robin Johnston McGehee [Speech Communication, 1998]
• 2009 – Carmen C. Carey [Speech Communication, 1991]

Kremen School of Education and Human Development

• 2010 – Dr. James Douglas Bushman [Philosophy – Minor, 1993, ’87, ’88, ’96]
• 2008 – Darlene M. Spano [Theatre Arts, 1969]
• 2004 – Dr. Coke Wanda Hallowell [Education, 1957]
• 1997 – Stephen Charles Bock [Philosophy,1987]

Division of Student Affairs

• 2014 – Scott Vick [Speech Communication, 1989, ’91]
• 2004 – Olga G. Martinez [Spanish, Health Science, 1982]

Department of Athletics

• 2006 – Amanda M. Scott [Speech Communication, 2001]

Henry Madden Library

• 2006 – Patricia A. Heiskell Hillman [English, 1949]