Howard’s project, titled “Embodying the Jain Ideals of Heroism and Freedom,” will explore how Jain thinkers and activists worked to support women’s rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Dr. Veena Howard and her student Morgan Poulter stood before top scholars, thinkers and doers from around the world.
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Inspired by the work of the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma at Fresno State, over ten new philanthropic partners added gifts to the fund to ensure that Jain and Hindu Dharma studies are taught in perpetuity.
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A life-sized bronze statue of anti-apartheid activist, former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela stands just east of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue, facing the Fresno State Library from in front of the Professional Human Services building.
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The Reverend James M. Lawson Jr., the legendary leader and tactician of nonviolence within the United States’ Civil Rights Movement, which Lawson referred to as the “Rosa Parks-Martin King” Movement, passed away on June 9 at the age of 95.
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Arts in Motion will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 19, at the Fresno State Concert Hall. During the event, one undergraduate and one graduate student of distinction will be presented as Dean’s Medalist.
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“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.
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The weeklong series of events kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, April 19, with Arts in Motion, a celebration of the College of Arts and Humanities’ top students. The showcase culminates with two live performances of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” an emotional spectacle of music and might, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.
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As Angel Ibarra approaches his graduation this spring with a major in Philosophy, he will transition from a part-time to a full-time position as an Admissions Counselor at San Joaquin College of Law.
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“The center’s space in the library is appropriate. It is consistent with Fresno State’s dedication to diversity, discovery and distinction. The center also represents the values of justice, of equity, of respect, of inclusion.” ~ Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Fresno State President.
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The M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya will hold a grand opening event at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at its new location at the Fresno State Library (Room 3109).
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Fresno State students and faculty traveled to Chicago this August to attend the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The parliament is an organization whose goal is to cultivate harmony between the religions and spiritualities of the world and was attended by religious leaders and followers, scholars and students.
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We are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished 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.
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Dr. Robert Maldonado, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy, is retiring this fall. He has been with Fresno State since 1991. We sat down with Dr. Maldonado to hear more about his 32 years at Fresno State and his future plans following retirement.
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We are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished 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.
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“A key takeaway from ancient philosophy is the idea that philosophy is not only a form of study; rather, it is a way of life. [D]espite facing adversities, one is still able to bloom.”
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The Arts and Humanities Showcase offers a unique opportunity, through various performances, exhibits, lectures and workshops, to immerse yourself in the creativity and cultural diversity of Fresno State’s talented students.
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A free screening will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Peters Educational Center.
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? Author and educator Farah Godrej will present a lecture on her book “Freedom Inside? Yoga Meditation in the Carceral State” at 3 p.m. Monday, March 6, on Zoom.
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Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor taught his philosophy class for the last time in the fall of 2022, marking the end of an era.
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Now a Ph.D. student in anthropology at Harvard University, his path has been anything but ordinary.
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The symposium explores practical pathways to inner and outer peace and harmony through the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi and Jain and Hindu dharma traditions.
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“Whether we believe in it or not, the universe is interested in the greater good of everybody. It’s the impulse of life which promotes the wellbeing from the smallest of seeds to the biggest of elephants. The only way to be connected to the music of life is to be interested in the greater good of the universe.” ~ Dr. Ravi Patel
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The Top Dog Alumni Awards will be televised on ABC 30 at 7 p.m. (PDT) on Sunday, May 1, and streamed online for those outside the Fresno area.
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The Department of Philosophy presents the Spring 2022 Jain and Hindu Symposium “Intricate Web of Life: Microorganisms to the Divine” at 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, in the North Gym.
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On Feb. 18, Rev. James Lawson Jr. joined a Zoom gathering with Drs. Ravi and Naina Patel, community members, campus leaders, students and faculty from Fresno State as they announced the creation of the “M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya.”
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“Studying philosophy at Fresno State has altered my perception of the world and called me to action. I am no longer freezing or starving on a park bench, but some people are freezing and starving on a park bench, and it is for them that I take this next step forward.”
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Dr. Nikky G. Kaur Singh, chair of religious studies at Colby College will present a lecture “Sikh Poetics and Healing” at 12 p.m. March 25.
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Meet the 2022 College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Medalists and Students of Distinction.
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A festive display of artistic expression and humanistic discipline culminating in a celebration of student excellence.
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Fresno received a $1.5 million pledge from the Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation to establish an endowed fund to create and support the “M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya” in the College of Arts and Humanities.
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Dr. Veena Howard explores Gandhi’s revolutionary teachings and informs us how we too can implement such profound actions into our lives.
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The Fresno State Ethics Center, in conjunction with the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Better Business Bureau of Central California, will name Ashley Swearengin as the 2021 Ethical Leadership Award recipient during their Celebration of Ethics. Emceed by Emily Erwin, the televised event will air at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, on KSEE24.
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The community is invited to commemorate those who died and those who continue to suffer at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at Fresno State’s Peace Garden.
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Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Dr. Veena Howard, professor of philosophy and the first Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma, gave a brief presentation about the new chair and the importance of Jain and Hindu history, art, philosophies and traditions and their excitement about the upcoming programs at Fresno State at the 21st Biennial JAINA Convention.
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Interim President Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval announced Dr. Veena Howard, associate professor of religious studies in the Department of Philosophy, as the first Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma at Fresno State.
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Fresno State Philosophy Professor Emeritus and former Department of Philosophy Chair Warren Leslie Kessler passed away on April 2 in Stockton, California, after complications with an infection. He was 78.
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“From a young age, I have recognized the injustices found in society towards people of color, and this has provided the fuel for my ambition.” ~ Caleb Charles
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“Theatre has always captivated me in the way it holds up a mirror to society and tells the stories of the people within it.” ~ Teya Juarez
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“Guru Nanak’s teachings can be very relevant in today’s world as we are dealing with issues of divisions, bigotry, hatred, and distrust,” said Dr. Veena Howard, Associate Professor of Philosophy and event organizer and moderator. “Nanak was one of the first leaders who focused on interfaith harmony while upholding the dignity of the human.”
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“I aspire to become both a criminal defense and civil rights attorney to advocate on behalf of the voiceless men and women of America and those who have been unjustly charged with crimes they did not commit.” ~ Caleb Charles
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The Central Valley Regional Pathway to Law Pipeline will receive the 2021 State Bar of California Education Pipeline Award, which will be presented to all four participating institutions at 5:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 at the Pathway to Law Summit.
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The groundbreaking partnership between the Jain and Hindu communities and the University underscores a mutual commitment to educating current and future generations of students about the principles of nonviolence, dharma (virtue, duty), justice, pluralist philosophy, the interconnectedness of all beings and care for the environment through Hindu-Jain texts, philosophies and traditions.
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In August 1990, Ruth Aparicio was brought on as a temporary worker in the Graduate Studies office. Just weeks later, she was hired as a full-time employee. She transferred to the Linguistics Department several years later, then to the Philosophy Department. In all, Ruth has been with the College of Arts and Humanities for about 25 years.
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Fresno State will present three renowned civil rights scholars as panelists for “Gandhi, the Civil Rights Movement and the Continuing Struggle for Justice and Peace,” a webinar hosted by the Office of the President — the Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., Vinay Lal and Dianne Dillon-Ridgley.
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Fresno State will present three renowned civil rights scholars as panelists for “Gandhi, the Civil Rights Movement and the Continuing Struggle for Justice and Peace,” a webinar hosted by the Office of the President — the Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., Vinay Lal and Dianne Dillon-Ridgley.
Read MoreOn Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, Nipun Mehta began his presentation with a description of “soul force” and provided specific, unlikely examples of how love has triumphed over violence.
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Many survivors tell a similar story. As the sun rose over Hiroshima on a clear summer morning on Aug. 6, 1945, air-raid sirens blared, rousing a sleeping city awake. Several minutes later, an all-clear was issued, the sirens stopped, and the estimated 350,000 residents of the city began their daily routines on a hot summer day. 31,000 feet above…
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On the evening of Oct. 10, 2019, Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. took the stage in the Satellite Student Union where he talked about his journey discovering Gandhi and his principles of non-violence and working with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to build the civil rights movement in the United States. Through Gandhi’s philosophy, Lawson […]
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While most children at 9-years old were playing with their toys, Anindita Rajasekaren and her family gathered around the computer to check their green card status. Year after year, they were disappointed…
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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.
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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.
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“Each discipline tried to get human behavior someway. [With] biology, I though genes would give me the answer; [with] philosophy: ideology.”
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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 MoreCelebrated 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.”
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We ask that you join us in giving a round of applause to:
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In celebration of the United Nations annual Human Rights Day, the Leon S. Peters Ethics Lecture Series presents “Human Right and Civil Rights” at 9 a.m., Dec. 7, at the North Gym. Speakers include Dr. Clayborne Carson, professor of American history at Stanford University and Ash Kalra, California state assemblyman and chair of the Committee […]
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We ask that you join us in giving a round of applause to:
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Anyone familiar with Fresno State will recognize the Peace Garden, just north of the Henry Madden Library, as one of the most beautiful and serene places on campus. The statues begin with the larger than life head of Gandhi who gazes east at the depictions of those who have followed his legacy. With the Peace Garden’s location near the center of campus life, these ideals of civil rights and non-violence lie at the heart of Fresno State.
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The Leon S. Peters Ethics Lecture Series presents “Ethical Leadership with Luis Santana” at 6 p.m., Oct. 29, at the University Business Center (Peters Business, Room 191).
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Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is a former member of the parliament of South Africa. During Apartheid Era, she was banned from political activism. She is currently a peace activist, newspaper editor and social worker.
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October 10-11, 2019 at Fresno State with keynote speaker Rev. James M. Lawson.
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As the world commemorates Gandhi’s 150th birthday, Fresno State’s Dr. Kapoor talks about the efforts to memorialize his legacy through the Peace Garden.
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The community is invited to the annual celebration of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s birthday at 6 p.m., Oct. 2 in the Peace Garden, north of the Henry Madden Library. The program includes a garlanding ceremony, music, interfaith tributes, classical dance, and a pledge against hate and violence.
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The inauguration of an exhibition on the lives of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Daisaku Ikeda, and Cesar Chavez will mark the start of a series of events commemorating the 150th birthday of Gandhi at Fresno State. The community is invited to the ceremony at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Henry […]
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This year, Dr. Katherine Adams takes over the Philosophy department as Interim Chair.
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As the world celebrates the landmark birthday of Gandhi, the university will host a series of events to mark the occasion. All events are free and open to the public
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A special day in American history, Sept. 17, 1787, marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution by the Founding Fathers about 231 years ago. While the date has been celebrated under several names, Constitution Day was formalized in 2004. Nationwide, cities celebrate this historic day with activities, events and parades.
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In his new role as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, La Porta, inspired by his love of travel, plans to expand study abroad opportunities for students which he considers essential to broadening their horizons. In addition, he would like to facilitate faculty-student mentorships and promote more service-learning courses.
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English Department Chair Dr. Kathleen Godfrey was also named interim associate dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development, effective at the start of the semester.
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Dr. Hague Doyen Foster, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully and surrounded by family at the age of 83 on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.
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Congratulations to graduate Mason Lamb and undergraduate Primavera Leal Martinez for earning the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Medal award!
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As Fresno State and the community prepares to celebrate the 150th birthday of Gandhi in October, students were invited to participate in the Gandhi’s Global Legacy Student Media Competition. The competition called for submissions across various categories of media that provide new insights into Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence.
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Fresno State will recognize Luis Santana, executive director of Reading and Beyond, as its third annual Ethical Leadership Award winner.
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The community is invited to celebrate the College of Arts and Humanities’ top students with an afternoon of performances and recognition on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Fresno State Concert Hall. The event will be followed by a reception in the Phebe Conley Gallery.
Read MoreThe Fresno State Peace and Conflict Studies program will hold an award ceremony for students who excelled in the Gandhi’s Global Legacy Student Media Competition with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. on April 2 in the Peters Education Auditorium in the Student Recreation Center.
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For Jordan Duran, philosophy is not just an academic pursuit, it’s a way of life.
Read MoreThrough their experience, many students returned from their trip with a deeper knowledge of their own spirituality as well as a deeper appreciation and understanding of other faiths.
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With 80 percent of the alum continuing to live in the Central Valley, the College of Arts and Humanities powers the local economy and touches every corner of life in our community.
Read MoreAll Fresno State students are invited to submit entries that provide new insights into any aspects of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence. All media are welcome: essays, poetry, fiction, visual art, music, theater, science projects and more. Deadline: March 15, 2019 To enter, or for more information, contact:Dr. Veena HowardDepartment of Philosophy vehoward@csufresno.edu Generously Supported by JP and Renu […]
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Deaf studies major and philosophy minor Jen Rhodes became deaf as a teenager. Color guard was a path they originally took for their mom and a friend, but it became their passion — even after the music was gone. Here is Jen’s story… Thank you to interpreter Kristen Del Rosario and the Fresno State Services […]
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The Fresno State Philosophy Club meets every Thursday at 2 p.m. in “The Phil Zone” (Music 104) and discusses a variety of philosophical, religious, and legal topics and issues. Every Fresno State student, regardless of major, can join the club — or attend the club’s events and meetings. A theme, readings, and questions for each […]
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The 2018-2019 Middle East Studies Lecture, Performance & Film Series presents “Traces in Indian Miniature Paintings of Socio-Cultural Connections Between the Mughal Court and the Persianate World” featuring speaker Professor Bonnie C. Wade of the University of California Berkeley, Department of Music. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 5:00 pm in the […]
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The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State is the largest college on campus, encompassing nine departments, and the Armenian Studies Program. Each year, new faculty are brought on to elevate the academic offerings here at Fresno State. These new faculty members bring innovative research, diverse fields of study and technical expertise to our college, inspiring new […]
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Philosophy Department professor Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor was among four who were honored by the Fresno County Office of Education (FCOE) Foundation for a lifetime of educational contributions. The 2018 FCOE Honors Gala was held on September 15, 2018, at the Fresno City College Old Administration Building. “Dr. Kapoor’s legacy of nonviolence reflects principles at the […]
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Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State, Dr. Tina Fernandes Botts whose book For Equals Only: Race, Equality, and the Equal Protection Clause published by Rowman & Littlefield is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million. “I hope people will come to understand a little more fully than they do now that color-blind jurisprudence […]
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We take a look back at the fantastic events of this month in the College of Arts and Humanities. Here are the top five stories from the month of June. FOOSA Festival 2018 happening June 10-24 The Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy (FOOSA) held its annual festival on the Fresno State campus this month. Find out […]
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Congratulations to philosophy professors Dr. Andrew Fiala and Dr. Veena R. Howard for their involvement with the recently published philosophy handbook The Routledge Handbook of Pacifism and Nonviolence. Each of these professors of the Department of Philosophy provided chapters for the book, with Fiala also acting as the general editor for the overall work.
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We reflect on the exciting events this month in the College of Arts and Humanities. Here are the top five stories from the month of May. Arts and Humanities student excels in France while completing his degree See how MCLL undergraduate student of distinction, Leslie Hille, has succeeded during his time studying abroad in France. […]
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Fresno State’s Mediator Mentors Program, under the Department of Philosophy, will celebrate Mediator Mentor Appreciation Day Thursday, May 24, located in North Gym 118.
Directed by the Philosophy Department’s Dr. Negin Tahvildary, the goal of the program is for students, as part of a university-public school partnership, to learn the valuable tools needed in supporting the development of conflict resolution skills in school children.
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A new partnership between the Better Business Bureau Serving Central California & Inland Empire Counties and Fresno State’s Lyle Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and The Ethics Center will celebrate ethical leadership and highlight the good work done in our community. The “Celebration of Ethical Leadership” event, at noon to 1:30 p.m. on May 9 […]
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Fresno State is continually searching for new methods of learning to engage students in furthering their education. One way of accomplishing this task is the incorporation of professors teaching in areas that explore new forms of study. This year, Assistant Professor Dr. Vadim Keyser joined the College of Arts and Humanities in bringing a new area of study to the Department of Philosophy.
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The Department of Philosophy will present “Voicing Ideas,” an annual conference highlighting the work of undergraduate philosophy students, from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, in the University Business Center, Peters Building 192.
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The College of Arts and Humanities honored its 16 Students of Distinction at Arts in Motion on Saturday, April 7. At the ceremony, the graduate and undergraduate Dean’s Medalists for 2017-18 were announced. Dean’s Medalists Guadalupe Remigio Ortega (left), who graduated in fall 2017 with a master of arts in English in rhetoric and composition, […]
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For the next event in the Leon S. Peters Ethics Lecture Series, Mohammad Pournik will discuss “Moral Dilemmas of a Development Worker” from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, in the Alice Peters Auditorium of the University Business Center.
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~ By Nancy Barragan, student writer for the College of Arts and Humanities The Henry Madden Library is hosting an art exhibition in honor of recognizing the Persian New Year called Nowruz. The Nowruz Exhibit features colorful artifacts, books and maps on the second floor of the library in the Diversity Lounge from March 1 – […]
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Philosophy professor Douglas Allen, a prominent Mahatma Gandhi scholar, philosopher, author of over 15 books, and peace activist from the University of Maine, will give a speech entitled, “Mahatma Gandhi for Us Today: An Ethical Life of Nonviolence and Peace” on Wednesday, April 4, at Fresno State.
Read MoreWe look back on another eventful month in the College of Arts and Humanities. Here are the top five stories from the month of February.
Read MoreA discussion about “Me Too Moment: Sexual Harassment and Professional Life” will be the first event in the spring 2018 lineup of the Leon S. Peters Ethics Lecture Series, from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the Alice Peters Auditorium, University Business Center.
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Here’s a look back at our Top 10 Arts and Humanities stories for all of 2017: No. 10: New Faces: Dr. Gina Sandí-Díaz, Theatre Arts No. 9: New Faces: Art and Design welcomes two new professors No. 8: Three from College of Arts and Humanities named 2017 Fulbright recipients No. 7: New Faces: Four new […]
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The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 