Nine top graduating seniors have been named Undergraduate Dean’s Medalists for the Class of 2012 at Fresno State.

The medalists are chosen as the outstanding students in each of the university’s eight schools and colleges of academic discipline and the Division of Student Affairs.

The dean of each college and school selects an undergraduate and graduate medalist based on academic excellence, community involvement and other achievements.

Mass communication and journalism student Lucerito Salgado was chosen as the Dean’s Medalist recipient for the College of Arts and Humanities.

“It was a big surprise,” Salgado said about receiving the award. “I was so honored to be chosen as the Dean’s Medalist recipient for the College of Arts and Humanities, which I love.”

Salgado completed a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism, with emphases in broadcast journalism and public relations. A first-generation Latina student, she is fluent in Spanish and served in various leadership roles on and off campus. She cites her passion, dedication and commitment to help others as her drives toward academic excellence, and she says those traits helped her become the Dean’s Medalist recipient.

“I was so humbled to receive this recognition,” she added.

The other eight Dean’s Medalist recipients were Tarilee Frigulti from the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; Theresa Voecking from the Craig School of Business; Patricia Sandoval from the Kremen School of Education and Human Development; Christopher McComb from the Lyles College of Engineering; Nancy Lopez from the College of Health and Human Services; Katherine Urabe of the College of Science and Mathematics; Samantha Peel from the College of Social Science; and Selena Farnesi from the Division of Student Affairs.

Farnesi, who also served as ASI president during the past year, was the lead researcher for a textbook study that advised the campus technology committees on how the university should proceed in adopting electronic textbooks.

One of the medalists will be named the President’s Medalist, the top academic honor, at the 2012 commencement ceremony scheduled for May 19 at the Save Mart Center.

Some students feel $40,000 renovation was ‘unnecessary’ and ‘waste of money’

A $40,000 Memorial Fountain renovation project was officially completed and unveiled yesterday during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Memorial Court.

The renovation — which was funded by Associated Students, Inc. and the University Student Union board of directors — has some students asking if the renovation was necessary and whether the money could have been spent on other services.

Elvia Gutierrez, a senior sociology student, says she doesn’t understand why the fountain was renovated.

“I didn’t see anything wrong with the previous fountain,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t see why they had to remodel it.”

ASI President Selena Farnesi says she thinks the fountain did need some work and that its previous condition didn’t reflect Fresno State well.

“It’s kind of this focal point for the campus and we wanted to make sure that — since students really identify with the fountain as part of Fresno State’s campus — it was a beautiful place to be, and our feeling was that it wasn’t,” said Farnesi.

The idea to renovate the fountain was developed in 2010 during Fresno State’s centennial year. ASI and the USU board wanted to provide the university with a gift that would have a lasting impact, Farnesi said, and that all students could enjoy. Utilizing reserve funds, ASI and USU donated $40,000 that would pay for fountain renovations.

“[Students] want to be on a campus where things are nice,” Farnesi said. “If a student walks by the fountain and it’s gorgeous, they’re going to have more respect for the place that they are, rather than if they walk by a fountain that’s broken, dirty and doesn’t run.”

Before the renovation, the fountain had several issues and damages, according to Farnesi. She said it was covered in a stucco finish and had malfunctioning lights. She added that there was broken concrete along the base of the fountain and that the rim was lopsided, causing an uneven flow of water.

Although the planning process has been going on for two years, construction and repairs started only about a month ago, and the renovation was officially completed this week.

Memorial Fountain was first dedicated in 1962 as a gift from several
graduating classes from the 1950s and 1960s to honor veterans. It was
rededicated yesterday to honor students from the Fresno State centennial.
Photo courtesy of Associated Students, Inc.

Among the several repairs and additions to the fountain are a new rim, clean tile and LED lights that will allow lighting color adjustments, such as turning the fountain red on game days, which Farnesi thinks will boost school spirit. The fountain will also be rededicated to students of the centennial, although previous dedications will be preserved.

Still, some students have said that the fountain renovation is “pointless” and “a waste of money.” Students on the Fresno State Facebook page have proposed that buying new computers for students would have been a better use of funds, and Gutierrez said she would have preferred a new monument, like a bulldog statue that was also considered as a gift by ASI and the USU board in 2010. Some students have said that the money should be spent on classes, funding professor salaries or donatedto charity. But Farnesi said that’s out of ASI and the USU board’s control, as it comes from a different pool of money.

Despite criticism, Farnesi said that an overwhelming majority approved the fountain renovation and that she hasn’t received too many complaints. She said that several students proposed not spending the money at all, and added that the money would just “sit there” if it wasn’t spent on projects. She thinks it’s an appropriate gift that will have a lasting impact and that it will recognize students who helped make Fresno State what it is today.

The fountain was first dedicated in 1962, and was a gift from several graduating classes from the 1950s and 1960s to honor veterans. It has since then become one of the most well-known monuments on campus.

Malcolm Masten, whose parents were the original donors of the fountain, was present at the original dedication ceremony in 1962, as well as yesterday’s ceremony.

“It was thrilling and it was meaningful,” he said about the rededication. “It looked beautiful and we can all be proud of it.”

“It’s a nice way to involve students and it is something that the campus needed in terms of beautification,” Farnesi said. “We were all here during the huge 100th birthday celebration, and I think that students need a way to be included in that and be remembered for their contribution to the university.”

Many of the trends featured in the world’s largest fashion shows walked the runway this weekend in the second annual spring fashion show put on by Fresno State’s Fashion INC. club.

Floral prints, pastel-colored tops and color-blocking styles were present on the runway Saturday at the Smittcamp Alumni House, in what Fashion INC. president Sara Pena called a “stressful” but “exciting” experience.

“I woke up a little nervous and feeling a little bit of anxiety,” Pena said about preparing for the show on Saturday. “Once the show started, I was so excited to see everything that was coming down [the runway] and everyone in the crowd.”

Thirteen student designers and stylists — all members of Fashion INC. — showed off their collections to more than 300 people on Saturday just before the sun went down. The students, many of which are majoring in fashion merchandising, were all responsible for either designing or styling a small collection of looks, from the hair and makeup, to the accessories and garments worn by their models.

Reyna Cazares, a Fresno State fashion merchandising student and vice president of Fashion INC., was the second student to show her collection, which featured floral-filled garments inspired by Marilyn Monroe and the “timeless beauty of the women from old Hollywood.”

Cazares began sketching ideas and outfits four months ago, which helped her visualize the collection.

She sent a variety of looks inspired by old Hollywood glamour, including a floral maxi skirt she designed and created, styled with a white lace top. Cazares finished off the look with a black faux fur resting on the model’s shoulders and styled the outfit with vintage jewelry and a bright red lip. Cazares was one of few students who styled and designed looks for a collection.

She said that she had two models drop out of the show at the last minute, forcing her to scramble for replacements.

“It was a little hard to do it by myself,” she said about styling and designing the collection. “But you just have to go out there and find people who are willing to do it.”

Among the 13 student designers and stylists were Brandon Yang and Victoria Borbon, who both designed and created their own looks.

Borbon, who considers herself a “curvy woman,” said she was tired of spending money on clothes that didn’t fit and altering them for her body, so she decided to design and create her own collection.

Vintage-style dresses made up most of Borbon’s collection, which included a black and white polka dot strapless dress styled with a yellow belt and flower hairpiece.

Pena, who helped plan the entire fashion show, said planning the event was a lot of hard work, but she hopes it happens every year. Pena added that the turnout was much bigger than last year, which she thinks is a result of early planning and constant promotion of the show. The club began promoting the event at the beginning of the semester by passing out fliers and advertising on Facebook.

The show was funded entirely by the club through ticket sales, fundraising efforts, and vendor booths and sponsors, which included local businesses and national chain stores such as Buckle, which closed the show on Saturday around sunset.

Cazares said that the overall goals of the Fashion INC. are to give students more hands-on experience in the fashion industry and to promote the fashion merchandising program at Fresno State.

“It’s definitely a great experience, and I think it shows,” Cazares said. “Even though Fresno isn’t a fashion capital, we want people to know that there is a lot of talent here, and I was happy to see that we were able to exhibit that through our fashion show.”

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To see the runway show video, click here.

Photos by Esteban Cortez

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The exhibit ends today (April 20).

Below are photos our staff photographer Esteban Cortez took of the event and the works featured. Did you attend the show? Did you have any favorite pieces?

Yvette Stockton – “Untitled”

Isabel Barraza’s “A Human Condition” piece was recognized as one of the most outstanding pieces of the show.

Valerie Voss’s “rituals” was a multilayered piece that utilized video and a found object. “When I see things in every day life, I tend to photograph it,” Voss said. Her work was also recognized as an outstanding piece Thursday evening.

Artist and photographer Rosa Alvarez stands near her “Letters” photo series, which included self-portraits and hand-written letters.

Rosa Alvarez’s “Letters” photo series was one of the most popular works in the show. Freshman Xitlaly Ocampo (pictured) said “Letters” was her favorite work in the entire show because it was really personal.

Alvarez wrote letters addressed to various things, including her father, religion and her legs.

An emotional, teary-eyed Elizabeth Alvarez hugs her sister Rosa Alvarez after seeing her sister’s complete photo series for the first time. She said she was emotional because she understood what her sister was saying in the letters and photos.

Gallery technician Edward Lund said that each senior exhibit is unique. “Each show ends up bringing its own entity,” he said.

George Gonzalez was recognized for his painting “Working.” He said the piece represents his thought-process at the time he painted it.

Gallery attendees watch as gallery technician Edward Lund announces the show’s most outstanding pieces.

Maria Elena Ramirez – “Black and White”

Madison Cote – “Self-Portrait with Egon”

Elizabeth Ingalls – “Gale”

Curtis Messer – “Tea Dust Bowls”

Pamela Flores – “Wings”

Andrew Vega – “Smokin’ Joe”

Cindy Fay – “Stumped Bear”

Seanna McDonald – “Bombardito”

Maria Elena Ramirez – “Untitled”

Jason Bonilla – “Dr. Love”

Curtis Messer – “J & P #3″

Pamela Flores – “Pixel Puerta”

Bekah Franklin – “Campfire Song” and “After a Long Sleep”

Katie Howden – “The Last Launch”

Jason Bonilla – “I Don’t Owe You a Thing”

Erik Beltran – “Dedicated to the Boardroom” (left) and Wes Beeler – “Sea of Sorrow”

Mathew Woodall – “Untitled”

Jenny Martinez – “Untitled”

Kristen Mcllhargey – “Seek”

Erika Valle – “Untitled” (left) and Maria Carrillo – “Mischief and Mayhem”

Ian Loveall – “Isle XIX”

George Gonzalez’s “Working” (pictured) was recognized as one of the show’s most outstanding pieces.

Krista Baumbach – “Cindy Lu the Baptist I”

Wes Beeler – “Addiction: WIre Me, Pleasure Me, Thrill Me”

Joe Halderman – “Livin”

Darren Jones – “The Glitch”

Marisol S. Medina – “Cups for All”

Jordan Atkin – “State of the Union”

Nearly 500 people attended the opening night performance of the world-renowned play “The Vagina Monologues” at the Satellite Student Union Saturday.

The play, which is based on the screenplay by Eve Ensler and was first performed in 1996, was made up of a panel of 13 actresses who openly discuss stories relating to their vagina. Sex, love, rape and masturbation are just a few of the topics the actresses addressed in the production.

Director Oscar Perez, a social work graduate student said this year’s production was a huge success.

“It was hard, but it was worth it,” Perez said about directing the play. He also directed last year’s play and has been involved with the production for four years.

Perez said that the play nearly sold out on Saturday night, and more people attended on Sunday than he expected.

Although the play tackles controversial topics, some monologues use humor to tell a story. Deshunna Monay Ricks, a Fresno State graduate student, performed “My Angry Vagina,” a monologue that channels frustration toward society for its attempt to control the female anatomy.

“You’ve got to convince my vagina, seduce my vagina, engage my vagina’s trust,” she read angrily on Sunday as the audience laughed and cheered. “You can’t do that with a dry wad of…cotton!”

Perez also said that for the first time in Fresno State history, “The Vagina Monologues” was produced entirely by students. In the past, non-student community members helped produce the play.

The production is one of the best-known installments of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.

Perez, who is a member of other clubs that promote women empowerment, chose to direct “The Vagina Monologues” because he thinks it impacts the entire community. He added that many members of this year’s cast were audience members from last year that chose to get involved and share their stories.

Proceeds from the production will be donated to the Marjaree Mason Center, the Violence Prevention Project and S.P.E.A.K., a student organization that strives to inform people about healthy relationships.

Fresno State graduate student Berenice Vega has worked on the production for three years, but helped produce the play for the first time this year.

“It was a great group and cast,” Vega said. “I was very honored to produce the production.”

The words  “discovery,” “diversity” and “distinction” sit beneath the university’s renovated logo, which features a new font that spells out “Fresno State” in the university’s traditional red and blue colors. A paw print juxtaposed with the “O” in “Fresno” connects the university with the bulldog, perhaps the university’s most-recognized symbol.

The new logo—revealed yesterday at an on-campus event just outside of the University Student Union—is a result of three years of extensive marketing research.

“We found that people think of us as ‘Fresno State,’” said Shirley Armbruster, co-chair of the university Integrated Marketing and Communications Steering Committee, which executed the new branding campaign. “I’m delighted that we are making great strides in unifying our message as a university, and it’s distinctive in how we present ourselves.”

Although the formal name of the university remains “California State University, Fresno,” the new logo embraces the popular name “Fresno State” in all references to the university. Provost William Covino, co-chair of the branding committee, said that the new logo illustrates the existing positive reputation established by the university’s formal and informal names.

Tamyra Pierce, chair of the department of mass communication and journalism and a member of the branding committee, primarily assisted with marketing and research for the new logo.

“It was three years of hard work, and a culmination of talking to a lot of people,” Pierce said. “We listened to the community, staff, students and faculty and this [logo] is what it came to.”

Pierce and other members of the branding committee conducted research, surveys, one-on-one interviews and focus groups with Fresno State community members and marketing experts. After interviewing about 2,500 people, the committee concluded that the university needed a unified brand and image.

The committee found that most people refer to the university as “Fresno State” and that students and the community love the dog paw symbol, Armbruster said.

The committee also compiled a long list of words that people associate with the university, but decided to integrate the words “discovery,” “diversity” and “distinction” into the new logo.

Armbruster said that the committee saved money by hiring a professional consultant that cost $15,000, as opposed to an external consulting firm or marketing agency that would typically cost the university $250,000 or more.

Since most committee members are existing university employees, most fit the required campaign work into their schedules.

Fresno State graphic design and advertising student Alicia Chartley was at the event yesterday, where the new logo was unveiled after the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band played music for a student dance performance.

“It’s simple and clean,” Chartley said about the new logo. She said she always refers to the university as “Fresno State” and thinks the new logo is memorable.

University Communications made the logo readily available after the event by giving away T-shirts, tote bags, note pads and pens demonstrating the new logo.

Pierce said that the committee plans to gather post-launch feedback and will continue to do branding research. Although Armbruster doesn’t expect many issues with the logo switch, she said things will be changing around campus. Clubs and organizations will be required to switch over to the new logo, and use of the previous “sunburst” and bronze medallion logos will not be allowed.

Associated Students, Inc. President Selena Farnesi was happy with the turnout of the logo and endorsed the branding initiative.

“I love the idea of a campus-wide logo that is both professional and reflects school spirit and student life,” Farnesi said. “It makes you feel good about being connected to Fresno State.”

Multi-platinum country music trio Lady Antebellum played in front of an energetic (and sold out) crowd last night at the Save Mart Center as part of their Own the Night 2012 World Tour, with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square as supporting acts.

Lead singer Hillary Scott said in a video promo that the band’s primary goal was to “create a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience and make some really special memories with our fans.”

Lady Antbellum won the “Best Country Album” Grammy this year for their third studio album “Own the Night,” which the tour is supporting. Their single “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” is ranked No. 7 in the Billboard top country songs for the week of March 31, and their album “Own the Night” is ranked No. 25 in the Billboard 200 top-selling albums. It been on the charts for 27 weeks.

Where you one of thousands of Lady Antebellum fans at the Save Mart Center last night? What did you think? Check out some photos (and video) of the event taken by Collegian photographer Esteban Cortez.

Artist Ronda Kelley displayed her creativity last week in her Conley Art Gallery exhibit “Feminine Meditations,” which is a theme she explored in her first Fresno installation.

Kelley’s storyline came alive as viewers traveled from one piece of artwork to the next in the dark halls of her exhibit, which focused on feminine themes such as healing, meditation and giving birth.

“I felt the need to acknowledge what is usually thought of as feminine,” Kelley said. “I’d like for people to take how important it is to be introspective while going through life on a daily basis.”

Her exhibit featured pieces that highlight her creativity, a trait she says comes naturally.

Kelley always wanted to study something she enjoyed, which led her to create a unique major within the Department of Art and Design at Fresno State. Today, Kelley is the only craft and design student in the program, and many of her professors appreciate her work ethic.

Julia Bradshaw, assistant art professor at Fresno State and Kelley’s former teacher, said that Kelley usually does historical research of fabrics and incorporates her findings in her work.

Bradshaw also appreciated Kelley’s use of the Conley Art Gallery space.

“I’m most impressed with how she changed the shape and feeling of the [Conley Art Gallery],” Bradshaw said at Kelley’s opening reception last week.

She added that many students don’t realize they can transform the space to their liking, as Kelley did.

Kelley’s colorful, earth-toned pieces were individually lit up in a labyrinth-like setting last week. Theater curtains measuring 30 feet wide by 18 feet high served as the backdrop for Kelley’s work, which allowed the viewer to focus on one piece at a time with little distractions.

Conley Art Gallery technician Edward Lund said Kelley’s exhibit was much more demanding than others he usually installs. He said her intent was to transform the space from a white box to a dark, intimate place.

Kelley was born and raised in the Fresno area, but spent 14 years of her life in southern California. When she was 22 years old, she attended California State University, Long Beach, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in art.

After spending more than a decade of her life in southern California, she made the decision to return to the Central Valley to raise her daughter. When she returned, she decided to expand on her artistic education, which led her to pursue her Master’s degree at Fresno State. Kelley plans to become a college art professor.

Kelley’s work has made appearances throughout campus last year. One of her “Feminine Meditation” pieces was featured as a backdrop in the Fresno State production of “The Vagina Monologues.” Kelley also was one of three students who helped renowned contemporary fiber artist Consuelo Jiménez Underwood with her Conley Art exhibit back in August 2011.

Kelley said that the assistance of Fresno State staff, faculty, friends and family inspired her to put on last week’s exhibit. However, Kelley has always had the drive to create art.

“I think people should do what they love,” Kelley said. “It makes them more productive.”

Campus Ministry USA has been preaching on campuses for nearly four decades

“Sister Pat” proudly held a bright-yellow sign with bold red and black letters that read, “YOU DESERVE HELL” during the past four days on campus.

Pat has visited hundreds of university campuses during the past 35 years to spread the message of Jesus Christ, but her message isn’t always received well.

She and her travel partner George Smock have been preaching their blunt, controversial messages in the Fresno State Free Speech Area, but ended their stay just yesterday.

Pat, who refused to give her full name, is a member of Campus Ministry USA, a Missouri-based organization that strives to persuade college students to read the Bible and “repent their sins.”

Their week-long stay on campus has caused some criticism and occasional heated debates.

“We’re not pushing a denomination,” Pat said. “We want these students to make decisions on their own.”

Pat and Smock spent several hours a day on campus since Monday, using what they call “confrontational evangelicism,” a more aggressive form of preaching Christianity. They’ve been preaching on U.S. campuses for nearly four decades, and they’re used to the criticism they receive.

Political science student and Associated Students, Inc. Senator of Resident Affairs Sean Kiernan opposed the group’s message and held a sign near the speakers that read, “You deserve hugs!” on Thursday.

“The idea that we are doomed for hell is absurd and there is no substantive reason to believe that,” Kiernan said. “Other people, including other Christians, think [the speakers] are too extreme.”

Kiernan said that a lot of students have hugged and thanked him for contributing his message.

Alejandro Vidal, a Fresno State student and member of the Christian fraternity Alpha Gamma Omega, supported Campus Ministry USA’s message. He said that Pat and Smock needed a little help conveying their beliefs in better terms, so he and his friends held signs near the speakers in support of Jesus Christ.

“We’re just trying to complete their message,” Vidal said. “We just love Jesus.”

Campus Ministry USA has traveled throughout the United States and the world, going as far as Ghana to defend and glorify God. Pat and Smock were in San Diego before visiting Fresno State, and their upcoming agenda includes campuses in Davis, Sacramento and Portland.

Coordinator of Student Involvement Josh Edrington said that initially, Pat and Smock didn’t receive permission to appear on campus. They later went through the correct procedure to use the Free Speech Area. Edrington added that similar controversial speakers have ignited violent responses in the past, but that no students have complained about Pat and Smock.

Pat said that on other large campuses, atheist student groups have organized protests. Earlier this week, Pat said that a Fresno State student became angry at Smock and “got in his face,” prompting other students to calm him down. She thinks Fresno State has been much more calm because it is a commuter school and students aren’t constantly on campus.

“This group at Fresno State has been more receptive,” she said.

In 2007, Smock ignited a debate at the University of Kansas when he publicly condemned homosexuality and called women who wear shorts “sluts.”

Kiernan said that although he disagrees with Pat and Smock’s messages, they have a right to speak their mind.

“I appreciate that there is a Free Speech Area where they can spread their message and we can counter it civilly,” he said.

Some people called Vanessa Addison-Wilson’s artwork “enlightening” at her solo exhibit Thursday night at the Fresno State Conley Art Gallery. Fresno State student Tara Wren enjoyed it because it provides viewers with a different point of view regarding African-American culture.

“[The collection] is a very different element of African-American people throughout history and how society views us and sometimes how we view ourselves,” Wren said Thursday night at Addison-Wilson’s opening reception. “It’s very creative and thought-provoking.”

These are the thoughts and emotions Addison-Wilson hoped to evoke in viewers through her pieces.

In her first solo exhibit titled “Signifyin,’” Fresno State graduate student and assistant professor Addison-Wilson explores the themes of religion, family and her African-American culture.  Through the use of collage, painting and animation, Addison-Wilson created a vibrant 11-piece collection that comments on society’s views of African-Americans.

“The body of the collection is reflective of African-American culture,” Addison-Wilson said. “It shows what African-Americans see of their self and what society sees.”

In her “Strange Fruit” piece, the artist placed printed paper images, magazine cut outs, colored tissue paper, fabric and acrylic paint to form a face on a giant canvas.

Addison-Wilson carefully selected the images in “Strange Fruit” to comment on the public’s perception of African-American culture.   A small portion of the collage, for example, features a magazine cut out with the portrait of an African-American child with the text “Don’t shoot. I want life.” To the right, an image of an African-American man forming gang hand signs with a bandana covering his face is placed.

Every symbol in the collection is a piece of social commentary, Addison-Wilson explained.

While some gallery viewers praised the collection for its bold statements, others praised it for aesthetic reasons.

“It’s very unique and the patterns are all very different,” Fresno State student Lilian Leon said.

Addison-Wilson has always been interested in art, she said, but she just recently began to create art pieces in a formal way. Her focus is graphic design, which she teaches at Fresno State parttime.

She plans to create new pieces for the 2013 San Francisco Bay Area exhibit “The Art of Living Black,” which features regional artists of African descent. She was invited to feature existing and new pieces in the 17^th-annual exhibit, and if she shows next year, she might be the first artist to feature animation art.

With her Fresno State exhibit closing this week, Addison-Wilson is happy that she was able to show her work to her family and the Fresno State community.

“It was nice to show to family who hadn’t seen my work,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to show as a solo artist because it doesn’t always happen as a grad student.”

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