By Dr. Honora Chapman, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities
During such dramatic times, it can be consoling to consider how resilient we humans can be. History shows that we have survived global health crises throughout the ages and have emerged to embrace a new chance at life. Just consider the profound changes during the Renaissance that came after the bubonic plague at the end of the Middle Ages. Humanity will hopefully respond to this current pandemic similarly, 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 this semester, guided by the able leadership of President Castro and Provost Jiménez-Sandoval. Interim Associate Dean Sergio La Porta and I are so grateful for the Arts and Humanities professors’ quick work converting and teaching their classes in the virtual realm, and also for the staff members fulfilling their important work virtually. While difficult, our efforts 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. Their perseverance shows how dedicated they are to their studies despite the challenges.
At the end of March, we all would have all gathered for Arts in Motion 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 were awarded the Undergraduate and Graduate Dean’s Medals. These students strive to do their best in every facet of life.
As a humble offering, Sergio and I staged a mini-Arts in Motion to congratulate each of the Students of Distinction and to announce the Dean’s Medalists, Greyson Canterbury (from Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures) and Anthony Cody (from the MFA Program in Creative Writing). Please watch the video to learn about the remarkable accomplishments of our excellent students.
Watch full-length (20 minute) video on YouTube
For Arts in Motion, our wonderful Advisory Board (AHAB) members had provided financial support and planned a fabulous reception. We look forward to seeing AHAB as soon as we can all be together again. Their passion for the arts and humanities inspires us all!
2020 Arts in Motion Program
Click here to download printable PDF
Our College of Arts and Humanities students represent everything that gives us hope for a bright future. They have boldly sculpted their own identities while overcoming challenges in order to create a better life for themselves and their families. Our artists and humanists graduating this year can now venture out to help our Valley and the wider world by applying their creative, analytical, and innovative talents to their future work and service.
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…
We are so grateful to all of you: students, faculty, staff, AHAB, and friends. You truly provide “Inspiration for Life”!
I am thrilled and impressed with the caliber of these outstanding students! How grateful you must be to have had them as students in the Arts & Humanities programs!!
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