September 27, 2022

Resnick Student Union welcomes students for soft opening

By Jannah Geraldo Editor-in-Chief

The soft opening of the Resnick Student Union (RSU) greeted students with music, festivities and free ice cream on Sept. 22.

“It’s kind of empty for now, but I like all the nooks and crannies with all the chairs. I like the wooden steps where you can sit down,” said Nicole Lopez, a nursing major visiting the RSU.

The 84,000-square-foot student union ofered a space students and visitors to relax and explore in the new building for the frst time.

Speakers and tables were set up beside the north entrance, ofering students free Fresno

State ice cream courtesy of the Alegría Mental Health Task Force.

The three planned dining options, The Habit Burger Grill, Taco Bell and a soup and salad option, are not yet open and are anticipated to open in spring 2023.

“There’s a lot of really nice chairs, and I’m really excited for the dining options to open up,” said Sofa Zubacz, a nursing major.

Lounge and study areas were open for students to relax and gather in.

Campus organizations including Homecoming, Spotlight Events and Associated Students Inc. (ASI) hosted tables to greet visitors.

ASI Executive Vice President Karen Carrillo tabled with ASI at the grand staircase

located on the frst foor of the RSU.

“It’s honestly very exciting. I’ve been counting down the days until we opened up again. I love seeing students just being interested [and] being curious, [and] walking into our ofce as well,” Carrillo said.

ASI’s ofces were relocated from its previous location in the University Student Union (USU) to the RSU. Carrillo said she hopes students can become familiar with ASI through tabling at events like the soft opening.

The three foors of the RSU host a number of conference rooms and lounge spaces for students, and the building came to life during the soft opening.

“It was a truly gratifying feeling watching students use the spaces that were once just an

idea,” said Amy Allen, interim associate dean for student involvement.

Since Monday, Sept. 26, students are able to sign up for tours of the RSU for an opportunity to win vouchers at university dining locations while supplies last, according to Allen. Students can sign up for tours through an online form.

The RSU will remain open and accessible for students, alumni and campus community. For many, it is a place they are looking forward to using and working in. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the RSU is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 4.

It will be held at the north entrance of the student union. Further information will be provided in the coming week.

Fresno State opens 3150 Studio Apartments at Campus Pointe

By Noah Chavez Reporter

Fresno State ofcials and city representatives celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new apartment complex at Campus Pointe on Sept. 21.

The complex, 3150 Studio Apartments, was put together in a joint efort to give students another option in apartment housing by Fresno State, the city of Fresno and Kashian Enterprises.

The building will be three stories tall with a total of 57 units.

It will be the fourth housing complex at Campus Pointe, the most recent being the Maravillosa, which opened in December 2021.

The relationship between all parties

involved will continue to provide additional fnancial benefts to the university through Campus Pointe with the addition of the new complex, according to Fresno State Chief Financial Ofcer Debbie Adishian-Astone.

“There’s ground rent revenue that comes back to the auxiliary to support other programs and initiatives,” Adishian-Astone said.

The complex is key for additional housing near the school campus, according to Adishian-Astone.

“One of the populations that experiences housing insecurity more than others is young students,” said Fresno city council member Tyler Maxwell.

3150 Studio Apartments is expected to take 15 months to complete, pushing it to a likely 2024 opening.

Students gather throughout the first floor of the Resnick Student Union during its soft opening on Sept. 22. Wyatt Bible — The Collegian

Fresno State officials and city representatives pose at the groundbreaking cere moy. Marcos Acosta — The Collegian

Activists protest commission vote to reduce broadband subsidies

By Manuel Hernandez News Editor

Fresno State students could be paying more for broadband services if a state commission gets its way.

On Oct. 6, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will vote whether or not California residents can utilize both federal and state programs for discounted broadband services.

The proposed decision the CPUC will be voting on plans to reduce or remove California LifeLine Service Plan subsidies, like broadband, if people receive more than $9.25 in federal subsidies.

This is in response to the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by Congress in 2021, which created a longerterm broadband afordability program, the Afordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

“California LifeLine wireless service plans that receive an ACP subsidy should receive a California LifeLine Specifc Support Amount (SSA) of $0,” the proposed decision states. “California LifeLine should not provide a higher subsidy than needed.”

This is creating organized opposition toward the proposed decision from Fresno NAACP, local activists and the Fresno State community.

At present, people can get a subsidy of up to $16.23 monthly with California LifeLine, plus up to $9.25 from Federal LifeLine if needed. The commission proposal calls for members of California LifeLine not to exceed a total service limit of $39. Other federal programs besides Federal LifeLine can exceed that limit.

The federal connectivity program ofers a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service, $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.

People eligible for the program are those who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Section 8 housing and more. Students are eligible for the federal subsidies if they receive free and reduced-price school lunch or receive a Federal Pell Grant.

The proposal before the CPUC states that because the federal ACP ofers enough

resources for broadband, it shouldn’t be paired with California LifeLine.

The average monthly cost of internet service is $36.33 nationwide, but for faster speeds it can range from $75 to $100, according to Forbes.

“If [CPUC] cut their funding from [California LifeLine] and [then] try to leverage the federal government to increase the funding, so many families in the Central Valley and throughout our state will lose their broadband internet access,” said D’Aungillique Jackson, a Fresno State student and former Associated Students Inc. president.

Jackson protested against the proposed decision during the CPUC’s Sept. 15 special meeting at the Clovis City Council Chambers building. The meeting started with public comments, and Jackson was one of the speakers demanding the commission vote no on the proposed decision.

Rashid Sidqe, a community activist, drove from Sacramento to attend the meeting in Clovis. He ran nonproft organizations, worked with the NAACP and led protests for the Black Lives Matter movement. He spoke in front of the committee to advocate against the proposed decision.

“We have a lot of farmworkers who have been fghting really hard for broadband. I know [broadband services] were implemented during the pandemic, but we’re still coming out of this pandemic,” Sidqe said.

He said low-income communities in the Central Valley will be hit the hardest, from students, unhoused people and the elderly.

“They all need broadband. Broadband is not a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity,” Sidqe said.

Jackson told the committee that students like her already struggle with other utility bills due to infation, so they need both California LifeLine and ACP.

“My rent increases by the year. My PG&E increases by the month. And when I go out there to try and fnd jobs so I can pay for [those bills], I come back and fnd that I’m no longer eligible for your programs,” Jackson said to commission members.

The National Lifeline Association (NaLa) does not support the proposal. According to the proposed decision, the association argued the commission can’t deny subsidies to those

accepting federal benefts because it goes against Federal Communications Commission rules.

“NaLA argues that the Staf Proposal is in confict with Order FCC-22-2 (ACP Order). NaLA argues that California cannot elect to not provide state subsidies for California LifeLine service plans that receive an ACP discount,” the proposed decision said.

Jackson then asked the CPUC whether or not commission members reached out to college students.

She talked about how Fresno State students who don’t have internet for homework can utilize both broadband programs. Fresno State’s DISCOVERe’s mobile technology program provides personal hotspots, but it requires nine units of online coursework.

Jackson told The Collegian that it’s important to advocate for the CPUC to vote no because it afects students close to home.

“It’s programs like this that I’m going to be dependent on… That’s going to devastate me,” Jackson said.

She added that this will impact Fresno State students, including those who are younger as well as those living on their own.

Sidqe told The Collegian broadband services are important because they are needed for everything. Doctor’s appointments, sending emails and connecting with people

online all requires the internet. A lot of students need these programs for their online courses, he said.

The pandemic showed elementary and high school students will need this too, he said.

“In today’s society, you can’t do anything without the internet. And so for the most marginalized populations not to have internet, it’s an injustice,” Sidqe said.

He encourages Fresno State students to contact their California assembly members and senators that represent their areas to advocate against CPUC’s proposed decision.

Jackson agreed.

“This is just one other cost that we’re going to see just skyrocket, and for what reason? Who is it benefting if not the corporation when it should be benefting the people?” she said.

Los Danzantes de Aztlàn, the Fresno State Mariachi Group and Fresno State’s folklórico group performed during La Bienvenida on Sept. 21. The event was hosted in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

D’Aungillique Jackson, a Fresno State student and former Associated Students Inc. president, made a public comment at the California Public Utilities Commission Sept. 15 special meeting at the Clovis City Council Chambers build ing. Manuel Hernandez —The Collegian

Front Cover — Graphic by Wyatt Bible

A tale of two town halls: Fresno State’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan

By Manuel Hernandez News Editor

Fresno State recently hosted its “20232028 Strategic Plan Town Hall’’ in which faculty, staf and students shared their thoughts on what should be the university’s goals for the next fve years.

On Sept. 19, the Satellite Student Union (SSU) was packed for the faculty and staf town hall. Tenured professors, deans and Fresno State’s presidential cabinet attended the event.

However, during the student town hall on the next day, only a couple of tables were flled.

“Not a lot of people came, and I wish more people would come to stuf like this so that we can take it more seriously… Because this type of stuf is really important. It directly impacts us,” said Nadia Cortés, a Fresno State student majoring in mechanical engineering.

Cortés was one of many student attendees who felt like they didn’t know what the strategic plan was or whether or not their voices were being heard.

The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan is Fresno State’s goal to boost university recognition and to set specifc priorities for campus improvement.

Due to COVID-19, Fresno State extended its previous fve-year plan from 2016 to 2022, according to its website.

Now, the university has hired an outside consultant, Sal Rinella, to help create the next strategic plan.

Fresno State’s University Advancement will coordinate the plan under its vice president, Paula Castadio.

“This project is all about drawing from areas of strength, progress and opportunity… it’s really the equivalent of New Year’s resolutions,” Rinella said

The town halls divided people into small groups to discuss how Fresno State should market itself, how to attract potential students and what areas the school should improve upon or prioritize.

Faculty and staf had an extra hour to break down the strategic plan and access to the plan’s timeline during their town hall, unlike students, Rinella said.

After data was collected during the small group discussions, the goals for the upcoming strategic plan will be established using the data.

By January 2023, subcommittees consisting of faculty, staf and students will be

created to work toward those goals.

The complete strategic plan will be implemented by fall 2023, according to Rinella.

“The subcommittees are going to play the biggest role and actually set the targets and the criteria for measuring when the target is met,” Rinella said.

Students at the town hall did not have time to learn about the subcommittees or timeline. Despite the smaller crowd and shorter time, students did seem to enjoy sharing their ideas.

“I got a lot of opinions and input on things I didn’t think about, concerning some of the topics we have discussed,” said Roberto Gutierrez III, a freshman majoring in biology. “I do wish a lot more students had come… but overall it was pretty good.”

Both town halls discussed similar topics. Fresno State was described as diverse, accessible and afordable by faculty, staf and students who also said more work could be done on parking and refurbishing older buildings and classrooms.

In the faculty and staf town hall, attendees said they wished for more support for people of color and women.

They also expressed their frustration with Assembly Bill 1887, which prohibits statefunded travel to states with discriminatory laws.

Faculty and staf also said Facilities Management has been unresponsive to their

needs. They noted that the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative should be what sets Fresno State apart from other schools, with a campaign on anti-racism.

For the student town hall, students said more eforts should be made toward sustainability and environmental issues.

They also said school resources, from textbooks to medication, should be free, and that more on-campus events should be free as well.

It was discussed that the Title IX Ofce should be more accessible, as well as therapy sessions.

Feng Teter, a Fresno State master’s student in the geology program, said events like the student town hall need to be better promoted.

She said she expected the event to be more like an open forum and was disappointed she couldn’t talk to administrators or Rinella.

“The fact that they’re not here kind of makes me feel like they don’t care what we have to say,” she added.

Teter said she did like the close discussions and being able to talk to more students, but felt having administrators present would have given her more reassurance.

Rinella said the separation was intentional to prevent students from feeling pressured by administrators present.

However, Teter, Gutierrez III and Cortés didn’t know their work was going to the Fresno State’s president’s ofce until the event ended.

They said if they knew earlier, it would’ve brought more creibility to the student town hall.

“I think, overall, I do believe my voice was heard, but there was also probably a better method,” Gutierrez III said.

Castadio and Rinella want to reassure the students that their voices will be heard.

“Students, this is your university. So you have the opportunity to not only shape it right but for the next fve years. Putting your mark on that, I think, is really essential, so I hope the students take that seriously,” Castadio said.

Rinella said to trust the process and that due to time constraints, the student town hall was more about gaining student perspective than having an in-depth presentation.

However, he said everybody’s voice is contributing to the plan, and the biggest reassurance is the support from Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.

“It ultimately comes down to the commitment of the president, and the president is absolutely committed to this being a top-down, bottom-up process,” Rinella said.

For more information on the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, students can access the Ofce of the President’s website.

Students can also fll out a survey and watch the introduction video, which was sent in a campus wide email, if they missed the student town hall.

Fresno State students presenting their ideas on how to improve Fresno State during the student town hall on Sept. 20. Manuel Hernandez — The Collegian

Fresno State students share advice on how to navigate parking lots

By Manuel Hernandez News Editor

In her frst two years at Fresno State, Esmé Duran-Medina, a student majoring in psychology, had her car hit two times in university parking lots.

“I’ve actually had two diferent incidents; one where I’ve gotten [to the parking lots], and like fve minutes later, somebody backed into my car,” Duran-Medina said.

That was during her frst year at Fresno State in 2017, in the dorm parking lot, P27.

Although the collision only scufed her car’s paint, a similar incident occurred the following school year at the P6 lots when another car backed out without looking, this time denting Duran-Medina’s car.

Before the pandemic moved classes online, Duran-Medina also had her car dented due to people hitting it while opening their car doors. She said she feels like changes need to be made to prevent further incidents at the parking lots.

“There’s not enough parking for anybody. There’s people that are willing to park at the [parking meters] where you buy the tickets. Like, no. Or they parked across the street and they get their car broken into,” she said. “We need an actual parking structure.”

Duran-Medina was one of several Fresno State students who spoke to The Collegian about their frustrations with parking on campus and ofered advice to help fellow students avoid future incidents.

Since the semester began on Aug. 17, there have been 14 vehicle collisions, six thefts from vehicles and one vehicle vandalism reported to the Fresno State Police Department, according to Amy Luna, the manager for emergency operations.

Vehicular crime is not uncommon at Fresno State. According to the university’s 2022 annual security report, there have been 27 motor vehicle thefts on campus from 20192021.

Within that timespan, eight other motor vehicle thefts outside of the campus have also been reported to Fresno State PD.

Fresno State trafc ofcers do patrol the

parking lots throughout the day, but many student complaints were about drivers not paying attention.

“They’re looking down the aisles of the cars and they’re not focusing on what’s in front of them … Even I’ve been guilty of doing that,” said Miranda Ramirez, a third-year student majoring in business administration marketing.

When Duran-Medina was in her second collision, she said she was concerned about drivers’ lack of awareness.

“What would happen if I had been walking? It would have been worse. Would they have felt the impact of hitting me or would they have just completely run me over?” she said.

This issue has also afected The Collegian staf.

One editor came back to the P6 lots after class to fnd her car’s bumper scratched and dented.

Another editor found his license plate was stolen in the P1 lots after working late on production of the student newspaper.

While some students report incidents to Fresno State PD, others, like Duran-Medina, feel like it’s too much of a hassle.

Fresno State PD got rid of its online report submissions. Now students who want to fle a report regarding their vehicle must go inperson to the Fresno State PD ofce with their car.

However, multiple students said they do feel like trafc ofcers do a good job helping out when they’re needed.

“I see them around a lot. So I say they do enough. I locked myself out of my car once [when] they were around, so they’ve been there,” Duran-Medina said.

Ramirez said more ofcers should guide the trafc throughout the day at the crosswalks at P20 on Barstow Avenue, but said there is likely nothing else they can do until the parking situation changes.

“I feel like they’re doing a fne job. I’m glad they direct trafc in the morning. The parking lot, we can’t really do anything about that unless they build a new parking lot,” she said.

For those who are freshmen or new to parking at Fresno State, Ramirez advises

staying away from P20 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. because she said that’s when it’s most hectic and packed.

“It’s weird because there’s a sweet spot of time… if you get there too early, you’re just driving around for no reason. But if you get there too late, then you know you’re most likely going to be late to class because it is very competitive for the spots,” Ramirez said.

Despite living close to Fresno State, Ramirez still leaves early because she said students should account for a minimum of 10 minutes to fnd parking.

She also encourages students in a rush to not be afraid to ask other students walking if they can have their parking spot if they’re leaving.

“Park early in the morning, or really late

in the afternoon,” Duran-Medina said, noting which parts of the day have the most spots available.

To avoid collisions or crowded spots altogether, she also advises students to park by the Save Mart Center even if it requires a longer walk.

Students with green parking permits are allowed to park there on non-event days. They can park on event days until 3:30 p.m.

Students can also park anywhere outside of regular enforcement hours.

In the fall through spring semesters, enforcement hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

For emergencies, on campus students can contact Fresno State PD at (559) 278-8400.

The Fresno State Police Department filed 14 reports of vehicle collisions, six thefts from vehicles and one vehicle vandalism since the start of the fall 2022 semester, Aug. 17. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

Cars parked in the P2 lot on Sept. 22. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

As Bulldog Marching Band trains for Rose Parade, supporters turn to crowdfunding

By Ashley Flowers Managing Editor

Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (BMB) members will celebrate New Year’s in Pasadena when they travel to participate in the Rose Parade for the frst time in program history on Jan. 2, 2023.

It’s not the frst nor last trip for many members who recently traveled to the football game against the University of Southern California and may be journeying to Dublin, Ireland in March 2023 to perform in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

To make the trip to the Rose Parade more afordable for the band’s 290 members, its supporters both on and of campus are rallying behind it.

Fresno State Crowdfunding launched a 30-day online campaign on Sept. 1 to raise $35,000 to help “feed the band,” as multiple social media platforms advertised.

Friends of the Bulldog Marching Band (FoBMB), a group consisting of parents, supporters and alumni of the BMB, agreed to match all gifts up to $3,000 dollar-for-dollar for the campaign as well.

By Monday, the BMB had reached 85% of its $35,000 goal through the gifts of 185 donors, totaling $30,045. The campaign concludes on Friday, Sept. 30.

The trip is being largely funded by the university.

Fresno State President Saúl JiménezSandoval said he authorized funds from his budget to support the band’s trip and is planning to see them perform live in Pasadena next year.

He emphasized the BMB’s achievements as well as its symbolism on campus in prompting the fnancial support.

“They exemplify belonging and ownership of Fresno State at a granular level, and in doing so, they model for the rest of the campus what it means to be a proud Bulldog for life,” Jiménez-Sandoval said.

He has been a longtime supporter of the band and helped fund previous band trips, according to drum major Nicholas Johnson.

Johnson also said the president helped them in their most recent trip to the USC game.

“[Jiménez-Sandoval] was the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, and we worked alongside him so much and he was so

supportive when he was in the department. So it’s really cool that I think he’s really opened the eyes of what we need and really listened to us and what we’ve asked for to make [this] happen,” Johnson said.

Johnson said that not worrying about costs gives the students extra time to focus on what will be the main challenge of the Rose Parade: the physically demanding 5-½ mile march.

The band is working with the Department of Kinesiology to help develop the necessary endurance for the route, according to assistant drum major Kristine Kemmer. The department created exercise plans for the students and will collect data from these plans, she said.

“We also do what’s called breathing gym, which is exercising your lungs so that you can really perform to the best of your ability and play well, like really breathe through it,” Kemmer said.

“It really makes us stronger, and it’s super important that we do both of those to prepare.”

Johnson said the collaboration with other

departments is new but crucial in building the necessary endurance for the march.

“I mean, just keeping your horn up for a while hurts, you know? So it’s good that we’re doing [this] and that everyone is having a good, positive attitude about it,” he said.

The 134th Rose Parade will be held in Pasadena on Jan. 2, 2023.

BMB supporters have until Friday, Sept. 30, to donate to crowdfunding eforts in preparation.

Supporters who donate over $1,000 will receive a photo of their name spelled out by the band members, according to Kemmer. Multiple donors have already taken the band up on this ofer, she said.

Assistant drum major Kristine Kemmer will travel with the Bulldog Marching Band to the Rose Parade in Pasadena for New Year’s and to Dublin, Ireland, for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March 2023. Aidan Garaygordobil — The Collegian

Fresno State alumna and professor collaborate to present ‘Chicana Legend’

By Viviana Hinojos Reporter

The shout of “CHICANNNAAA LEGEND! Press any button to begin,” paired with video game sound efects, signaled the start of The Fools Collaborative’s latest production, “Chicana Legend.”

The Fools Collaborative, a self-described group of artists in the Fresno area who produce creative events to bring awareness to and raise funds for causes, presented the play on Sept. 23 and 25 at LAByrinth Arts Collective.

The play was written by Fresno State alumna Alexis Elisa Macedo and directed by Fresno State Professor Gina Sandí-Díaz,. It took the audience through levels of a video game as characters battled community expectations, chisme and machismo.

The play also touched on the generational trauma many Chicano/a individuals face, including having your self-worth determined by pleasing others. Macedo portrayed the main character, Lulu, and depicted her coming-of-age story through the style and levels of a video game. Macedo said she was inspired over the summer to write the play and share her personal outlook.

“I tried to explain what it’s like being a Chicana from my perspective,” Macedo said on her Instagram account. “The statement I kept coming back to and returning to was that it feels like I’m playing a game that wasn’t meant for me to win, but because of the sacrifces of my ancestors it is essential that I survive and succeed.”

As the character of Lulu prepares to move through her video game world, she is equipped with her backpack and advice from her Abuela, who was played by Dalicia Torrecillas. Her Abuela tells her to make good choices and beware mistakes to avoid being a ‘Chicana Myth’ rather than a ‘Chicana Legend.’

Lulu, not ready to begin the game, then encounters her frst choice: pressing “A” to obey or pressing “B” to throw a tantrum.

The voice behind the game was Wade Pierson, who continued to present Lulu with important choices to determine if she made it to the next level.

One of the frst challenges Lulu faced was how the negative reputation her family held could refect on her. A poster board referred to as “The Eyes” was held by Carlos Olivera Sanchez during several scenes to symbolize the people looking down on Lulu.

The judgmental eyes attempt to weaken

Lulu, who defeats them by gaining the skill of being a better person. Macedo said on Instagram that was part of her intentional efort to bring life to the struggles the character of Lulu would face.

“I was able to physicalize the obstacles and the battles that our main character has to endure in order to win this game when she has little to no guidance and little to no tools,” she said.

Lulu’s challenges continue to embody issues many Chicanas and Chicanos face. At one point, her teacher, who is also played by Torrecillas, makes it clear that in her classroom speaking Spanish is not allowed. When Lulu levels up she also grows up and receives her Latina curves, which her Abuela tells her to cover up.

A visit from someone Lulu considers a “Chicana Legend,” the late famous singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez, played by Alba Rubio. It gives Lulu the confdence to be true to herself and leave behind her family’s expectations.

“You can’t stand up straight with the weight of the comunidad on your shoulders,” Rubio’s character tells Lulu.

“Chicana Legend” concludes with Lulu’s fnal level, at which point she decides to tell Abuela she is playing the game her way and making her own rules.

“It’s my power. I deserve to live, not just survive. I’m going to be a Chicana legend my way,” she proclaims.

In the fnal scene Lulu is given the choice to press A to continue or to quit, Lulu declares “I’m ready” and chooses to keep moving forward.

Macedo said on Instagram she hopes the audience left her play with a message of encouragement and perseverance.

“In a game that was not designed for you, there is no winning or losing. There’s simply tenacity,” she said.

She left a message for other young women of color in particular.

“Here’s to all the Brown girls told to stay out of the sun, [to] bite their tongues and play the game. Let this piece give you permission to live unapologetically loud and proud.”

Members of the audience during the Sept. 25 showing of ‘Chicana Legend.’ Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

Alexis Elisa Macedo, left, performs with Andrew Mikhael Caleb Trevino, right, in “Chicana Legend.” Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

“

It’s my power. I deserve to live, not just survive. I’m going to be a Chicana legend my way.

— Alexis Elisa Macedo, Writer of “Chicana Legend”

Fresno State celebrates La Bienvenida, recognizing Hispanic cultures on campus

By Alexa Barraza Social Media Editor

The Fresno State Latina/o Faculty and Staf Association (LFSA) kicked of its annual La Bienvenida event on Sept. 21 at the Memorial Gardens.

Latin American fags circled the garden, serving as a hub for Hispanic cultures shared among faculty, staf and students.

The event was La Bienvenida’s ninth annual celebration, which began when students wanted to see more acknowledgment for Hispanic culture, according to Estevan Parra Guerrero, president of the LFSA.

He said the location of the event was initially supposed to be the Peace Garden.

“Due to construction, we had to move to the front of Memorial Gardens, but I have to say that there was a lot of great feedback in regards to the location,” Parra Guerrero said.

He said over 400 attendees visited the event, nearly doubling the number from 2021.

Music and dance performances were also welcomed during the event.

The Fresno State Mariachi Group performed along with Los Danzantes de Aztlàn and Fresno State’s folklórico group.

One member of Los Danzantes de Aztlàn is Isabel Cervantes, a fourth-year pre-nursing student.

“It makes me really proud to be able to represent my family and my culture. It’s just so much fun doing [folklórico],” Cervantes said.

Over 33 tables from Fresno State clubs and organizations were featured in the event, according to Parra Guerrero.

The Chicanx Writers and Artists Association was one of the Fresno State clubs present. Members of the club have established a goal to publish and represent Latino/a student voices through a creative outlet.

Ashley Rivera Garcia, president of the club, said that students who were intrigued by the La Bienvenida event would fnd more diversity and culture within it.

“This [club] is open to ofer Fresno State students [a chance] to showcase all of the diverse voices within our campus. I think it’s a really good way to have students’ voices heard,” Garcia said. “I really enjoy all the representation here [at the event].”

Marco Rodriguez Garcia, treasurer of Lambda Theta Pi fraternity, also appreciated the cultural representation presented on campus.

“It’s actually really nice. I don’t see a lot of [representation] on campus so it’s really nice to see that. I think they could do a little bit more of these [events] because sometimes campus can seem really empty,” Garcia said.

Keynote speaker Martina Granados, director of Outreach and Special Programs, shared the importance of Hispanic culture and emphasized how Fresno State serves as a safe space for students of all cultures, including Latino/a students.

Although the event was a way for incoming students to experience Hispanic culture on

campus, it also brought a feeling of nostalgia to others.

“That’s one of the things that [LSFA] loves about La Bienvenida. When we host this event, we want to know what the people want, but also want what was missing when we were students. We ask, ‘How do we combine that to pay it forward and have a successful and memorable Bienvenida?’” Parra Guerrero said.

Fresno State will continue to host events for Hispanic Heritage Month during the remainder of September and the beginning of October.

The next scheduled event is “Queering Mariachi,” a virtual event on Oct. 6 presented by the Cross-Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) featuring two members of the frst all-LGBTQ+ mariachi group in the world, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Ángeles. Attendees are required to preregister for the event.

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

• America annually celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

• Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

• On Sept. 16, Mexico celebrates its independence, while Chile celebrates its independence on Sept. 18.

• The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week before eventually being enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.

• National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week is celebrated annually during a seven-day period that falls during Hispanic Heritage Month.

What is a HispanicServing Institution?

• A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is an institution of higher education that has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic.

• Fresno State has been designated as an HSI for over 15 years.

What upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events can you attend?

• “Queering Mariachi:” Thursday, Oct. 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. (virtual)

• “Decolonizing Your Diet: Embracing Latino Food:” Thursday, Oct. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. (virtual)

• More events can be found on the Latino/a Programs and Services website.

La Bienvenida features music and dance performances at the Memorial Gardens on Sept. 21 Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

A dancer performs at the event. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month.

Fresno State has been an offcial HispanicServing Institution for 15 years.

Here’s what you need to know:

Rename Hispanic Heritage Month

By Viviana Hinojos Reporter

When I was growing up, my mother would often tell me, “You’re Mexican. Don’t ever say you’re Hispanic.” As a child, I wasn’t sure what she meant, but I trusted my mom.

Growing up with a Latina mom, who had a master’s degree from Fresno State in social work, meant hearing a vast amount of information that I wouldn’t understand until I was much older.

My mother would try to explain to me that the word Hispanic was a made-up term that stripped away our identity.

It wasn’t until my frst semester at Fresno State that my professor for a class called Stereotypes in Media went into a deep explanation as to why many, including herself, found the word Hispanic to be ofensive.

That lesson sparked my belief that Hispanic Heritage Month should be renamed to Latinx Heritage month.

But in order to explain why, we have to frst acknowledge and address all of the terminologies that exist to describe people from or tied to Latin American countries.

The terms Latino or Latina include those from Latin America, including people from Brazil, but not Spain.

“Latino” can be dated back to the 19th century and is short for “Latino Americano.”

According to Ramón A. Gutiérrez, professor emeritus of United States history at the University of Chicago, the term is a result of what happened between 1808 and 1821 as Latin American countries became independent.

Chicano and Chicana came from the term Mexica (Mee-she-ca). The Mexica were an Indigenous people who ruled the Aztec Empire.

It was in the 1960s that the term Chicano became popular due to the Chicano movement, a time when people were trying to go back to the history of their ancestors while also acknowledging being American and all of the struggles that came with being both.

When it comes to how people use the term Hispanic, I don’t want to assume that people mean it in a derogatory way. In fact, most use Hispanic because it refers to people with a Spanish language background.

However, when you look at how the term originated and what it was used for, that is when I start to have a disliking for the term and fnd it ofensive.

The term Hispanic was frst created and used by the United States government in the 1970s under the presidency of Richard Nixon.

It was used to track the growing population of Spanish speakers, which leads to another issue: it leaves out those who don’t speak Spanish but are from Latin America, including indigenous peoples.

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Aside from being a made-up word created by a white democracy, it groups together Spanish speakers as one single race and erases the identity and diversity of all of our diferent cultures and ethnic groups.

Hispanic was created specifcally for the census, which is an ofcial count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.

A sociology professor at UC Berkeley, G. Cristina Mora, has written that Hispanic was helpful for the census because it “seemed more American.”

“In the late 1960s and early 1970s, as people in the Census Bureau and bureaucrats in the Nixon administration were thinking about what this new group would be called, Hispanic became a term that people thought would probably be well-known because it was linked to Hispano,” Mora said.

But the biggest issue for myself and many others is that the term Hispanic ties us to our colonizers: Spain.

I view the term Hispanic as extremely broad and empty, taking away the beauty and fullness of the multiplex of diferences in all of our unique ethnicities, and once again whitewashing who we are.

Today, the term Latinx (pronounced Latin’ ex) is used mostly by the younger generation, but Latine is also becoming very popular.

Latinx emerged as a gender-neutral term, due to the Spanish language being largely gendered-based. The term includes those who identify as nonbinary, meaning someone who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman.

Latinx is inclusive of all people regardless of their pronouns and gender.

It is important that I mention that the term Latinx has also faced criticism, which leads some people to prefer the term Latine (pronounced Laitin’eh).

For some the term Latinx leaves out Spanish pronunciation, leading to the preference for Latine, which is more attached to our ethnicity while still being inclusive.

Changing the name from Hispanic Heritage Month to Latinx or Latine Heritage Month is another step toward healing from the traumas of colonization.

When we choose to use language and terms that are inclusive, rooted in our culture and attached to a healthy identity and future, we can move another step forward from the past.

At the end of the day, if you use Latinx you should not assume that everyone else is OK with that term, and one’s own choice of how to identify them is what is most important.

Language is always changing, we are in a state of fux, and it’s crucial that we are not dogmatic about it.

Regardless of what term you choose, be aware, be respectful, and always be proud to be Latina, Latino, Latine, Latinx, Chicana, Chicano or Chicanx.

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Flags decorate the Memorial Garden for La Bienvenida. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

Fresno State honors

‘Bulldog Legacy’ by retiring Davante Adams’ jersey

By Estela Anahi Jaramillo Sports Editor

Two-time collegiate All-American, fvetime NFL Pro Bowler and two-time Associ ated Press-Pro First Team selection Davante Adams will have his No. 15 jersey retired at Fresno State’s Homecoming Game on Oct. 15 against San Jose State at Valley Children’s Stadium.

Fresno State announced the retirement of Adams’ jersey on Sept. 15, along with the Homecoming theme of “The Bulldog Legacy,” which is meant to commemorate the impact former Bulldogs have had on Fresno State.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ receiver will be the ninth Bulldog football player to have his jersey retired, along with his former Bulldog team mate Derek Carr, who was the seventh Bulldog to have his jersey retired in 2017.

This will not be their frst reunion of the year. In March, Adams left the Green Bay

Packers to reunite with his Bulldog quarter back Carr for the Las Vegas Raiders.

“We’ve got room for one more man and that one more is you [Adams],” Fresno State Athletics Director Terry Tumey told Adams on a phone call.

Other retired jerseys include No. 9 Jim Sweeney, No. 12 Trent Dilfer, No. 14 Vince Petrucci, No. 21 Dale Messer, No. 22 Lorenzo Neal and No. 83 Henry Ellard.

“That’s more of an honor for me than any body,” Adams said to Tumey.

In the video that Fresno State Football and the Las Vegas Raiders shared, Adams was overwhelmed with emotions to join his team mate and a legacy of Fresno State football.

“Obviously you know how much Fres no State and the whole Valley and the whole community of Fresno means to me. So to have something like this be able to happen… I know you guys did [it for] Derek, and I know how much that family means to the Fresno State

Wide receiver Davante Adams rplayed from Fresno State from 2011-2013. Roe Borunda — The Collegian

community, so this is huge for me,” Adams told Tumey.

Tumey told Fresno State Athletics that Ad ams’ number deserved a tribute to recognize him as one of the most “dynamic playmakers” to be in the football program at Fresno State.

“His accomplishments here at Fresno State, in addition to his ongoing remarkable professional career, are truly commendable, but who he is as a person will continue to pos itively impact Fresno State for generations to come. We are excited to welcome Davante and his family back to Fresno State and his 15 jersey will be displayed proudly forever inside Valley Children’s Stadium,” Tumey said.

Adams played for Fresno State as a wide receiver from 2012-2013. He left the univer sity as the all-time leader for most receiving yards in a single season, recording 1,718 yards in 2013.

He is also fourth all-time with 3,030 re ceiving yards in his career at Fresno State, and he was the second-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2014.

Adams appeared in 116 games with 109 starts in the NFL, recording 669 receptions for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns.

He also helped lead the Packers to six post season games and left as one of the top wide receivers in the Packers’ franchise history.

Morse Wittwer Sports Performance Center opens its doors for Fresno State athletes

By Estela Anahi Jaramillo Sports Editor

The Morse Wittwer Sports Performance Center opened its doors last week with an ofcial ribbon cutting to celebrate the investment in the future of the Fresno State Athletics Department.

The new facility was named after Chris and Michelle Morse and Ken and Kristi Wittwer in recognition of their $500,000 donation. Morse and Wittwer were previously recognized as the frst members of the Marvin and Tish Meyers Champions Circle, according to Fresno State Athletics.

“It’s a great opportunity for our studentathletes to see what our fans and our donors

and those people that surround the Bulldog program really do for us,” said Fresno State women’s basketball head coach Jaime White.

Chris Morse told ABC30 that he has been a supporter of Fresno State athletics and academics for the last 10 to 15 years, so when the opportunity was presented by Athletic Director Terry Tumey and Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Collins to help the 403 student-athletes, he jumped at the chance to improve their lives.

The over 6,000-square-foot training center includes 12 platforms built into the foor and a large turf area for plyometrics. Aside from the up-to-date equipment, iPads with advanced technology to track studentathletes performance during their workout

will be provided as well.

Before the performance center was created, student athletes from 17 athletics programs shared a single weight room located near the Duncan football building. The Morse Wittwer Sports Performance Center in the North Gym, a closer and more convenient location for many student-athletes.

Head coaches and athletes from the various athletic programs were present along with dignitaries such as Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Tumey and Collins.

White is entering her ninth season as the head coach for the Bulldogs and said she hasn’t seen Fresno State be this efcient for athletics.

“Really for us, for women’s basketball, it

has been everything to have this facility be so close that we can practice in your gym and literally walk 10 feet and [be] in a weightlifting facility. That is beautiful. That is ours,” White said.

The facility allows student-athletes, such as the men’s and women’s basketball programs whose ofces are right next door, to go in and out, back to class or to study hall.

Fresno State men’s basketball coach Justin Hutson said the convenience and accessibility of the location of the new facility is “imperative” for student-athletes.

“It helps every student-athlete because now the football weight room is not crowded… Now they become better students,” Hutson said.

Multiple Fresno State alumni make the jump to professional play

By Alexis Castellanos Reporter

Fresno State has been the home to superstars including the likes of Aaron Judge, Derek Carr, Davante Adams and Paul George.

The Valley continues to be a hub for developing athletes at a high level as the 2022 graduating class sees eight Bulldog alumni make the next step to play at the professional level.

Four of those come courtesy of the Fresno State football team as DaRon Bland, Arron Mosby, Ronnie Rivers and Alex Akingbulu battle for NFL roster spots and continue to represent Fresno State at the highest level.

“Having alumni play professionally means that Fresno State students matter. Even though we know we’re very important here in the Valley, and in California, we’re doing things at an even higher plateau. It is an example of what Fresno State can be and what Fresno State students can do,” Fresno State Athletic Director Terry Tumey told The Collegian.

Bland immediately had his chance to show what Bulldogs can do, as he was the only Fresno State player to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft when the Dallas Cowboys took him in the 5th round.

Bland transferred to Fresno State from Sacramento State in 2021, where he started 13 games and totaled 45 tackles.

Mosby signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers and joined the practice squad before being signed to the active roster on Sept. 21.

Rivers has run the NFC West carousel with stints at the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks before signing to the Los Angeles Rams practice squad on Sept. 15.

Rivers expected to hear his name called during the NFL draft at some point, but the call never came.

“There was disappointment and frustration,” Rivers told AZCardinals.com. “But you look past that and fnd positives in the situation because not everyone gets a chance. There are guys I know that didn’t even get an opportunity to attend camp. God has a diferent plan for everyone.”

Akingbulu is another Bulldog who found himself overlooked at the NFL draft. Following the draft, Akingbulu signed with the

Philadelphia Stars, a team in the United States Football League (USFL), as an undrafted free agent.

Akingbulu played fve games at left tackle for the Stars, reaching the USFL championship game. Following the Stars’ season, he signed with the Washington Commanders and is currently part of its practice squad.

Although the Bulldogs football program is well represented at the professional level, there are several others making the jump.

“Many people tend to equate athletics to just some of our more high profle sports like football. When you look at excellence, it’s rampant, right? It’s so much more than just football,” Tumey said.

Orlando Robinson had a record-breaking season on the basketball court in his fnal year

as a Bulldog.

He became one of two players in NCAA history to record at least 700 points, 300 rebounds and 100 assists in his 36 games.

That was not enough to be selected in the NBA Draft, however. The 7-foot forward signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent in late June.

A pair of Diamond ‘Dogs continue to show what Fresno State’s athletic program can do as a whole.

Zach Morgan and Andrew Kachel were both selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 2022 MLB Draft.

All-Mountain West frst team catcher Morgan was selected in the seventh round and Kachel was selected in the 16th round, becoming the 88th and 89th players drafted

under Mike Batesole since he became the ‘Dogs’ head coach in 2003.

Robyn McCarthy joins the list of Fresno State athletes to receive All-Mountain West frst team honors.

Her versatility and talent on the soccer pitch have led her to sign with USL W League team Indy Eleven.

There is a new crop of talented athletes the Valley is producing, but they continue to exemplify the values that makes Fresno State the Pride of the Valley, according to Tumey.

“Think about what we’re most proud of here as Fresno State people. We’re gritty. We work hard. We get it done,” Tumey said.

“Those guys are examples of working hard and getting it done, even when people didn’t think well enough of you to be drafted.”

Multiple Fresno State alumni got the chance to move on to professional play. Athletes listed left to right, Andrew Kachel, Robyn McCarthy, Orlando Robinson and Arron Mosby. Graphic by Wyatt Bible — The Collegian

Three local Bulldogs receive scholarships for 2022 season

By Dylan Gonzales Reporter

Over the summer, three Fresno State football players with local ties received athletic scholarships for the 2022 season.

Osmar Velez, Jake Boust and Morice Norris were all walk-ons before receiving their scholarships.

Velez was born in Bakersfeld and graduated from Wasco High School in 2019. At Wasco, Velez played on both sides of the ball, playing tight end on ofense and defensive end on defense. He was team captain and earned league MVP honors.

The Bulldogs’ head coach, Jef Tedford, frst called Velez in 2019 to give him an opportunity to join the team as a walk-on.

Tedford, a former quarterback for the Bulldogs, returned to Fresno State in 2017 and spent three seasons as its head coach.

He returned to Fresno State after former head coach Kalen DeBoer left to be head coach for the Washington Huskies.

Now, in Tedford’s frst year back, he called Velez again. This time he told him he would be given a scholarship.

“I remember calling my parents. They’ve helped me through a lot. They were really happy. They wanted me to come here and focus on school and football. It helped me a long way,” Velez told BarkBoard.

Boust, a redshirt junior tight end, graduated from Sanger High School in 2019, where he played soccer, basketball, track and football.

Boust grew up a huge Bulldogs fan, which was a key factor in why he chose to attend Fresno State after spending two years at Fresno City College.

“It means a lot, especially for my family. Getting my tuition paid for is a big thing for my family to help out my parents and also myself. I was very much looking forward to it,” Boust said in an interview with BarkBoard.

Norris, another Sanger High School graduate, is a redshirt junior and plays defensive back. Norris played basketball and football before he graduated in 2018.

As a senior, Norris led the team in interceptions and also scored the longest touchdown in team history.

After high school, Norris spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons at Orange Coast College.

After fnding out that he would be receiving the scholarship, Norris made a post on social media with a grateful caption.

“Let God and stay the course. Blessed my mother with great news and $5,000 for her day. The smile she [gives] is the only reason I need,” he posted on his personal Twitter account.

Boust and Norris were teammates during their time with the Sanger Apaches.

Their former coach, Jorge Peña, had high praise for both former players and emphasized how hard they worked to get to where they are today.

“What stands out most about Jake and Morice is their unselfshness and work ethic,” Peña told The Collegian. “They wouldn’t be where they are now without those qualities.”

Both of them had long odds to even make it to a Division I school, according to Peña.

“Being D1 football players wasn’t on the horizon for these two when they were seniors in high school, so what they’ve done is very special and says a lot about their perseverance,” he said.

Athlete of the Month: Ella Rud

By Estela Anahi Jaramillo Sports Editor

For our 100th anniversary, The Collegian is bringing back a former feature, Athlete of the Month, to recognize Fresno State studentathletes.

Fresno State volleyball’s outside hitter Ella Rud set her place on the courts for the month of September. Rud recently led her team in kills for the eighth time during Fresno State’s game against Nevada, while also reaching double fgure kills for the ninth time.

She entered the Fresno State Invitational ranked third in the conference in attacks per set.

The returning sophomore appeared in 26 matches last season, played 95 sets and was ranked fourth on the team with 161 kills, averaging 1.69 kills per set.

Rud hit her season high of 21 kills in August, right in the beginning of the season.

Last season Rud hit her season high of 16 kills in late October against San Jose State, and recently reached her season high of total blocks per game, blocking three potentials against San Jose State.

In total thus far, Rud passed her total number of kills from last year with 179.

The Arizona native was a three-year letter winner at Perry High School in Gilbert, AZ.

She fnished her freshman season racking up 210 points for the Bulldogs, right now she’s on track to reaching the record with 120 points.

Ella Rud in Fresno State’s game against Wyoming in 2021. Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

Morice Norris Jr before the game against Oregon State. Blake Wolf — The Collegian

Top, Jake Boust celebrating a Fresno State win. Bottom, Osmar Velez during Oregon State game. Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics