March 28, 2020
Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends,
During such dramatic times, it can be consoling to consider how resilient we humans can be. History shows that we have survived plagues throughout the ages, and from the realization that we have another chance at life have come innovations in the visual and performing arts, written and spoken thought, farming, business, religion, politics, and more: just consider the profound changes during the Renaissance that came after the Black Death. Humanity will hopefully respond to this current pandemic in a similar fashion, with a new consciousness, a new way of looking at connectivity, a new appreciation for human compassion, and a new spirit of collaboration, all of which will be the catalyst for social transformation.
Fresno State has experienced massive changes in the past two weeks. Sergio and I are so grateful for the Arts and Humanities professors’ quick and hard work converting and now teaching their classes in the virtual realm, and also for the staff members fulfilling their important work virtually. None of this is easy, but all of our efforts individually and collectively will provide a model of adaptability and creativity for our students whose success is our ultimate goal. The students have also been adjusting to virtual courses and the changes to their daily lives, and their perseverance shows how dedicated they are to their studies despite the challenges.
During this past week, we artists and humanists had planned to celebrate the first-ever Arts in Motion Showcase, a celebration of every department and program in our college. Benjamin Kirk, who originally thought of the showcase, had been planning everything for months with the faculty, laying the foundation for a marvelous celebration of our collective creative impulse, which would have culminated in the celebration of our students at Arts in Motion.
We all would have all gathered in the Concert Hall at 2 p.m. today to acknowledge the students who have received scholarships this year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, as well as the Students of Distinction selected by each department, two of whom are awarded the Undergraduate and Graduate Dean’s Medals. These students are all so precious because they strive to do their best in every facet of life, and their devotion to excellence and service will surely enhance our Valley and country in the future.
For Arts in Motion, our wonderful Advisory Board (AHAB) members had provided financial support and once again planned a fabulous reception. They always pour so much love into every detail of the reception, and we look forward to seeing AHAB as soon as we can all be together again. Our AHAB members’ passion for the arts and humanities inspires all of us!
Yesterday afternoon, Sergio and I staged a mini-Arts in Motion to congratulate each of the Students of Distinction and to announce the Dean’s Medalists. In this video taken by Sergio’s daughter, Lucine, we’re standing with the appropriate social distancing, our voices competing with the noise of traffic and planes in the sky. Neighbors walked by and marveled at us reading our scripts on the front lawn, and Dr. Radford even happened to ride by on his bike! Please do watch the video to learn about the remarkable accomplishments of our excellent students.
Watch full-length (20 minute) video on YouTube
Our College of Arts and Humanities students represent everything that gives us hope for a bright future: creativity, intellect, optimism, determination, generosity, and bravery. They have boldly sculpted their own identities here at Fresno State with the help of our faculty and staff, while also overcoming challenges, always aspiring to create a better life for themselves and their families. Those who are earning their degrees in May can now venture out to help our Valley and society experience all the gifts of the arts and humanities through the application of their talents to their future work and service.
All of you—students, faculty, staff, AHAB, and friends—truly provide “Inspiration for Life”!
Many thanks and please take care,
Nora
2020 Arts in Motion Program
Click here to download printable PDF
2020 Dean’s Medalists

Douglas Anthony Cody | Creative Writing, M.F.A.
Anthony Cody is graduating in Spring 2020 with a Master of Fine Arts degree and a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, he hopes to continue to publish his works, to teach, and “create forward” through mentoring and workshops. His book of poetry, Borderland Apocrypha, won the 2018 Omnidawn Open Book Prize and appeared in print this year. More…

Greyson Donald Canterbury | Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, B.A.
Greyson Canterbury will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, Greyson will serve as a volunteer for the Peace Corps in Sri Lanka for two years and then pursue his master’s degree and teaching credential. More…
Honorable Mention

Anabella Monzon Wilson | Art and Design, M.A.
Anabella Monzon Wilson is graduating with a Master of Arts degree (emphasis in Studio Art) in Spring 2020 and a cumulative GPA of 3.9. After graduating, Anabella intends to enter the Doctor of Education program here at Fresno State. More…
Standard Bearers

Daisy Underhill | Philosophy, B.A.
Daisy Underhill will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 3.76. After graduating, Daisy plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Philosophy with an emphasis in philosophy of science or biology. More…

Liliana Perez Rodriguez | English, B.A.
Liliana Perez will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, Liliana plans to continue her education to pursue a Ph.D., and hopes to one day be the director of her own writing center. More…
Graduate Students of Distinction

Amanda Cockerham | Department of Communication, M.A.
Amanda Cockerham is graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Spring 2020 and a cumulative GPA of 3.87. After graduating, Amanda plans to earn a doctoral degree and further her research in diversity and educational equity. More…

Riley Thomas | Department of English, M.A.
Riley Thomas is graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Spring 2020 and a cumulative GPA of 3.91. After graduating, Riley plans to attend a doctoral program and pursue her dream of becoming a university professor in English. More…

Haley McKay Collins | Department of Linguistics, M.A.
Haley McKay Collins graduated in Fall 2019 with a Master of Arts degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.93. Haley is currently in her second M.A. degree program in Criminology, Law and Society at UC Irvine. She plans to apply for doctoral programs to continue her research interests in sociolinguistics and criminology. Haley intends to pursue a career in academia or federal law enforcement. More…

María Madrigal Piceno | Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, M.A.
Maria Madrigal Piceno is graduating in Spring 2020 with a Master of Arts degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Maria plans to work in a community college for two years and then apply for doctoral programs. She hopes to become a professor of Latin American Literature. More…

Marc A. McGhee | Department of Music, M.A.
Marc McGhee is graduating in Spring 2020 with a Master of Arts degree and a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Marc is currently the Choral Director at Lemoore High School and plans to continue teaching for a few years before beginning a doctoral degree in Choral Conducting. He also plans to start a non-profit arts program in the Kings County area focusing on all aspects of music, theatre, and the fine arts. More…
Undergraduate Students of Distinction

Melissa Hernandez | Department of Art and Design, B.F.A.
Melissa Hernandez will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 3.91. Melissa’s future goals after graduation include creating her own commercial font, working on a design project for a car, and ultimately starting her own design company. More…

Hunter E. Sansom | Department of Communication, B.A.
Hunter Sansom will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Hunter’s goal after graduation is to pursue a doctoral degree and then a career in higher education teaching communication ideally within the CSU system. More…

Mary R. Johnson | Department of Linguistics, B.A.
Mary Johnson will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 3.93. Mary plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a Linguistics professor and further her research in documenting and revitalizing Native American Languages. More…

Andrea Marin Contreras | Department of Media, Communications and Journalism, B.A.
Andrea Marin Contreras will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, Andrea will work as a freelance journalist while continuing her education in the M.F.A. program in Creative Writing at Fresno State. More…

Samuel A. Montgomery | Department of Music, B.A.
Samuel Montgomery will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, Samuel plans to pursue his Master of Music degree in Composition, while writing grants to fund music projects and groups in the community. More…

Sarah Holm | Department of Theatre and Dance, B.A.
Sarah Holm will graduate in Spring 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. After graduating, Sarah will pursue the Multiple Subjects Credential through Fresno State to prepare her to become an elementary school educator. More…
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