Standard Bearer: Taylor Carrillo – Department of Philosophy

Taylor Carrillo is a first-generation undergraduate student receiving her B.A. in pre-law philosophy and a minor in criminology. She is representing the Department of Philosophy and will be a Standard Bearer during graduation. 

“Taylor reads like a philosopher, and she has since her first class. She notices things in the text that it might have taken me four, five or ten readings to notice as meaningful in the ways that she sometimes has. She brings herself to the text, not in ways that are unfair to the author, but in ways that keep ancient and modern philosophy still alive for us today,” Dr. Carolyn Cusick, assistant professor of philosophy, said.

Carrillo has overcome many challenges, excelling academically despite the daily trials that multiple sclerosis incurs. She believes that her challenges were important on her journey to becoming an intellectual property lawyer.

Numerous professors have noted Carrillo’s passion and proficiency for philosophy, identifying her arguments and ideas as innovative, bold and intellectually outstanding.

“What stands out in her writing is that she identifies the central philosophical issue and the resources needed to address it —down to the sentences in the readings that express the most pertinent and persuasive justifications for a view — without fear of challenging distinctions and multi-faceted claims,” Dr. Mariana Anagnostopoulos, associate professor of philosophy, said.

Carrillo is also an active officer in multiple clubs and organizations, including Fresno State’s Philosophy Club and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Club. Her pursuit of helping others on their academic journey isn’t limited to Fresno State, as she is a mentor and tutor for students in Fresno Unified School District.

Additionally, Carrillo has earned numerous academic awards and honors, including the Doumanian Ethics Ethical Leadership Award Winner, the Dean’s Council Scholarship and admission into the College of Arts and Humanities Honors Program. Last year, Carrillo won the Fresno State Philosophy Voicing Ideas student conference and was a student intern for the Fresno County District Attorney.

“Taylor brought passion and an unparalleled tenacity to her work at the District Attorney’s Office. Her contributions were both thorough and impactful in a sense that she brought a unique philosophical perspective to the complex legal issues that she was confronted with,” Deputy District Attorney Adam Kook said. 

Carrillo also participated in Mock Trials, the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Congressional Debate and other events.

“Taylor’s dogged pursuit of knowledge, her dedication to helping her community, and her insightful application of philosophical examination to real-life issues have all prepared Taylor for the next step after Fresno State,” said Dr. Veena Howard, chair of philosophy.

Following graduation, Carrillo intends to apply to law school and earn a Ph.D. in Philosophy, with the ultimate goals of both practicing and teaching law.