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 is at 4 p.m. Friday, April 4, in the Fresno State Concert Hall. It 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.

Graduate Students of Distinction

Angel Lesnikowski | Art and Design, and Art History, MA

Angel’s graduate show, Mourning, was one of the most exceptional student exhibitions at Fresno State in recent memory. In Mourning, she addresses a wide range of critical issues, but from a personal perspective, utilizing the female gaze. While her work reveals the damage humans inflict upon one another and the planet, the underlying message is one of hope, healing, and choice.

Ayla Mora | Communication, MA

Ayla’s thesis explores the grassroots social movement defying the cartels in her hometown of Tancítaro, Mexico. She also established a sister-college relationship between Porterville College and the Instituto Technológico Superior de Los Reyes. Ayla is deeply invested in community and collective action to create a more socially just world, and she plans to teach at a community college.

James Morrison | English, MFA

James writes creative nonfiction and his work has been published in the hugely popular magazine, featured on their podcast, Slate, Death, Sex, and Money. Other essays have been published in Fugue and Diode. He plans to pursue professional projects in writing, art, and film.

Joseph Leforge | English, MA

Joseph is a master’s degree graduate with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Composition. He plans to work in the prison education system and to establish himself at a community college, while building programs that bridge the gap between Fresno public schools, higher education, and rehabilitative education.

Keira Colleluori | Linguistics, MA

Keira has maintained a 4.0 GPA during her in Linguistics graduate program. Deeply committed to social justice and passionate about research on language, gender, and sexuality, she has already co-authored a research paper and presented at three academic conferences. She aspires to earn a Ph.D. in sociolinguistics and pursue a career in academia. 

Cielo Barragán | Spanish, MA

Cielo came from Mexico to the U.S. at 13, overcoming language barriers to excel academically. She earned a B.A. in Spanish here at Fresno State and is completing her M.A., with research focused on language, power, and identity. As a Teaching Associate, she has taught Spanish courses, and she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Spanish.

José Quiñones | Music, MA

José is planning on pursuing a Doctorate in Music at the Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music. His goal in life is to help the people in Puerto Rico by giving them a second chance in making their career in music. He plans to keep his strong connection to Fresno State and hopes to send his students here in the future. 

Undergraduate Students of Distinction

Lee Miyamoto | Art and Design, and Art History

Lee, an Interior Design major, demonstrates an exceptional ability to create spaces that speak to the heart of the human experience. Winning both the “People’s Choice Award” and the “First Place Student Design Award” at the 2024 USGBC Adaptive Reuse Competition for Fresno’s Chinatown, Lee demonstrates their design skills and their ability to create spaces that honor history while serving the contemporary needs of the population.

Joseph Voss | Communication

Joe is recognized by faculty for his curiosity, diligence, and humility. He who models not only academic excellence but human decency and an overall investment in himself and others. A budding artist and dual scholarship award winner, Joe looks forward to merging his expertise in conservation and communication. 

Rahaf Qutob | English

Rahaf is an English Studies major with a passion for education, advocacy, and community engagement. A student leader, journalist, and activist, she supports refugee families, organizes campus initiatives, and amplifies marginalized voices through writing. Rahaf plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English to foster equity and change.

Joshua Lor | Linguistics

Joshua is a dedicated, highly motivated, first-generation college student. He is passionate about the Hmong language and culture and completes extensive community service at local schools every semester. Joshua will begin his MA in Linguistics-TESOL here at Fresno State in the Fall, with the goal of becoming an educator focused on Hmong culture and language. 

Jarrett Smith | Media, Communications and Journalism

Jarrett graduates this spring with a B.A. in Broadcast and Multiplatform Journalism. Jarrett is a skilled storyteller and an aspiring broadcast meteorologist. After graduation, he plans to move to Northern California to work at a TV news station while pursuing a degree in meteorology. 

Andrea Espindola Mendoza | Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

Andrea is completing a B.A. in Spanish while working two jobs. She is active in the Hablemos Español Club, interns with MCLL Teachers Academy, and volunteers with migrant programs. Studying in Málaga deepened her passion for teaching. A first-generation student, she strives to become a college Spanish professor and share her passion for Spanish with others. 

Davian Barba | Music

Davian is earning a B.M. in Music Education with many achievements, including his selection as Head Drum Major for the Bulldog Marching Band. Davian has applied to begin an M.M. at the San Francisco Conservatory, UCLA, the University of Indiana and the University of Washington. He has already been accepted at UW, and awaits decisions from the others.

Seja Zaghmouri | Philosophy

Seja credits philosophy with developing her insights into theoretical and practiced aspects of basic rights, including their defense through peaceful activism. She is completing a B.A. in Philosophy (Pre-Law option), Political Science minor, Social Justice and Social Change Certificate, and a College of Arts and Humanities Honors Thesis. She plans to attend law school. 

Dominick Callahan | Theatre Arts

Dominick is earning a B.A. in Theatre Arts Design/ Technology. He has designed the sets for productions of the musicals Spring Awakening, Red Velvet, and The Sins of Sor Juana. Dom also lends his talents to the community as a designer for and assistant artistic director of the Spectral Raven Theatre Company.