English Major Out in the World: Kenyeih Williams
“I always wanted to do something where I was going to help people.”
Read MoreCategory: Video
English Major Out in the World: Mary Sosa
Two-time Fresno State alumna Mary Sosa is the community engagement coordinator at the Poverello House, a downtown Fresno organization that offers food, shelter, and social services to people in need.
Read MoreStudent of Distinction: Natalie Vasquez – Department of English
Natalie Vasquez is an undergraduate student receiving her B.A. in English studies and a minor in Chicano/Latino studies. She is the Dean’s Medal nominee from the Department of English.
Read MoreStudent of Distinction: Bianca Palma – Department of Communication
Biance Palma is an undergraduate student receiving her B.A. in communication and minoring in media, communications and journalism and English literature. She is the Dean’s Medal nominee from the Department of Communication.
Read MoreLondon alumus finds video from 1990 semester
In 1990, Dr. Jerry Bryan, professor of international marketing, took his video camera with him and followed the students during the London Semester. Two decades later, London semester alumnus Eric Maul found the VHS tape and recalls his experience.
Read MoreHorn professor demonstrates rare Baroque technique at Horn Symposium in Montréal
Dr. Thomas Hiebert was a presenter at the International Horn Symposium in Montréal, Canada, showing a little-known technique from the Baroque period.
Read MoreMeet Dean Honora Chapman
Dr. Chapman was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities in May 2021.
Read MoreVideo: 2021 Armenian Genocide Commemorative Virtual Event
The Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Fresno has prepared a video, “2021 Armenian Genocide Commemorative Virtual Event,” in place of the annual commemorative event at the Armenian Genocide Monument at Fresno State.
Read MoreState of the College 2021
Interim Dean Dr. Honora Chapman and Interim Associate Dean Dr. Sergio La Porta delivered the State of the College on January 28 virtually on Zoom. The presentation’s title slide features a photo by Cary Edmondson of the Three Graces sculpture in front of the Music Building. Due to COVID-19, the State of the College presentation […]
Read MoreVIDEO: Fresno State String Orchestra performs virtually with masks and social distancing
For their final project, the Fresno State String Orchestra performed Tchaikovsky’s, Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 and Borodin’s, Sinfonia for String, from String Quartet No. 2 in D major.
Read MoreVideo: Two live ensembles meet during COVID-19 lockdown
This semester, just two live music ensembles are permitted to meet face-to-face at Fresno State amide the COVID-19 pandemic. We talked to the students and faculty to see how these courses worked, the challenges and how we may experience more live music in the near future.
Read MoreTop 2020 College of Arts and Humanities students honored in virtual Arts in Motion
Our College of Arts and Humanities students represent everything that gives us hope for a bright future.
Read More#TBT The 2017 Bulldog Marching Band Prepares for the Season
In normal times, for a couple of weeks leading up to the start of the Fall semester, the buildings’ empty halls begin to come alive as the Bulldog Marching Band assembles for their annual Band Camp. The sounds of drums reverberate off walls around the campus as student musicians prepare to entertain during the back to school festivities and ensuing football season.
Read MoreKudos to Fresno Writers – June/July 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 More#TBT America’s Story: Japanese American Experience
In this video posted by the Henry Madden Library, Saburo and Marion Masada recount their story growing up in the incarceration camps during World War II and life before and after the war. They also tell the larger story of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II in general.
Read More#TBT College of Arts and Humanities Student Stories
These extraordinary students in the College of Arts and Humanities have followed their passions to find the right mentor, overcome obstacles, and collaborate with each other to teach children how to make the world a better place. Here are three stories that will make you proud to be a Bulldog!
Read More#TBT A new leading character: Telling untold stories to inspire youth
“When I got cast, I immediately called my dad and I said, ‘Dad, I’m a little brown girl playing a little brown girl!’”
Read MoreSymphonic Band gives virtual performance of ‘Exaltation Fanfare’
“This is an experiment as to how we might provide a professional recording experience in a potential digital environment to help with the diminished face-to-face ensemble classes we will probably have in the fall,” said McKeithen.
Read MoreGraduate vocal performance student moves into 2nd round of national competition
“Christopher Rodriguez made a lovely gift for his mom on Mother’s Day,” said Dr. Maria Briggs – Okunev, assistant professor of voice. “He advanced to a second round of the National Classical Singer Competition.”
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreContinuing the work of Dr. Paulette Fleming through art and community
It was a warm fall morning at Lafayette Park in Central Fresno as representatives from Fresno State and Fresno City College, students and the community gathered to celebrate the completion of a mural started by the late Fresno State professor Dr. Paulette Fleming.
Read MorePhilosophy Department spearheads Gandhi commemorations for 150th birthday
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.
Read MoreVIDEO: Fresno State Peace Garden commemorates Gandhi’s legacy
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.
Read MoreFeatured supporter: Michael Giovannetti
“I cannot imagine my life without the presence, friendship, and the unconditional support of teachers, administrators, colleagues, and friends from Fresno State.”
Read MoreAlumna Ersilia Lacaze is proud of her Bulldog blood
It is the thick red fluid which runs through our veins that delivers oxygen and nutrients and removes waste and disease from our bodies. With it we live, without it, we die. But our relationship with blood is symbiotic — without our body, the blood will spoil.
Read MoreSummer Arts Featured Supporter: Dr. Honora Chapman
A champion of the arts and a scholar of the humanities, Dr. Honora Chapman, associate dean of the Fresno State College of Arts and Humanities, is one of the top supporters of CSU Summer Arts. Click here to learn more about the Summer Arts performances, student showcases, and festival.
Read MorePHOTOS: Celebrating our 2019 College of Arts and Humanities graduates
On Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, hundreds of College of Arts and Humanities students celebrated their accomplishment with family, friends, faculty, administrators, and staff. Here are photos from those events.
Read MoreEnglish major Primavera Leal Martinez earns university’s highest academic honor
Martinez is a champion of debate, having received national recognition with the All-American Debater Award by the Cross-Examination Debate Association. She has also coached bilingual students in the Urban Debate Leagues.
Read MoreMeet the director following CineCulture screening of ‘Adios Amor – The Search for Maria Moreno’
Years before Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta launched the United Farm Workers, Maria picked up the only weapon she had—her voice…
Read MoreFresno State institute bridges Portuguese and Central Valley cultures
“The Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute is founded on love,” said Dr. Saul Jimenez, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “Love for a language that is unique, a culture that brings people together, and the hope to keep both this language and culture alive in a California that celebrates its diversity and rich Portuguese heritage.”
Read MoreFeatured Supporter: Haley Wagner
As a Fresno State Interior Design program alumna who worked multiple jobs as a student to make ends meet, Haley Wagner says her collegiate success was partially due to scholarships she received.
Read MoreMason Lamb, Dean’s Medalist
When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, Mason Lamb didn’t look his many music premieres — including his orchestral concert overture which was played by FOOSA at the Walt Disney Concert Hall — instead, he looked to his daughter.
Read MoreBlanca Y. Davila D., Student of Distinction
When Blanca Y. Davila D. was just three years old, her family moved from Mexico to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. With field work being a part of her family’s daily life, her parents pushed her, and she pushed herself, to succeed in her educational pursuits. “Blanca sees herself as a […]
Read MoreLia Christine Dewey, Student of Distinction
For Theatre Arts student Lia Christine Dewey, the accolades keep coming as her final semester at Fresno State nears completion.
Read MoreStudents, alumni and faculty reflect on their time in London
In February, dozens of London program students, alumni and faculty met at the Elbow Room in Fresno to meet old friends and reminisce about their experiences. Here are some of those memories.
Read MoreDinuba teacher has been bringing students to Peach Blossom Festival for over 40 years
“It is probably one of the best experiences an elementary student can have,” said Olson. “The benefits of this festival reaches our young people in ways that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. The effects of this experience go beyond our imagination.”
Read MoreFeatured Supporter: Kate McKnight – Video
Kate McKnight has spent her entire life on the Fresno State campus, growing up with an English professor father then becoming a student, instructor, University High teacher, and an Advisory Board member for the College.
Read MoreCommunication alumnus Barry Falke promoted to Division Chief Operating Officer with the American Red Cross
Barry Falke continues to inspire with his work in humanities as the Division Chief Operating Officer with the American Red Cross. Falk feels that this position, which he entered into two and a half years ago, has allowed him to utilize his communication background while following his passion for uplifting the community. “I’m really fortunate to […]
Read MoreVIDEO – The movement of music: The journey of a Deaf color guard student
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 […]
Read MoreStudents collaborate to publish a children’s book which teaches environmental responsibility
College of Arts and Humanities undergrads Kelsi Stieler, Kaylee Gutierrez, and Kristin Bonillas have utilized their talents and collaborated to write, illustrate and publish a children’s book. “The Tree Tales” book, which is available on Amazon, centers around the importance of environmental conservation and teaches kids what they can do to help. “A large part […]
Read MoreMedia, Communications and Journalism Department celebrates its 90th birthday
On Thursday, Oct. 25th, the Media, Communications and Journalism Department celebrated their 90th birthday in the Satellite Student Union and Speech Arts 172. The first journalism courses were taught at Fresno State in 1928, and during its 90-year history the department has restructured and updated to reflect current trends in the fields. The birthday celebration […]
Read MorePeach Blossom memories span generations
Stacy Batrich-Smith and her daughter Cassidy Smith (pictured above) have deep ties to Fresno State. Both are Arts and Humanities alums — Stacy graduated from the then-Radio and Television option in 1976; Cassidy was a Smittcamp scholar and a dean’s medalist from the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism in 2011. And both participated in Peach Blossom, the annual oral interpretation festival hosted by the Department of Communication.
Read MoreWarren R. Paboojian: 2017 Top Dog Oustanding Alumnus for the College of Arts and Humanities
When Warren R. Paboojian is called a “Bulldog in the courtroom,” he smiles.
“After being a lawyer for over 30 years, I’ve developed a little bit of a nickname,” Warren says with mirth in his eyes. “Whenever someone calls me a Bulldog, I’m pretty proud of that.”
Warren’s Bulldog pride shines because of his rich experience at Fresno State and his family’s path to create a better life for him.
Read MoreScotch, Brew and Art Affair to benefit The Edward O. Lund Foundation
Several events this weekend — including “A Scotch, Brew and Art Affair” — will honor the memory of local artist and Fresno State arts curator Edward O. Lund III, benefiting the Edward O. Lund Foundation, which provides scholarships for art students who are participating in the College of Arts and Humanities Study Abroad in London […]
Read MoreBulldog Marching Band helps build excitement, on and off the field
The dedicated students who perform in the Bulldog Marching Band come from various backgrounds, representing nearly every academic major on campus. Participation is extra-curricular, with students committing six to eight hours of practice each week – in addition to their class work, performance and travel time. To recruit and retain the most talented students, scholarships are critical.
Read MoreInternational Cello Festival Oct. 5-8 features renowned cellists, classes
The International Cello Festival will take place from Oct. 5 through 8 on the Fresno State Campus, taking the final gala concert into the community at the Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall. The festival focuses on talent from the Central Valley taking part in three days of intense master classes, cello ensemble rehearsals, two concerts and more.
Read MoreCSU Chancellor White, President Castro and CAH deans express support for #DACA students
University leaders — including CSU Chancellor Dr. Timothy P. White, Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro and the dean and associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities — all spoke out in support of DACA students in response to the announcement of the impending end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Read MoreVideo: MCJ Professor Jes Therkelsen’s speech on curiosity from Convocation
Fresno State welcomed its newest Bulldogs at the New Student Convocation in the Save Mart Center on Monday, Aug. 21. Our College’s Jes Therkelsen, an associate professor in the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism, gave the keynote address on the topic of curiosity. Therkelsen and fellow MCJ professor Candace Egan were awarded the Spirit of […]
Read MoreFresno Poets Archive Project brings literary history to life
A new video archive project founded in the fall of 2016 provides a way for multiple generations of creative writers to connect with authors essential to the literary fabric of Fresno. The Fresno Poets Archive Project is a series of recorded poetry and prose readings, with dates ranging from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Read MoreAlumni Wind Ensemble heads to Spain
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles, communications specialist for the College of Arts and Humanities The Fresno State Alumni Wind Ensemble and Friends, under the direction of Dr. Lawrence Sutherland, is getting ready to head to Spain for 10 days of sight-seeing, rehearsals and performances. Forty-one musicians – most with ties to Fresno State – will […]
Read MoreBird’s-eye view of FOOSA concert
This fabulous 360-degree panorama video was shot by Daniel Schwartz of Accent Concerts. It gives you a birds-eye view from right in the middle of the Foosa Philharmonic Orchestra as Fresno State music professor Thomas Loewenheim conducts. It was recorded live on June 23 from the group’s performance in Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los […]
Read MoreNew forensic linguistics textbook is the first of its kind
Gerald R. McMenamin, a professor emeritus from the Department of Linguistics at Fresno State, has written a course book that is the first of its kind. “Introducción a la Lingüística Forense” is a textbook for college courses in forensic linguistics – the application of linguistic concepts, methods and insights to the forensic context of law, […]
Read MoreFresno State alum wins on Jeopardy!
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles, communications specialist for the College of Arts and Humanities UPDATE, June 22, 2017: Peter Guekguezian’s impressive winning streak on Jeopardy! came to an end last night. But he left with $46,800 in winnings for his four days on the popular ABC game show. Guekguezian, 30, earned his master’s degree in […]
Read MoreProduction of children’s opera ‘Lucinda’ wins award
A studio production of the children’s Christmas opera, “Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena,” produced by the Fall MCJ 120 class and directed by Professor Candace Egan, has received a 2017 Communicator Award of Distinction. The original opera, by composer Evan Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire, was recorded in a special performance in Studio […]
Read MoreEnglish alumni inspire high school writers and teachers at campus conference
~ Photo above (taken by Jefferson Beavers): Department of English lecturer Tanya Nichols, who has coordinated the Young Writers’ Conference for more than a decade, welcomes area high school students and teachers to campus. ~ Video by Jenny Toste, University Communications ~ Article by Jefferson Beavers, communications specialist for the Department of English Two alumni […]
Read MoreYoung Writers’ Conference draws hundreds to Fresno State campus
~ Video by Jenny Toste, University Communications ~ Photos by Jefferson Beavers Almost 250 students and 37 teachers from 22 schools came to the Fresno State campus for the 37th annual Young Writers’ Conference on Wednesday, March 29. At the opening ceremony in the Satellite Student Union, student writers learned who had won various prizes. The […]
Read MoreLinguistics students rise to Bold Ideas challenge
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles, communications specialist for the College of Arts and Humanities As part of President Joseph I. Castro’s “Bold Ideas Challenge Project,” Fresno State dedicated funds to support the Touch the Community Competition, a community service competition engaging student teams that are addressing significant community challenges. Across the University, eight teams – […]
Read MoreArts and Humanities Advisory Board loses a visionary member
The College of Arts and Humanities lost Bob Hirth on Friday, Feb. 10. Hirth, a passionate and active member of the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board, died after a battle with cancer. He was 71. Fresno State honored Hirth by posting the campus flags at half-staff on Monday, March 13. “Bob is a symbol of […]
Read MoreThousands of K-6 students came to Fresno State for Peach Blossom Festival in March
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles, communications specialist for the College of Arts and Humanities It was 9:15 a.m. – just enough time for a last-minute potty break before performances began 15 minutes later in the Wahlberg Recital Hall. As 19 students from Neutra Elementary School in Lemoore tromped toward the restrooms down the hall of the […]
Read MoreSpring Around the Fresno State campus
Weaving tapestries with her words
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles, The College of Arts and Humanities Good writers pay attention to details. Even when they’re doing something else, they watch to see how some tiny element may fit into a story later. They’re always taking mental notes, listening with their heart and mind, thinking how their own and other’s experiences […]
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The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 