Music student wins international ‘Volterra Project Composer Award’
Music composition student Christian Cruz, who will graduate with a master’s degree in music composition, has won the “Volterra Project Composer Award.”
Read MoreYear: 2020
Journalists and Media educators discuss COVID-19 impact on students and faculty
Journalism and media educators from around the world will discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on students and faculty. They’ll share lessons learned by disrupting the status quo–what worked, what didn’t and what this means to the future of news. Please join the conversation on Wednesday, May 6 at 9 a.m. PDT.
Read MoreKudos to Fresno Writers – February/March 2020
Kudos to #FresnoWriters is a regular series on the Fresno State MFA blog, celebrating the professional accomplishments of students, alumni, and faculty in the Creative Writing Program and the Department of English at Fresno State.
Read MorePBBI project seeks to archive memories of Portuguese-American community’s grandparents
The “Celebrating my avós-Sharing my Roots” project asks the Portuguese-American community to share photographs, a memory, a trip, an event, a story, or a moment in time of their grandparent — or a recipe, writings, musical interpretation or lyrics by their grandparent.
Read MoreKao-Ly Yang and Vadim Keyser to receive Provost’s Award
Provost Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval announced the recipients of the Provost’s Awards for the 2019-2020 academic year, which included two names in the College of Arts and Humanities. Dr. Kao-Ly Yang was named Outstanding Lecturer, and Dr. Vadim Keyser was named among the Promising New Faculty.
Read MoreProvost celebrates National Poetry Month with Levine and Boone’s ‘Our Valley’
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Fresno State Provost Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval offers a message of how poetry contributes to a greater sense of community and presents “Our Valley” a fusion of poetry and music by Philip Levine, an emeritus professor of English at Fresno State and former poet laureate of the United States, and Benjamin Boone, a Fresno State Music professor.
Read More105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide honored at Fresno State
On Friday, April 24, amid COVID-19 concerns, a small group of campus leaders, photographers, and videographers assembled to record a virtual ceremony for the Armenian community. Social distancing was maintained throughout the ceremony.
Read MoreVIDEO: Engaging students in an online world
As he and his students shelter in place, Dr. Vadim Keyser has employed a variety of teaching tools and techniques, including scientific modeling and visualization, video presentation, and guided reading.
Read MoreTheatre and Dance student wins top acting honor at Regional Kennedy Center Festival
The Fresno State Theatre and Dance Department had a particularly strong showing in what many consider the highlight of the festival, the Irene Ryan Acting Competition.
Read MoreCenter for Creativity and the Arts teams up with local organizations for 2020-21 schedule
For the 2020-21 academic year, the Center for Creativity and the Arts (CCA) is teaming up with several other local organizations to bring top artistic exhibitions, talks, and experiences that celebrate and commemorate different aspects of culture and history.
Read MoreAnthony Cody and Greyson Canterbury named Dean’s Medalist in virtual Arts in Motion
Our College of Arts and Humanities students represent everything that gives us hope for a bright future.
Read MoreAlumna Jennifer Quinn-Yovino’s big heart for furry friends and their humans
For Jennifer, the world is made up of connections between living beings, and she thrives within those connections. Helping others, be it human or animal, is where she has found her calling.
Read MoreMusic faculty and students adapt amid COVID-19 concerns
It’s class time for one of the Fresno State choral ensembles. Students arrive from their homes through small video windows that pop up on the online meeting screen.
Read MoreAlumnus Miguel Alvarez grows the next generation of artists
He spent his summers in the fields, picking fruits and vegetables in the scorching Central Valley heat. His winter breaks, pruning grapevines. The whole family’s effort was required to have the bare essentials to survive. He knew the best way to help his family was to break the cycle.
Read MoreYoung Writers’ Conference is a labor of love
March 25, 2020, was supposed to be a monumental day for Fresno State’s Department of English, as it was set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its annual Young Writers’ Conference. But due to public health precautions for COVID-19, long-time conference coordinator Tanya Nichols had to do what so many artists have done during the pandemic — improvise.
Read MoreMusic Dept. and M.F.A. Creative Writing program collaborate for 4th Art Song Festival
The unique competition adds another layer to the annual Art Song Festival competition.
Read MoreMaking Joy
It was hot! It was the summer of 2018 in the city of Accra, about 400 miles north of the equator, and Benjamin Boone and the Ghana Jazz Collective had gathered in the UVSL recording studio — a white concrete building down one of the many dirt side roads. Even with the high-tech equipment, to get clean recordings, the studio had to turn off the air conditioning during recording sessions.
Read MoreCSU Summer Arts announces suspension of 2020 season
In an effort to help keep students, staff and the community safe and healthy, the CSU Summer Arts program has made the difficult decision to suspend the 2020 season at Fresno State due to the evolving nature of COVID-19.
Read MoreTop 2020 College of Arts and Humanities students honored in virtual 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.
Read MoreGraduate Dean’s Medalist | Anthony Cody, Department of English, MFA Creative Writing Program
“I am an anomaly. And because I am an anomaly, I will continue to create forward, give to poetry, make poems, explore the experimental, nurture spaces for communities on the margins, and foster the truths and anomalies in others through mentoring, workshops, and universities.”
Read MoreUndergraduate Dean’s Medalist | Greyson Canterbury, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
“I learned that diversity is something to be celebrated and that a large part of my identity is the path that I choose. I am Chinese and White, and I have chosen to embrace Spanish.”
Read MoreHonorable Mention| Anabella Monzon Wilson, Department of Art and Design, M.A.
“To witness her art is to bring history back to life, and to realize that our past has never left us, for it continues to inform and move the present in ways that are unimaginable to us.” – Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval
Read MoreStandard Bearer | Daisy Underhill, Department of Philosophy
“Each discipline tried to get human behavior someway. [With] biology, I though genes would give me the answer; [with] philosophy: ideology.”
Read MoreStandard Bearer | Liliana Perez Rodriguez, Department of English
“I felt situated between two worlds, two worlds that I could not entirely identify with; yet, two worlds that I considered home. Over time, I started to see this double consciousness as an advantage rather than a setback, as my bilingual and bicultural experiences have granted me a critical lens through which to look at the world.”
Read MoreAmanda Cockerham, Department of Communication, M.A. Student of Distinction
“I’m grateful to my family for providing me with unconditional support and moral courage, and I am indebted to my outstanding graduate professors for encouraging me intellectually and personally through my journey.”
Read MoreAndrea Marin Contreras, Department of Media, Communications and Journalism Student of Distinction
“Without experiencing pain and poverty when my family immigrated to the United States, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything that I have done so far. The incredible support system I have—my teachers and family—motivates me to keep striving.”
Read MoreHaley Collins, Department of Linguistics, M.A. Student of Distinction
“Haley Collins is one of those shining stars who not only shines academically but also in terms of selfless service to her peers and to her community.” – Dr. Brian Agbayani
Read MoreHunter Sansom, Department of Communication Student of Distinction
“I feel as though my academic career has been defined by the perseverance and dedication to passion that my family instilled in me.”
Read MoreMarc McGhee, Department of Music, M.A. Student of Distinction
“Music is a large part of my life, and I hope to pass the love of music and art to others, no matter their age or experiences.”
Read MoreMaría Madrigal Piceno, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, M.A. Student of Distinction
“When I first arrived in this country, I faced the challenge of learning a new language and a new culture, but this has only increased my desire to continue learning.”
Read MoreMary Johnson, Department of Linguistics Student of Distinction
“She approaches everything with real drive, and nothing stands up to her fierce intellect.” – Dr. Chris Golston
Read MoreMelissa Hernandez, Department of Art and Design Student of Distinction
“I want to grow and learn to love myself as who I am and help others achieve the same thing.”
Read MoreRiley Thomas, Department of English, M.A. Student of Distinction
“Riley is an exceptional mixture of talent, creativity, life experience, and management ability. ” – Dr. Ashley Foster
Read MoreSamuel A. Montgomery, Department of Music Student of Distinction
“Expression through music has always been important to me. Expression through art is just part of who I am.”
Read MoreSarah Holm, Department of Theatre and Dance Student of Distinction
“I was immersed every day in the visual and performing arts, supporting the importance of art and creativity.”
Read MoreAmid COVID-19 concerns, a senior recital goes on in an empty hall, with a large audience
The stage was set. A xylophone, two clustered sets of percussion instruments, a set of timpanis, and a grand piano for the accompanist filled the performance area of the Fresno State Concert Hall. The room of 270 seats was largely empty and the doors locked.
Read MoreFresno State Focus produces entirely mobile newscast on COVID-19
The student journalists who produce Fresno State Focus faced a huge challenge. If they wanted to continue to provide the campus and the community with news they needed to create an entire newscast without a studio or control room.
Read MoreHow to spot fake news as the coronavirus spreads
COVID-19 (coronavirus) information and guidelines are changing at a rapid rate. As the public watches store shelves empty and learn of new restrictions on public gatherings, fear and uncertainty have been the breeding ground for fake news.
Read MoreCanceled – Arts in Motion event and showcase
We regret to announce that the Arts in Motion, scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Concert Hall has been canceled. All public events in the Arts in Motion Showcase scheduled for March 22-28 have also been canceled.
Read MoreUniversity complying with city’s new “shelter-in-place” order
At this time, the FCDPH says there is no immediate threat to the general public, and the FCDPH is not recommending cancellation of events, closure of schools or buildings at this time.
Read MoreCanceled – Author of ‘Roving Revolutionaries’ to speak as part of Armenian Studies lecture series
Three of the formative revolutions that shook the early twentieth-century world occurred almost simultaneously in regions bordering each other. Though the Russian, Iranian, and Young Turk Revolutions all exploded between 1904 and 1911.
Read MoreExecutive producer to discuss ‘Left on Pearl’ after CineCulture screening
“Left on Pearl” documents the 1971 takeover and occupation of a Harvard University-owned building by hundreds of Boston women. The ten-day occupation 888 Memorial Drive was led by local women demanding a Women’s Center and low-income housing for the community.
Read MoreNowruz exhibition sprouts new beginnings for a new year
Celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide, Nowruz marks the first day of spring, the vernal equinox, and the expectation of a prosperous and happy year. The ancient poet Jalaluddin Rumi called it a rebirth “on our planet and in our souls.”
Read MoreRegistration open for prestigious CSU Summer Arts program
For over 30 years, CSU Summer Arts has assembled some of the world’s best creative artists to teach and inspire students across all art genres. Fresno State is in its fourth consecutive year (and 17th year overall) of hosting the festival and will welcome over 400 students who will immerse themselves into their crafts this summer. Registration is now open.
Read MoreEnglish Department brings blockbuster literary lineup to campus in March
In a two-week span in March, Fresno State’s Department of English welcomes four nationally renowned and best-selling authors to campus to share their voices and literary art.
Read MoreCanceled – Arts and Humanities hosts inaugural Arts in Motion Showcase
For the first time, the college will host a week-long Arts in Motion Showcase that will allow the community to experience a wide range of the college’s intellectual and artistic pursuits.
Read MoreCineCulture screens 2019 film ‘Lusala’
The film tells the story of Lusala, a young man who is rescued from his abusive upcountry home and moves in with an affluent family in Nairobi, Kenya.
Read MoreArmenian studies public lecture focuses on migration to North America
The Armenian migratory experience in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries both parallels and sheds light on themes such as smuggling, deportation, and the criminalization of migration, that are central to the issue of global migration in the 21st century.
Read MoreOrganist Monica Czausz plays Fresno State in North American tour
A true rising star among classical musicians, Monica Czausz has quickly made a name for herself as one of the finest young American organists on the scene today receiving praise for her “artistic mastery far beyond her years” (The American Organist).
Read MoreNew Italian studies minor, starting in Fall 2020, to provide a variety of opportunities
The unique program will allow classes from cross-disciplines to count toward the minor, classes such as Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and World Viticulture. Additionally, there are plans for opportunities to engage students outside of classrooms.
Read MoreMary Husain champions cultural diversity with CineCulture
Dr. Mary Husain loves leading multicultural discussions that allow students and the campus community to better understand different cultures, to develop global awareness and to see the value of cultural diversity.
Read MoreConnecting students, academia, and community: Hmong Voices Series as a place of dialogue
The positive reception and high attendance attested to the urgency and relevance of the series. In the past, the Hmong community had felt disarray, confusion, and powerlessness during hard times. The series then served as a neutral place for discussion and dialogue for a better understanding of relevant issues where different perspectives can contribute to the well-being of the students and the community.
Read More2019 MA Student of Distinction Trevor Driscoll heads to MIT
he applied to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was accepted to both programs — two of the top schools for Linguistics in the world according to Top Universities.
Read MoreMusic students and faculty shine at winter conferences
During the winter break, music students Marina Malcolm and Christopher Rodriguez presented at national conferences. Dr. Maria S. Briggs-Okunev was also with them and presented.
Read MoreCineCulture screens 2019 French animated film ‘The Swallows of Kabul’
The touching story of Zunaira and Mohsen, a young couple deeply in love during the summer of 1998 in Kabul when Afghanistan was under Taliban rule.
Read MoreStudents’ article on Hmong language to be published in conference proceedings
The article titled “Hidden Melodies of the Hmong Language: The Rhythmers” will be published in the conference proceedings, which will be the first time for the students.
Read MoreRenowned Russian dramatic baritone, Dr. Anton Belov, to perform at Art Song Festival
A renowned Russian dramatic baritone, Dr. Belov has been praised by the New York Times as “A baritone with a rich mellifluous voice…Mr. Belove sounded particularly fine, singing with urgency and soulful pathos.”
Read MoreKeyboard Concert Series presents pianist Nara Avetisyan
Prize-winner at competitions in the United States, Armenia, Italy, Greece, and Lithuania, Nara Avetisyan has garnered accolades for her performances around the world.
Read MoreFresno State Wind Orchestra and Central High School Wind Ensemble to perform in concert
The Fresno State Wind Orchestra and Central High School Wind Ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreFresno State Creative Writing students perform at 2020 Rogue Festival
Creative writing students from the Fresno State Master of Fine Arts program will headline the “Fresno Writers Live” performances at the 2020 Rogue Festival, scheduled March 6 through 14 in Fresno’s Tower District.
Read MoreDirector of Azorean communities to lecture on diaspora to the Americas
In celebrating the first anniversary of the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute at Fresno State, Paulo César Câmara Teves, director of Azorean communities for the Government of the Azores, will talk on “Azorean diaspora – the migration of Azoreans to the Americas.”
Read MoreRoger Tatarian Symposium to explore the power of online journalism
A panel of top media professionals from around the country will discuss “The Power of Online Journalism and Can it Save Local News?” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26 in Peters Business Room 191. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Read MoreFormer Peach Blossom performer helps organize 62nd year of festival
In 2007, Pader Vue stepped foot on Fresno State’s campus for the first time for the Peach Blossom Festival. Thirteen years later, Vue is now one of the Communication Department students hosting the 62nd annual Peach Blossom Festival on March 12 and 13.
Read MoreFeatured Supporter: Miguel A. Gastelum
Miguel A. Gastelum is a Graduates of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Dean’s Council member, a program that enables recent alumni to support the college through membership for as little as $10 per month. He’s always been passionate about Fresno State and, as a G.O.L.D. level donor, he believes in providing students with opportunities to enrich their education and time spent at the university.
Read MoreA ‘Classics’ underD.O.G. tale
How the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures went from two supporters to over 90 in three years for Day of Giving.
Read MoreThe monumental journey of Anabella Monzon
Anabella Monzon has already had a storied career as an artist. A highly regarded muralist, her creations have graced public spaces in Kansas City, Missouri; Seattle, Washington; and San Diego, California for decades. But that life came to an end when her husband died.
Read More2020 State of the College of Arts and Humanities
The College of Arts and Humanities provides a diverse student population with the communication skills, humanistic values, and cultural awareness that form the foundation of scholarship. The college offers intellectual and artistic programs that engage students, faculty and the community in collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. These programs help preserve, illuminate, and nourish the arts and humanities for the campus and for the wider community.
Read MoreCineCulture screens 2019 film ‘A Girl from Mogadishu’
Ahmed escapes her war-torn native country Somalia and is trafficked to Ireland as a teenager. While applying for refugee status, she recounts her traumatic childhood experiences of female genital mutilation and vows to devote her life to the eradication of this horrendous practice.
Read MoreContemporary Dance Ensemble presents spring dance concert, ‘Covenants’
An evening of contemporary dance steeped in passionate expression, self-reflection, and pathos in motion.
Read MoreKeyboard Concerts presents Natasha Paremski
Natasha Paremski is lauded for her “fiery and widely dynamic playing” (London Classical Source), and has performed as a soloist with such noted orchestras as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Tonhalle Orchester Zürich, and the Moscow Philharmonic.
Read MoreChicanx Writers Bring Poets to Campus, Produce Lit Journal
The student-organized Chicanx Writers and Artists Association will host two visiting authors on campus this spring and will release the latest edition of its popular literary journal, Flies, Cockroaches & Poets.
Read MoreAlumna Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana and her Playas de Tijuana Mural Project
Standing in the sand looking south, it looks like many beach towns around the world. The deafening slow pulse of the ocean overwhelms the voices of the hundreds of people and the squawking seagulls. A boardwalk separates the beach from the seaside shops, hotels and homes, which, looking north, abruptly ends in the Friendship Park. A monument of colorful oversized letters spell “Tijuana — Aqui Empieza la Patria.”
Read MoreProfessor Emeritus Charles Shields passes away at 75
Charles Shields was born on July 19, 1944, and passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Read MoreReading Series Features a Trio of Prize-Winning Poets
The Fresno State Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing will feature the Fresno Poet Laureate, the 2018 Philip Levine Prize for Poetry winner, and one of the founders of the groundbreaking Undocupoets campaign in its spring 2020 Fresno Poets’ Association reading series.
Read MoreCongratulations to the winners of the Fresno State Concerto Competition
Six finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Fresno State Wind Orchestra and the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra.
Read MoreDr. Ari Şekeryan to give three public lectures on Armenians in the Ottoman empire after the genocide
The lecture presents an overview of the political and social developments that happened in the Ottoman Empire during the Armistice period and it explores how the Armenian community organized itself while facing political turmoil.
Read MoreWalk in Peace: A celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month
The Fresno State Choirs, directed by Dr. Cari Earnhart, and the Fresno City College Choirs, directed by Julie Dana, will come together for an emotional evening of music and readings celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month.
Read MoreSyrian American Medical Society president to discuss ‘The Cave’ following CineCulture screening
Dr. Ahmad Tarakji, president of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and producer Kirstine Barfod will participate in a discussion following a free screening of “The Cave” at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 31 in the Peters Education Center Auditorium next to the Save-Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center.
Read MorePhung Huynh’s ‘Resistance Aunties’ exhibition challenges perceptions of Asian feminine beauty
Through combining traditional Chinese iconography with popular American culture, Phung Huynh aims to challenge the viewer with both western-leaning and nonwestern-leaning perspectives.
Read MoreNew reading series brings fiction writers of color to Fresno
Thanks in part to a grant from California Humanities, the Fresno State Master of Fine Arts program will bring to the community a new four-part reading series this spring, Diverse Voices in Contemporary Fiction.
Read MoreDouble Reed Day features internationally known guest artists, master classes, exhibitions, and a concert
Guest artists and members of “Imani Winds” Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboist, and Monica Ellis, bassoonist, will teach and perform.
Read More‘Carmina Burana’ featured in Music Department’s spring 2020 lineup
An eruption of the senses in a journey through life’s indulgences, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” is among the most popular pieces for classical music concertgoers.
Read MoreBarking Bulldog Debate Team takes home several awards at national tournament and other student accomplishments
During the holiday break, the Fresno Barking Bulldog Debate Team headed to UC Berkeley for a national debate tournament. They practiced nine hours a week throughout the break and their preparation helped pull them through to win several awards.
Read MoreCineCulture launches spring 2020 lineup with ‘The Etruscan Smile’
The Fresno State CineCulture Series kicks off its fall 2019 lineup of film screenings with “The Etruscan Smile” at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.
Read MoreInterior design exhibitions highlight experiments in intelligent interiors
Two installations showcasing intelligent interior design begin with an artist talk by Robert Hagen and Glenn Terpstra at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Alice Peters Auditorium, PB 191.
Read MoreArmenian Studies co-sponsors House of Hope-Mer Hooys Benefit Concert
The Feb. 22 concert will feature music by pianist Michael Krikorian, violinist Armen Derkevorkian, and cellist Garik Terzian. Lauren Movsesian, Colette Compton, and Clarise Compton will perform vocal selections, accompanied by Derrick Lowe.
Read MoreArts and Humanities faculty ovations: Nov. and Dec. 2019
We ask that you join us in giving a round of applause to:
Read MoreDavid Ohannessian and the Armenian Ceramics of Jerusalem
Along the cobbled streets and golden walls of Jerusalem, brilliantly glazed tiles catch the light and beckon the eye. These colorful wares are iconic features of the Holy City. Silently, these works of ceramic art also represent a riveting story of resilience and survival.
Read MoreInternational award-winning pianist Claire Huangci performs in keyboard concert series
Just days after her Fresno performance, Claire Huangci will play dates in Umeå and Sundsvall, Sweden ahead of other tour highlights such as the Lucerne Festival, Philharmonie de Paris, and Festspielhaus Salzburg.
Read More
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 