Arts in Motion is the College of Arts and Humanities’ annual celebration of student excellence, shining a light on the brilliant minds that enrich the Fresno State community. It is our pleasure to announce this year’s Dean’s Medal nominees and present our most accomplished and dedicated undergraduate and graduate students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.
Arts in Motion kicks off a week of celebration, and we invite the community to enjoy the fruits of our students and faculty during the Arts and Humanities Showcase.
4 p.m. Friday, April 19, in the Fresno State Concert Hall
Welcome
Marisol Baca, Chair of the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board
Introductions and Acknowledgments
Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean
Recognition of Scholarship Recipients
Presentation of the Undergraduate Students of Distinction
Presentation of the Graduate Students of Distinction
Dean’s Medalists
Sofia James – Department of Theatre and Dance
“Ultimately, theatre can be an instrument of change, and I aspire to help bring about that change.”
Hermelinda Hernandez Monjaras – MFA Program in Creative Writing
“I turned to poetry as a way to express and communicate my thoughts out loud. It became a way to come together both body and mind and depict the difficulties of being a DACAmented/ Dreamer student,” said Monjaras. “It was also a sanctuary where I could figuratively inhabit and find myself in all the chaos.”
Undergraduate Standard Bearers
Lillian Hammerstrom – Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literature
“Language is more than words, and a narrative is more than just a summary of someone’s life; it comes with the full completeness of who they are, their background and everything they are capable of contributing to the world.” ~ Lillian Hammerstrom
Taylor Carrillo – Department of Philosophy
“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.
Graduate Honorable Mentions
Julie Araujo – Department of Art, Design and Art History
“Everyone has a voice, and it sometimes takes people a lifetime to find it. I have found mine at this university. My story isn’t sad but one of perseverance. I have an endless list of people who believed in me; without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Luis Granados Torres – Department of English
“The doctoral degree is a step towards my life-long commitment to research and teaching,” said Torres. “As an aspiring professor, I want to make a positive impact on the future generation. I also want to mentor the undocumented and first-generation student population.”
Undergraduate Students of Distinction
Grace Morrow – Department of Art, Design and Art History
“When I look back today, I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities presented to me that allowed me to feel a sense of belonging and continue my higher education experience. This first-hand experience is what drives my motivation to build a safe and welcoming environment wherever I go.”
Bianca Palma – Department of Communication
“Through my future endeavors, I aspire to give back, share knowledge, offer new perspectives, and perpetually pursue learning—an enduring legacy of guidance, knowledge and magical experiences I have gained at Fresno State.”
Natalie Vasquez – Department of English
“Their academic and artistic achievements are a worthy contribution to the college’s mission of preserving, illuminating, and nourishing the humanities and arts in the communities in the San Joaquín Valley—we are proud of Natalie’s achievements and example,” said Dr. René M. Rodríguez-Astacio, assistant professor of secondary English studies and adolescent literacies of English.
MJ Jaurena – Department of Linguistics
“She is an excellent student, an outstanding researcher, a community activist and a wonderful representative for the field of linguistics,” said Dr. John Boyle, assistant professor of linguistics.
Jennifer-Juliette Riojas – Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
“The MCJ department and College of Arts and Humanities have nurtured my creativity, gave me the opportunity to make new lifelong connections and the courage to follow my dreams of becoming a filmmaker.” ~ Jennifer-Juliette Marissa Riojas
Alexandra Cota – Department of Music
“My my senior year of high school I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in music as it had become my greatest passion.” ~ Alexandra Cota
Graduate Students of Distinction
Jessica Bonstein – Department of Communication
“I’m a third-generation Bulldog. I am Bulldog born, Bulldog bred, Bulldog ‘til the day I’m dead.”
Chloe King – Department of Linguistics
“Chloe has consistently impressed me, along with most everyone else on the faculty, with her initiative and level of achievement.” Dr. Sean Fulop, professor and chair of the Department of Linguistics.
Micaelina – Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
“My first approach to a community college was purely out of curiosity, as realistically, I didn’t see myself attending one as being feasible. Being an immigrant, who left my parents at the age of fifteen, now a single mother with a minimum-wage job, I knew it would require great sacrifices to embark on such an academic journey.”
Tyler Golding – Department of Music
“After graduating from the University of the Pacific with a degree in Percussion Performance in the spring of 2019, I have done my best to contribute to the community that helped raise me.”
Artful Discourse Podcast
Listen to the Student of Distinction interviews on our podcast, FSR Underground’s Artful Discourse. You can find it by searching “Artful Discourse” wherever you get your podcasts.
Arts and Humanities Advisory Board
The goal of the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board is to create and promote a positive image for and understanding of the College of Arts and Humanities. The board actively engages in increasing funding for the College, enhancing student enrollment, recognizing and rewarding student accomplishments and expanding linkages between the college and the Central Valley’s art, cultural and educational institutions.
- Linnea Alexander
- Armen Bacon
- Marisol Baca
- Ronald Ballecer
- Jane Bedrosian
- Dave Brodie
- Shirley Bruegman
- Jane Cardoz
- Michael Carr
- Lilia Chavez
- Arthur Dyson
- Henry Ellard, Jr.
- Robert Golden
- Juan Luis Guzman
- Clarice Krikorian
- Kate McKnight
- Sonya Nagai-Menapace
- Elva Rodriguez
- tony sanders
- Kesha Thomas
Emeriti
- Larry Balakian
- Jacqueline Doumanian
- Robert A. Mallek
Scholarship Recipients
- Abdelmessih, Mina
- Abelyan, Gevorg
- Agazarian, Lori
- Agazarian, Natalie
- Agredano Jr., Hector
- Aguirre II, Efrain
- Aleman Medina, Isidro
- Alva Melgarejo, Marco
- Alvarez Ocegueda, Fabiola
- Ambriz Ibarra, Jesus
- Andrade-Mendoze, Yuliana
- Angeles, Miguel
- Arguella Vasques, Norma
- Arias Zavala, Marco
- Arias, Isreal
- Arrechea Hernandez, Fernanda
- Ashkharian, David
- Atachian, Kylie
- Avila-Villanueva, Andrea
- Ayungua Mendez, Blanca
- Baker, Cameron
- Baldwin, Shayne
- Barreras, Flor Nicholle
- Barton, Miranda
- Beberian, Sara
- Bedolla, Yazmine
- Bergen, Audrey
- Bergman, Katherine
- Bever, Mason
- Blake, David
- Boudakian, Hailey
- Boyles, Aiden
- Bravo Guerrero, Hilda
- Brewer, Elyse
- Briscoe, Stacy
- Britter, Amanda
- Brown, Devynn
- Bryan, Heather
- Bui, Pierre
- Bumgarner, Taylor
- Callaway, Corbin
- Campos Gatica, Margarito
- Campos Ledezma, Nancy
- Cancino Ortiz, Jovita
- Cano, Abigail
- Cardenas, Jiselle
- Carrillo, Taylor
- Carrillo Lozano, Carlos
- Ceja Aguirre, Edgar
- Chalotra, Amneek
- Chand, Hannah
- Chardukian, Jonathan
- Chavez, Jamie
- Chheang, Banond
- Cisneros, Jose
- Clark, Christopher
- Contreras Hernandez, Guadalupe
- Cooper, Bailee
- Cornejo, Callejas
- Corona Alcantar, Priscila
- Cortez, Ashley
- Cota, Alexandra
- De Leon Amador, Dayanara
- Delgado Vega, Clemente
- Delgado, Shakira
- Derkalousdian, Careen
- Diaz, Jasmin
- Domantay, Kendleighn
- Dominguez Ogaz, Valery
- Douangmeechit, Selaphon
- Duran, Jimmy
- Dyer, Katie
- Ecker, Heidi
- Elizondo Gutierrez, Carlos
- Eritzian, Christa
- escobar vallejo, Oswaldo
- Escobar, Christopher
- Fajardo Pedraza, Emmanuel
- Flores Moran, Betshany
- Flores Pena, Cielo
- Flores, Cesar
- Franco Morfin, Maria
- Frausto, Keyla
- Galeana Martinez, Laura
- Galindo, Alondra
- Gallegos Castaneda, Luis
- Garcia, Christopher
- Godinho, Aidan
- Gomez, David
- Gonzalez Salamanca, Amy
- Gonzalez, Bryant
- Gonzalez, Jennifer
- Gooboian, Daniel
- Granados Torres, Delia
- Granados Torres, Luis
- Guerrero Barrera, Ashley
- Guerrero Lopez, Ricardo
- Guillen, Andrew
- Guillen, James
- Gutierrez, Jacob
- Gutierrez, Jareli
- Guzman Gutierrez, Karla
- Guzman Tapia, Ximena
- Guzman, Carissa
- Healey, Justin
- Her, Gaonou
- Her, Trinity Ntxhuaj
- Hernandez Alavez, Mariana
- Hernandez Monjaras, Hermelinda
- Hernandez Ramierz, Monserrat
- Hernandez Trejo, Katya
- Hernandez, David
- Herrera Jr., Luis
- Hidde Tripp, Samantha
- Hill, Grant
- Hill, Kevin
- Hok, Soreath
- Huerta, Carlos
- Iskenyan, Mary
- Jenkins-Nyce, Lexey
- Jimenez, Sarah
- Jones, Celeste
- Jones, Savanna
- Juarez Rivera Jr., Juan
- Kaur, Jasmine
- Kemmer, Kristine
- Kennemer, Lauren
- Kerkezian, Hrayr
- Kimber, Carson
- Kovalenko, Syuzanna
- Kuyper, Colby
- Langone, Kristine
- Lara Martinez, Daniela
- Lara, Maria
- Larios Santana, Blanca
- Leanos, Angelina
- Lee, Phoua
- Lee, Yer
- Leiva, Stefan
- Lepez, Isaias
- Llanas, Isabel
- Lopez Carrillo, Jenifer
- Lopez Rivera, Andrea
- Lopez Rodriguez, Juana
- Loza, Victoria
- Magdaleno Martinez, Lesli
- Mancebo, Rachel
- Manukyan, Tigran
- Marez, Evan
- Marin Contreras, Paulina
- Marquez, Melissa
- Martinez Maravilla, Danna
- Martinez Palomares, Samantha
- Martinez Valencia, Saul
- Matalone, Shannon
- Maya, Cesar
- Medina, Carli
- Medina, David
- Messerlian, Karina
- Meza Hernandez, Amie
- Militonyan, Emma
- Monroy Butierrez, Melissa
- Morales, Luis
- Moreno Galvin, Julia
- Morris, Dalton
- Morrison, James
- Morrow, Grace
- Moss, Yamille
- Mozqueda, jose
- Muller, Sarah
- Nava Cruz, Tania
- Nishanian, Gabriella
- O’Connor, Taeyo
- Ontiveros Diaz, Miguel
- Ortega-Saldana, Karina
- Pacheco, Jesus
- Paloutzian, Hannah
- Pambukyan, Christine
- Papilian, Angel
- Parada, Isley
- Parisi, Lauren
- Partida, Aranza
- Perales, Ayanna
- Perea Alonso, Dania
- Peredia Contreras, Jonathan
- Peredia Garcia, Edgar
- Perez, Jordan
- Petrosian, Christopher
- Pewthers, James
- Piri, Keyara
- Quaschnick, Kaylie
- Quezada-Ramierez, Viviana
- Quintero, Leelit
- Quinteros, Zhelanea
- Quiroz, Maynor
- Quiroz Mendoza, Aneth
- Ramirez Cuellar, Galilea
- Ramirez Sigala, Yesenia
- Ramirez-Lara, Luz
- Reed, Taylor
- Renteria, Edgar
- Retting, Aaron
- Reyes Aguilar, Samuel
- Rhodes, Vanessa
- Rigby, Benjamin
- Rincon Ortiz, Omar
- Rios Ruiz, Juana
- Rivas, Gianni
- Rivera Rodriguez, Luis
- Rodriguez Aguilar, Kenia
- Rodriguez Hernandez, Thaily
- Rodriguez Jr., Cesar
- Rodriguez Muñoz, Alondra
- Rodriguez Ruvalcaba, Mayra
- Rojas, Brian
- Romero Reynosa, Fernando
- Rosas Pacheco, Ana
- Rosas, Marco
- Rubio Carrillo, Melanie
- Ruiz, Kaylee
- Rusnak, Margaret
- Saelee, Joseph
- Saldana, Valentina
- Sales, Tamrah
- Samuelson, Natalie
- Sanchez-Contreras, Damari
- Santana, Juana
- Santiago, Vasquez
- Santiago, Jimena
- Santos Marquez, Maria
- Sargsyan, Ani
- Seals, Taylor
- Shemaria, Anthony
- Sislian, Simon
- Smith, Jarrett
- Solares, Emelyn
- Steiner, Michael
- Sugimoto, Kana
- Takayama, Nagisa
- Thao, Nicholas
- Theng, Nathan
- Thompson, Christopher
- Thurber, Edwards
- Thurber, Isabella
- Tinoco Corona, Jasmin
- Tinoco Reyes, Dulce
- Topjian, Victoria
- Topoozian, Macyn
- Topoozian, Mary
- Toribio Martinez, Luz
- Torres Rea, Leiny
- Torres, Victor
- Toukhmanian, Justin
- Turner, Andrew
- Ulloa Moran, Leonela
- Ulloa Moran, Merici
- Uribe, Cesar
- Vandecaveye, Joseph
- Vang, Hope
- Vasquez, Silvestre
- Vazquez Guerrero, America
- Vazquez, Gil
- Ventura Aviles, Hazel
- Ventura Sierra, Erika
- Victor, David
- Villanueva Gaytan, Yosef
- Voss, Joseph
- Wann, Karigan
- Webb, Tyler
- Weiler, Callie
- Welch, Bryan
- Wofford, Andreas
- Xiong, Chou
- Yang, Chong
- Yepremian, Rachel
- Zamora, Abel
- Zendejas Morales, Luis
- Zuniga, Josian
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 