Page 2 Page 11 Tuesday, September 20, 2022Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper 1991 FRESNO STATE WILL OFFER ABORTION PILLS IN FALL 2023 FIFE GETS ‘OPPORTUNITY’ TO FULFILL HIS CHILDHOOD DREAM Page 12
Under state law, many college students can already exercise their reproductive rights on campus. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 24 (SB 24), which requires CSU and UC campuses to ofer non-surgical medication abortions, also known as “abortion pills,” for students by January 2023. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling will not afect this requirement.
Each of the 23 campuses in California will receive $200,000 to fund this new service. Fresno State is also planning to purchase new equipment, according to Medical Services Director Dr. Robert Mitchell.
Dr. Cindy Schorzman, medical director at UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services, told EdSource that UC Davis has established a fund for students facing fnancial difculties to help cover the cost of the pill in order to guarantee access to all students.
Blake Wolf — The Collegian Right: Jake Haener prepares to pass the football during the game against USC. Aidan Garaygordobil — The Collegian
Abortion pills will be provided on campus in fall 2023. Eric Martinez — The Collegian
On the other hand, Jurado can empathize with rape victims and those with fnancial hardships, and stressed that she is neutral on the topic, being able to support both sides.
Fresno State will offer abortion pills in fall 2023
“You fnd yourself asking, ‘What am I going to do? and ‘How am I going to aford it?’ and ‘What are the steps?’” Pereida said. “Knowing [that] my school ofers this and that I can go [to the health center] is a good option to have.”
Mitchell said that when it comes to the safety of taking the pill, students should feel confdent and safe. He said the medication has already been used in Europe for years and that there’s only a 1% failure rate.
Fresno State health providers have been
Fresno State students who visit the health center to receive an abortion pill will also receive educational materials to guide them through the procedure.
“If 23 campuses are on board to ofer this service, then it’s found to be very safe and complication rates are very, very low,” Mitchell said. “This initiative is really about the College Student Right to Access Act, which was undertaken for patient safety, and that’s what we are here to do, to provide safety for ourRubystudents.”Pereida, a Fresno State junior majoring in sociology, said she was unaware of SB 24 and Fresno State’s preparation to ofer abortion services, but emphasized the importance of students having access on campus.“Students don’t always have transportation to go and get access to an abortion. Even when it comes to abortion by mail, students may not always have a stable mailing address,” Pereida said. “Being able to get it on campus is a very good thing.”
Nurse Practitioner Sandra Loehner, who has previous experience in women’s reproductive health, will be one of the staf members administering this new medical service and has been providing training to other staf members, Mitchell said.
More information on SB 24 will be available as Fresno State continues to prepare, according to Mitchell.
At this time, Mitchell said he is unaware of any plans to provide fnancial assistance to help cover costs for students who may not be able to aford the pills.
NEWS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 2
Pereida said she is still concerned about whether or not students will be given time of after the procedure if they choose to have an
“The two medications used for medicinal abortions are Mifeprex (Mifepristone or RU486) and Misoprostol. In addition, there will probably be a couple of other medications dispensed for pain [and] cramping and for nausea,” said Lauren Nickerson, Associate Vice President for University Communications.
medications on campus, there is a cost, according to Mitchell.
abortion.
Family PACT, a government assistance program, does not pay for the medications or the clinician’s time, so the cost will need to be paid by the student.
“A life is a life, whether it’s day one of pregnancy or week 11 of pregnancy, and you’re still in a way playing God, deciding whether that life gets to survive or whether it ended right there,” Jurado said. “It’s saddening to see a life ended so abruptly when that life didn’t have a say in it.”
By Viviana Hinojos Reporter
Like Pereida, Jurado also said that she believes that students who do receive the pill should not have to pay in consideration of how expensive textbooks and other school necessities already cost.
With abortion criminalized in some states, SB 24 is one of the frst pieces of legislation in the country to give college students safe access to abortion pills.
Out-of-pocket costs for students will vary depending on insurance. As with all
On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the historic piece of legislation that made access to abortion a federal right in the United States for half a century.With the right to a safe and accessible abortion now left up to individual states, California is taking steps to guarantee residents that the demise of Roe v. Wade will not afect or limit their right to an abortion.
preparing to ofer this service to students since March and ongoing training is still in progress, Mitchell said.
Pereida expressed concerns regarding outof-pocket costs for students which could make accessing abortion pills inaccessible for some students.“Ifit’s an emergency and you don’t have the funds for it, it shouldn’t cost anything. If it does, it should be part of our health bill that we have to pay as part of our tuition,” she said.
“They should be able to get time of to be able to mourn on their own or with support,” PereidaOthersaid.students are more neutral when it comes to abortion and providing students access to the pill on campus.
After choosing to exercise her right to an abortion in the past, Pereida said she now empathizes with students who fnd themselves in the same situation.
Jordyn Jurado, a junior majoring in liberal studies, can see the perspectives of those both for and against SB24.
“Up until this point we’ve never had a hemoglobinometer. Now we are going to have to have one on-site,” he said.
“As we move along in the process, we will be making information available for the student body,” he said.
“This bill then makes medication abortion available to all public university students,” said Fresno State President Saúl JiménezSandoval. “It also provides one-time funding for CSU campuses to prepare to ofer medication
Front Cover — Graphic by Wyatt Bible
“We are in the process of making new material where there will be visual instructions of where to place the pill inside their mouth, and [it] will also include a visual representation of bleeding and what is considered normal versus not normal after this procedure,” Mitchell said.
Medicationabortions.”willbe provided by mail and at the Fresno State Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC).
Blake Wolf — The Collegian Center: The torch is lit at the Coliseum.
Left: Evan Williams on the feld at USC.
“We are anticipating Mifepristone will cost approximately $50. Misoprostol is projected to cost around $10. The medical providers may also identify other medications to dispense as needed,” Nickerson said. “We anticipate the entire regimen will be $100, although fnal pricing still needs to be determined.”
He also emphasized that the mental health team would be available to support students during every step of the process.
AB132 will allow students who attend a California community college to enter into an agreement with a specifc CSU campus to transfer within three years.
She also noted that national data indicate there are fewer high-school graduates and students enrolling in college, resulting in increased competition among colleges and universities for students.
Fresno State students gather at the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 27, 2021. Adam Ricardo Solis —The Collegian
“Through COVID-19, we are not able to conceptualize the future as we used to before,” Jiménez-Sandoval said.
“Fresno State ofers many other opportunities for prospective students to engage with our campus through numerous conferences, campus tours and community events.”
“Our focus right now is reaching out to the high schools multiple times per year, and in reaching out to the students as well, so that they know what the possibility of a fouryear degree represents to them,” JiménezSandoval said.
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“This is the second largest source of revenue for the university’s annual budget after State [California State University] general funds,” said Debbie Adishian-Astone, vice president for administration and chief fnancial ofcer.
community colleges specifcally “have been hit pretty hard” due to Jiménez-SandovalCOVID-19.alsosaid that applicants must still qualify for A-G Requirements, so the pool of applicants gets smaller.
In an interview with The Collegian, Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval also noted how COVID-19 is a contributing factor to low enrollment.
He said that uncertainty and plans changing due to the pandemic has discouraged high schoolers from applying to any fouryear university or community college, saying
Jiménez-Sandoval hopes to interact with more high school students throughout the year, he said. He wants to show them opportunities with internships, working with professors and careers after graduating Fresno State, he said.
Before the ofcial numbers are released on Thursday, Sept. 22, here is the most recent data from OIE and what it could mean for the university.There are currently 23,916 students enrolled as of Monday, Sept. 19. This 5% drop is compared to the fall 2021 semester, which had a total of 24,946. This drop afects revenue for Fresno State.
Despite the peak numbers, Fresno State has had declining enrollment since the fall 2020Leesemester.saidthat national college enrollment rates have also been declining. She gave various reasons for this, including economic factors and COVID-19.
“Fresno State has increased travel to high schools, community colleges and college fairs to attract students to Fresno State and to support students during the college application process…,” Lee said.
“Many are working… and do not have the time/availability to go to college. The pandemic has greatly impacted students and their families — economically, socially, psychologically — and [prospective students] are opting to not enroll,” Lee said.
By Manuel Hernandez News Editor
Lee, associate vice president for enrollment management, said, “Fresno State actually enrolled the largest new student incoming class during fall 2020.”
They discussed the importance a university must have when interacting in students’ personal lives.
Our students need to understand, in very clear, concrete terms, what a college degree term is going to do for them in the long run … It’s fundamental to how we promote the degree of Fresno State.
However, fall 2020 saw the biggest number of students enrolled in the past 10 years with 25,341.Malisa
— Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Fresno State president
Jiménez-Sandoval said he spoke with Jim Yovino, the Fresno County superintendent of schools, about low college application rates from high school students.
From fall 2017 to fall 2019, the student population decreased by over 1,000 students, according to the OIE.
Low admission rates spark more outreach at Fresno State
Lee said that starting in fall 2023, Assembly Bill 132 (AB132) will allow high school graduates to have an opportunity for dual admission with Fresno State.
Lee also shared other ways the university has tried to reach out to potential students.
“
“Meaning, we are not able to plan ahead and then have the certainty that things are going to come through.”
However, Jiménez-Sandoval said the value of a four-year college degree needs to be recontextualized.“Ourstudents need to understand, in very clear, concrete terms, what a college degree is going to do for them in the long run… It’s fundamental to how we promote the degree of Fresno State,” he said.
Fresno State is projected to have a 5% decrease in its total enrollment headcount for the fall 2022 semester, according to the Ofce of Institutional Efectiveness (OIE).
She said any decline in enrollment afects the annual amount budgeted for tuition revenue. The campus earns $4,545 per fulltime student enrolled in seven units or more in tuition revenue, which is net of State University Grants, Adishian-Astone added.
This isn’t the frst time Fresno State has seen a downward trend.
— Katherine Fobear, Fresno State professor
“We’ve been on this campus [and] we’ve been [the subject of] hate crimes and we’ve been attacked. Finally being able to have a minor on campus that represents who we are and who we’ve always been and to educate people, as well as gay people, to have likeminded classes and classes that actually focus on gay history for once is important,” Kisbye said.
By Noah Chavez Reporter
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWSTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 4
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Fresno State has made a major push for LGBTQ2+ Studies on campus. The university will begin to ofer a new minor program, LGBTQ2+ Studies, in fall 2023.
“[The minor] is meant to be applicable to many people across all [of] campus. It’s one of those minors that’s meant to really serve people who are especially gonna be working with communities in diverse communities,” said Katherine Fobear, coordinator of the minor.Fobear said students’ continuous push for representation at Fresno State led to the new minor program being incorporated on campus, enabling the LGBTQ2+ community to be more involved in the school curriculum.
Fresno State United Student Pride (USP) club president, Ingeborg Kisbye, attended the video shoot and spoke about the experiences of LGBTQ2+ students on campus.
“I believe having a minor in LGBTQ2+ Studies not only really solidifes the need to listen to the community and support the community, but also allows others to have access to understanding what the community stands for,” he said.
Emmanuel Agaz-Torres, a Fresno State student, emphasized the importance of having a minor now accessible to those wanting it.
The minor will be added to the established Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies programs within the College of Social Sciences. Along with the new minor, fve additional courses will be added to the curriculum that focus on queer history, queer representation and queer migration.
Students, staf, faculty and community members gathered on Friday, Sept. 9 to celebrate the LGBTQ2+ representation on campus during a promotional video shoot in front of the fountain.
Fresno State has had a tumultuous history in its relationship with the LGBTQ2+ community in the past.
Saldana.Sherecalled that during her time in the ‘60s there was nothing similar to the new LGBTQ2+ Studies minor available on campus during her time.
Fresno State faculty, staff and students gather at the fountain to celebrate new LGBTQ2+ Studies minor program in promo tional video. Eric Martinez — The Collegian
Fresno State implements LGBTQ2+ minor
The Collegian recently detailed multiple instances of discrimination toward the university’s LGBTQ2+ students in the late 1980s, including harassment from the Ku Klux Klan during a conference of western states for lesbian and bisexual students, and the burning of the USP’s booth when they still went by the name of Gay, Lesbian Student Alliance
[The minor] is meant to be applicable to many people across all [of] campus.
Another(GLSA).individual who were present at the video shoot was Fresno State alumna Elsie
“It’ll be an event for students to come [to] and talk about why they think being an HSI University is important and how great Fresno State is [as a] Hispanic-Serving Institute,” AlvarezAlvarezsaid.said that she does still miss some of her responsibilities and the focus on civic engagement while serving as Vice President of External Afairs (VPEX), which she did for a year.“That’s something that I do miss because I think civic engagement is a really important aspect for college students specifcally, but for everyone in general,” Alvarez said.
Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President Caroline Alvarez was appointed the posi tion on July 27 during an ASI senate meeting. Ramon Castaños — The Collegian
this opening came, I thought maybe it was time. I was trying to just head out of my comfort zone a little bit to try something new and to really just push Alvarezmyself.”saidshe sympathizes with students who are disappointed they weren’t able to vote for the new ASI president after Arriaga-
“A simple one would be giving them the iPad program that we see success in, and ofering that to graduate students would help them,” Alvarez said.
She also said there are concerns regarding issues between students and the Title IX ofce, particularly following the mishandling of sexual harassment complaints by former Fresno State president Joseph Castro and student-led protests regarding Title IX issues in 2022.
ASI President Caroline Alvarez speaks at the investiture of Fresno State President on Sept. 9. Manuel Hernandez — The Collegian
Many graduate students can’t get iPads because they aren’t candidates for the program, according to Alvarez. She wants to changeAlvarezthat. also wants to increase the graduation rates on campus, particularly for the Asian American Pacifc Islander (AAPI) community who she said has one of the lowest graduation rates at Fresno State.
“We really want to see how we can create an environment that will help them with the resources to help them graduate because they
Caroline Alvarez, Fresno State’s new Associated Students Inc. (ASI) president, didn’t have an opportunity to campaign for the ASI Sincepresidency.shewas selected for the position after the former president resigned, her name was never on the ballot, so she’s aware many students are unfamiliar with who she is.
By Ramon Castaños Reporter
Alvarez, born and raised in Fresno, is a fourth-year Fresno State student and enrolled in the nursing program. She didn’t expect to be ASI president, but the situation arose when the seat became vacant due to a presidential election disqualifcation and then a resignation from former president Cinthya Arriaga-Sanchez.
New ASI President Caroline Alvarez discusses priorities
Alvarez said an issue she has heard from graduate students is the lack of resources they have because they cannot obtain Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or no longer receive support from family. Alvarez wants to relocate resources to better address students’ fnancial needs.
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWSTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 5
“Doing it again for a second year would have made it easy for me since there was not as much [of a] learning curve,” Alvarez said. “But when
are a huge part of our campus,” Alvarez said.
Despite her unexpected transition, Alvarez has big goals that she wants to address, such as student needs on campus.
Alvarez said she wants to reassure students that they can trust the campus’ handling of Title IX issues and will be strict about complaints being heard and processed in the Title IX Ofce because it is a serious matter for her.
Alvarez said she has been in talks with Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval about addressing these issues and obtaining funding for programs on campus.
Alvarez initially felt uninterested in serving as ASI president because she felt comfortable in her previous role, she said.
Jiménez-Sandoval and Alvarez are talking about getting funds from the state to expand science and mathematics programs. She said she supports funding for STEM courses because they need more funding for labs and other
In addition, Executive Vice President (EVP) Karen Carillo declined the position because she felt comfortable in her current role, so the ASI senate voted for Alvarez to be the current ASI president.
Alvarez sat down with The Collegian to introduce herself to the campus and refected on her time as ASI president.
Currently,equipment.Fresno State is still negotiating to get funding from Sacramento, according to Alvarez.Alvarez said she has been enjoying being ASI president so far because she loves interacting with diferent campus communities and their unique perspectives. Alvarez said she is often invited to be a part of projects on campus, such as the Latina/o Faculty and Staf Associations’ celebration of National Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week, which kicked of on Sept. 12.
Sanchez’s resignation, but wants to reassure them.“I’m looking forward to meeting you all, and I hope as the school semester goes on and you hear about me, that you grow to trust me and feel more confdent about our senate’s decision,” she said.
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Spirituality is a major theme that is implemented in Divino Niño’s newest LP “Last Spa on Earth.” Some band members shared their personal experiences and confictions when it came to religion.
Javier Forero is the bass guitarist and vocalist for the band, Divino Niño. Wyatt Bible — The Collegian
This is not the last time they will visit Fresno either, according to Forero.
“Me and Camilo grew up in this cultish, Christian church, and at some point we were just like, ‘Man, this is kind of crazy.’ It was really difcult to get out of,” Forero said.
During the concert, the band performed “XO” from its latest LP, which was meant to encompass the religious upbringing that Forero and Medina underwent while growing up.
Latin American dance genre. The jump from its previous album “Foam” to its newest LP is a slightly diferent but welcoming one, according to Forero.
“I think the earlier albums [are like] doodling, and you’re kind of trying to fnd your voice,” Forero said. “This [album] is kind of closer to us fnding our voice.”
This is, however, not the frst time Divino Niño has performed in Fresno.
within their music.
— Javier Forero, Divino Niño lead singer
“I’ve heard of Fresno but I’ve never been. [With Chicano Batman] was my frst time. Honestly, the people were so cool, they were so welcoming. I really like Fresno,” Forero said.Divino Niño’s LP will be released on Sept. 23, 2022.
Lead singers Javier Forero and Camilo Medina came up together during their childhoods in Bogotá, Colombia, until they eventually met Guillermo Rodriguez, Pierce Codina and Justin Vittori, forming Divino Niño.When asked where the band’s name came from, lead singer Forero said, “Eventually we were just like, ‘How about Baby Jesus, but in Spanish?’ and then it kind of stuck around.”
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previous label, Inner Wave, enabled them to headline Chicano Batman’s show.
“Yeah, we’ve always wanted to play together. I think they reached out to us and then we just made it work,” Forero said.
“Tu Tonto” from the LP fuses both modern indie-rock as well as reggaeton, a popular
Psychedelic indie-rock band Chicano Batman performed in May 2022 at Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company in Fresno, and Divino Niño’s connections through their
Divino Niño also embraces its Hispanic culture through the infuence of popular Hispanic genres of music.
The song showcases the band’s musical choice to infuse Spanish and English lyrics in an efort to include the band members’ culture
By Alexa Barraza Social Media Editor
The band displayed this sense of confdence in their established sound throughout their performance, while co-headliner Tatiana Hazel complemented the dreamy-pop atmosphere with songs such as “It’s All Right” and “Hasta Que,” which also fuse English and SpanishMexicolyrics.City-based alternative-rock band Little Jesus concluded the event for the night, adding to the danceable Mexican indie-rock atmosphere while performing songs such as “La Magia and TQM” from their 2016 album “RíoHispanicSalvaje.”and American indie-rock culture came together that night while each artist performed, bringing both audience and band members together through similar cultures and music.
This isn’t a new decision by the band, who have been incorporating Spanish into its music since its 2019 indie-rock album “Foam.” Songs such as “Quiero” and “Maria” are just a few that are sung in Spanish.
Indie-pop band Divino Niño performs at Strummer’s along with other indie artists
Divino Niño performing songs from their latest LP at Strummer’s on Sept. 12 Wyatt Bible — The Collegian
I think the earlier albums [are like] doodling, and you’re kind of trying to find your voice. This [album] is kind of closer to us finding our voice.
The Chicago-based, indie-pop band Divino Niño hit the stage at Strummer’s on its second day of touring with Little Jesus and Tatiana Hazel on Sunday, Sept. 11.
The reception will be held on Sept. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Professor Joan Sharma also used her interactive artwork to raise awareness, showcasing a pack of cellphone and television printed game cards with screenshots from news broadcasts discussing natural disasters and other climate-related issues on the cards’
Fresno State faculty members display their artworks during the Faculty Art Show at the Phebe Conley Art Gallery. Marcos Acosta — The Collegian
More traditional artworks were featured throughout the exhibition as well, including multiple oil Professorportraits.Stephanie
The material study showcased three biomaterials reshaped to resemble more familiar materials, which were available to be handled by visitors. Patterson said she hopes viewers “touch the materials and think about their potential use.”
Professor Stephanie Ryan’s painting, “The Note,” is on display at the Faculty Art Show. Marcos Acosta — The Collegian
Professor Rusty Robison showcased an interactive digital media project that featured the voice of the frst Latino U.S. Poet Laureate and former Fresno State professor Juan Felipe Herrera. An iPad connected to a projector and audio speaker enabled visitors to create their own poem by dragging and dropping random
It’s was new medium for Patterson, whose background and professional experience is in packaging design. She said she was inspired by the waste generated by her client work with conventional packaging materials such as plastic and paper-based board.
faces.The
work, titled “The Cards are in Your Hands,” encouraged viewers to “consider their role in climate change,” according to Sharma.
Faculty Art Show engages visitors through interactive artworks at Phebe Conley Gallery
“My materials study is small and exploratory at this moment. I’m simply trying to understand the qualities of nonconventional
words into a circle on the iPad which would then be read aloud by Herrera.
“I typically work in digitally-based software, but the fnal output of that work ends up as cans, plastic flms, boxes, anything you fnd in a grocery store. Most of my packaging design work is for food, beverage or products in the wellness industry,” she said.
Ryan’s “The Note” depicted a young girl riding as a passenger in a car in oil on canvas, for example, while Professor Lisa Spoors’ oil painting, “A Multiplicity of Selves,” took a unique spin on a self-portrait.“Wearetaught that we are a single self
The Faculty Art Show returned to the Phebe Conley Art Gallery on Sept. 6 to showcase interactive artworks by many Department of Art, Design and Art History professors.
Patterson is inspired by the current innovation surrounding biomaterials in packaging, which she said could lower carbon emissions and limit or eliminate consumergenerated waste. For now, she’s starting small.
in relation to others that are not ourselves. But there are many faces I wear, many ways to exist, and they are all inside of what I call, ‘me,’” Ryan said in her portrait’s accompanying panel.
The Faculty Show will be featured at the Phebe Conley Gallery through Sept. 22. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The next exhibition at the gallery will be the Grad Show, which will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 21.
By Ashley Flowers Managing Editor
Professor Virginia Patterson’s “Post-Plastic Material Study” turns waste into biomaterials. Marcos Acosta — The Collegian
THE COLLEGIAN • A&ETUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 PAGE 7
“The Poetry Wheel” can also be accessed online at thepoetrywheel.com.
and biodegradable materials,” she said.
Assistant Professor Virginia Patterson, now in her second year as a faculty member, participated in the biennial exhibition for the frst time and included her piece “Post-Plastic Material Study,” in which she turned local waste into a functional substrate.
Flores, who goes by she/her and they/them pronouns, grew up watching her family take numerous family photos and home videos, which led to her wanting a camera of her own.
“In college, I saw the importance of documenting the history of the Latinx and LGBTQ+ community,” Flores said. “These are communities where a lot of our history is whitewashed or written in certain ways, and not written from our perspective.”
Flores said that as a result, she strives to capture her culture’s laughter and joy through her photography, rather than the media’s typical portrayal of Latinx communities that often focuses on showing conficts surrounding the border and immigration. The vibrant colors emphasized in her photography are meant to represent the fullness of life in Latinx cultures and the pride of the LGBTQ+ community.“Forthe Latinx community, it’s important to show us in love, celebrating and being joyous,” she said.
and just painting with a lot of emotion,” Stempien said. “Rather at school, I’m more meticulous and relaxed.”
“Jumping around from place to place growing up was hard, but photography has been that one thing to [help me] remember those moments and to share them with other people even if they haven’t been there,” Flores said.It was during Flores’ time in college that she realized her true passion, which also became her main photography subject.
“It was really hard because I had to fnd a family outside of blood internationally during
Flores said she hopes her photos capture a balance of both tragic and celebratory stories, sharing and capturing life’s most authentic moments.While working in Fresno, Flores has shot photos for weddings, bridal shoots and quinceaneras, but said she now wishes to transition away from event coverage and into more of her artistry.
“Being nonbinary, it’s this feeling of not really having a representation of myself in the media at all. I have met very few people in my life who have they/them pronouns, or any other kind of pronouns that align with that,” Stempien said. “But you know we aren’t represented at all.”
It was the desire to create her own image and document her own experiences that inspired her to embrace a future behind the camera.Aside from her upbringing in LA, Flores also attended and received a degree from UC Berkeley, and also studied abroad at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City.
Fresno State studio art senior Gabriella Stempien, who goes by they/them pronouns, is also a nonbinary, Latinx artist who believes in the importance of showcasing nonbinary and queer Stempienartistry.grew up going to Fresno State art classes with their father, which they said was due to the struggle to aford childcare at the Stempientime. recalled that professors were understanding about her joining her father’s classes, often letting Stempien participate in all of the art assignments. It was an early start to what would become a lifelong attachment to the“Sinceuniversity.Iwas a little kid, I would always idolize Fresno State,” Stempien said.
Flores’s work can be found on her Instagram @shotsbyqueerpina, and Stempien’s work can be found on their Instagram @ella.fresno.
“A lot of times in mainstream media they show a very privileged perspective [of an LGBTQ+ life], with two white gay men in [San Francisco] living their best life with a dog and maybe their adopted child,” Flores said. “I feel with a lot of the queer and trans community that I come from, a lot of us come from broken homes and broken hearts.”
Now as an artist of their own, Stempien enjoys using vibrant colors and intricate patterns, while also incorporating the color black.The artist described themself as having two sides to their artistry, both presenting their own struggles.
Stempien also began selling their art at pop ups on the side of the street in 2017, and now owns a 250-square-foot studio in Downtown Fresno. They encouraged artists to be gentle with themselves in their quest to mastery.
By Viviana Hinojos Reporter
After coming out as nonbinary in 2019, Stempien said that they encountered unaccepting family members and became increasingly aware of the lack of nonbinary representation in media.
Flores said that a few years later her parents grew to not only accept her for who she was, but now even help her set up at ArtHop in Fresno.
“In order to make good art, at frst you have to make mistakes,” Stempien said.
“Now I just want to focus on my art, which is LGBTQ+ photography, doing the photo booths at ArtHop and really investing and collaborating with other photographers and artists,” Flores said.
Mexican American Chicana who is also queer and nonbinary, Flores said sharing her unique perspective is particularly important.
that time,” Flores said.
As part of the LGBTQ+ community, Flores said she wishes that more diversity was featured in the media, which is an issue she doesn’t take lightly.
“I’m currently working on my frst oil selfportrait in class and it was really difcult, versus me working on something in my own home with fuorescent paint and bright colors, [where] I’m just moving fast and aggressively,
“My parents heavily documented our lives growing up in a very natural way [that] transcended into my own life,” Flores said.
As a self-identifying Guatemalan and
Latinx and LGBTQ+ artists in Fresno embrace their culture through art and photography
Meli Flores grew up in Inglewood and Compton before moving to the Central Valley four years ago.
Meli Flores capturing locals taking pictures at her phootbooth inside of her show case “Pay The Artist,” on Sept. 1, 2022. Viviana Hinojos — The Collegian
Flores recalled the frst time she set up in front of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) LGBTQ+ Resource Center and became emotional while sharing how scared she was for her mother to see her photographs featuring the LGBTQ+ community.“Iwasreally scared about my photography. My mom walked up behind me and I freaked out, but she liked them and started helping me arrange it. Immediately when she left I broke down crying,” Flores said. “For my mom to touch my art and pick it up – there are no words for it.”
Like Stempien, Flores faced her own coming out adversity among family members, but said she hasn’t let it stop her from capturing and sharing the images of the minority communities she belongs to.
In 2014, at the age of 19, Flores made the decision to come out to her parents. It was a moment she remembers as both freeing and sad, particularly because her parents went nonverbal with her for four months afterwards.Following this sensitive time, Flores left for Mexico City, where she was able to capture many of her frst experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
At age 14, Flores was gifted her frst digital camera by her parents. At the time, she was excited to learn, but not interested in pursuing photography as a career.
THE COLLEGIAN • A&ETUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 8
Journalism is an important asset to society, and student journalism is no diferent.
When the game hit 14-3, the defense really needed to get a stop, but Fresno State allowed USC to march down the feld and score again to take a commanding 21-3 lead.
With Fresno State’s Sept. 17 loss to USC in the books, Fresno State has now lost two consecutive games. Considering the hype surrounding its football program, this is a big setback.The Bulldogs carried their momentum over from their previous game against Oregon State and applied it directly to the USC game,
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Now you’d think that if you were a big underdog, on the road and down three possessions to the No. 7 team in the country that you would have nothing to lose.
The Collegian is a student-run publication Fresno State Views expressed The Collegian do not necessarily refect
Bulldogs make the same mistakes in consecutive football losses
in
Going into the half, Fresno State was able
letting USC drive down the feld seamlessly and score on their frst two possessions. When they needed to score, what did Fresno State do? They did what they do best – they stalled in the red zone. Once again they settled for 3 points, just like they did time and time again during the Oregon State game.
On Fresno State’s frst drive of the second half, quarterback Jake Haener got sacked and fumbled the ball. He ended up leaving the game with an injury on the same play, and USC took advantage of his absence to stretch their lead to 28-10 after the turnover.
to make it 21-10 with a win still in reach.
Our frst issue featured a story by our managing editor, Ashley Flowers, highlighting research students are doing on-campus while investigating the history of unsolved antiLGBTQ crimes at the university. The story took months of investigation, research and
that serves the
interviews.
Blake Wolf — The Collegian
“Getting back to the fundamentals is very important. Trying to get confdence back. We have to get back to that too,” Tedford said.
By Maxwell Gallegos Reporter
At The Collegian we work to investigate and write stories about things that matter to Fresno State students.
The Collegian is student-run, and we want to include the voices of the students.
The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The TheCollegian.newsstories or opinions in the supplements do not refect those of The Collegian.
OPINION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 9 ArtsNewsManagingEditor-in-ChiefEditorEditor&Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Social Media Director Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff MCJEditorialAdvertisingGeneralFinancialAdvertisingGraphicStaffStaffMultimediaMultimediaReporterReporterReporterPhotographerPhotographerDesignerGeneralManagerManagerManagerFacultyAdviserFacultyAdviserDepartmentChair Dylan Gonzales Blake CarlosWolfRene Castro Eric FaithDonaldGregRichardKevinDaisyWyattMarcosMartinezAcostaBibleRodasFriesMarshallBakerMunroSidlow Jannah Geraldo Ashley Flowers Manuel Hernandez Diego Vargas Estela Anahi Jaramillo Alexa Barraza Aidan AlexanderRamonNoahMaxwellAlexisVivianaGaraygordobilHinojosCastellanosGallegosChavezCastañosScott Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2022 The Collegian. Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian. The Collegian California State University, Fresno 5201 N. Maple Ave., M/S SA42 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 News Line: (559) 278-5732 Business Line: (559) 278-5735 Advertising Line: (559) 278-8179
We’ve added another multimedia reporter to our staf to help expand our digital presence and will engage with students through our various social media platforms. We’re also working toward deeper investigations, looking into what matters most to students.
You would get aggressive and try to change
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Even with the rough start to Fresno State football’s season, we’ll be there to report on the latest updates.
We want students to know what we’re doing to better our means of telling stories of the people right here at Fresno State.
If you don’t know who we are, come say hello. The Collegian ofce is right beside the RSU, marked of by a blue awning.
We hope to continue being a service for students, so keep an eye out for what we cover next.
The Bulldogs walk onto the field during their game against the Trojans on Sept. 17.
community.
With the new Resnick Student Union (RSU) steadily approaching its opening date, we’ll be there to tell students what’s new for them in the student union. We won’t stop at reporting on just what’s inside the RSU. We want students to know what they’ll be paying for once it’s open, and give them a sense of when they’ll be able to use its resources.
By Jannah Geraldo Editor-in-Chief
After Haener’s injury it felt like the game was already over, and the play calling refected that. Coach Tedford refected on the team’s confdence following the game as well.
the momentum of the game. Instead it felt like Fresno State laid down and protected their back up quarterback Logan Fife with underneath throws, staying more committed to the run game than they should have.
Men’s basketball, for example, went 2312 its last season, but it’s not as impressive a number when looking at the ‘Dogs 2021-22 schedule.TheFresno State men’s basketball team took advantage of a weak, out-of-conference schedule, defeating teams such as Fresno Pacifc by 20 points and Long Island by 24 points.Teams that Fresno State was clearly better than and wins that were not notably
By Aidan Garaygordobil Reporter
A member of the Red Wave holds up a sign in support of the Bulldogs. Blake Wolf — The Collegian
This year, however, the ‘Dogs have gotten of to a 1-2 start, with both losses coming against Pac-12 opponents Oregon State and No. 7 USC.
However, joining the Pac-12 could help the Bulldogs build upon these losses by giving
SPORTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 10
Fresno State head coach Jef Tedford acknowledged USC’s superior performance, noting during the press conference that the Bulldogs “got beat by a bigger team.”
Finishing conference play with an 8-9 record. If the men’s basketball program can’t compete within the Mountain West, odds are it would be helpless in the Pac-12.
While the team may not have “taken over” the Coliseum like it did at the Rose Bowl a year ago, fans still attended in droves. Fresno State gear could still be seen in the stands of the Col iseum.Unlike last season’s UCLA game where the Red Wave was able to sit together, the fans at USC were scattered across the stadium.
Fresno State’s football team has nine regular season games remaining on their schedule as they attempt to redeem themselves and show that they belong in the Pac-12.
By Maxwell Gallegos
Is Fresno State ready for the Pac-12 conference?
Terry Tumey, Fresno State’s athletics director, has already had conversations with a high-ranking Pac-12 ofcial regarding the school’s expansion prospects, according to a Fresno Bee article on July 5.
the frst time since the beginning of 2020, but there are still many Bulldog faithful willing to support when they can.
The unwavering support seemed to be prominent for the rest of Red Wave who made the three-hour trip.
Fresno State has been a program that has
With the team’s next matchup doubling as homecoming on Oct. 15 the Red Wave will un doubtedly make their presence known despite the team’s record.
Red Wave travels to the Coliseum to cheer on the Bulldogs
Despite sufering a blowout defeat by USC last Saturday, Sept. 17, Fresno State’s football team still received a considerable amount of fan support at the Los Angeles Memorial Col iseum.Hundreds of the Red Wave made the trip down Highway 99, traveling over 200 miles to watch the Bulldogs.
them an increased budget and recruiting opportunities to work with, which could get them the extra help they need to make the program more competitive.
“I love going to games and tailgating. The atmosphere at any game is great, and there’s nothing better to do on a Saturday in Fresno,” Torres said.
Torres has been to every Fresno State foot ball home game since the 2018 season, as well as attending several in-state matchups includ ing last year’s game against UCLA and the 2019 USC Despitematchup.never having attended Fresno State, the Fresno native is still an avid sup porter of the Bulldogs’ program.
Reporter
mance.Itwill be nearly a month before Fresno State hosts its next home game.
“Win or lose, I’ll always support my Bull dogs,” said Fresno State fan Richard Torres. “Last week was a heartbreaker, but it was a good team. I think we can beat anyone, and even if we lose I’ll be at any game I can get to.”
After news broke that UCLA and USC would be leaving the Pac-12 Conference to join the Big Ten, other schools have already been in contact with the conference regarding joining. One of those schools is Fresno State.
Now, the team holds a losing record for
Another hurdle for Fresno State’s move to Pac-12 are sports beyond the football program. It is harder to convince the conference that diferent sports like basketball qualify for a more competitive division.
proven it can reach the AP Top 25 rankings, reaching No. 22 the week after defeating UCLA in 2021.
impressive.Afterhaving a successful frst half of the season, the Dogs’ entered Mountain West Conference play where they could not replicate the same level of success.
In the Oregon State loss, the ‘Dogs played at home and gave up a game-winning touchdown to the Beavers with no time remaining. In the USC loss, the Bulldogs went on the road and struggled to score, ending with a loss of 45-17.
To earn a spot in the Pac-12, Fresno State will have to compete with other Mountain West teams including Boise State, San Diego State and FresnoUNLV.State was unable to defeat Boise State in both football and men’s basketball in the 2021-22 season.
Fans packed into the stands next to the Bulldog Marching Band in sections 102 and 202 and cheered for the ‘Dogs throughout the entire game despite the lackluster perfor
Both losses will hurt the program’s resume during its bid for conference placement.
The Bulldogs’ football program is coming of a 10-3 season with a big upset win over No. 13 UCLA, a close contest with Oregon and a New Mexico Bowl victory, which has given them improved consideration for its placement in the Pac-12.
It’s no surprise that Tedford put faith in Fife as his No. 2 option for quarterback. Fife was just a freshman in high school when he frst spoke to Tedford.
Prior to arriving at Fresno State, Fife had an exceptional career at Tracy High School.
Blake Wolf — The Collegian
Fife threw 7-for-13, with one touchdown and one interception, while also gaining 14 rushing yards on four attempts.
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTSTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 11
Logan Fife gets ‘opportunity’ to complete his childhood dream
Logan Fife warms up on the sideline as he prepares to step in for Jake Haener in the game against USC.
Fresno State declined to make Fife available for comment after the game.
Fife grew up going to the Bulldog Stadium to cheer on Fresno State and it was his
Fifeconference.gotofto a shaky start, misfring a short pass to an open Jordan Mims. But Fife settled down and got into his rhythm by going 11-for-11 and throwing for 140 yards the rest of theWhileway.the timetable for Haener’s return hasn’t been released yet, on average a high ankle sprain takes six to eight weeks for recovery.Following the bye week for the Bulldogs, Fife looks set to make his frst start on the road against UConn, the team he made his only appearance against last season.
He fnished his high school career with 6,357 total passing yards and 67 touchdown passes.These numbers helped him earn two frst team All-League selections in his three years as the starting quarterback.
childhood dream to play for the Bulldogs, according to his hometown newspaper, the TracyThatPress.dream came closer to a reality when he was ofered a scholarship during his senior year, making it an easy decision to commit to the “ItBulldogs.started of with me going to their camps when I was a freshman, and I did pretty good at the camps,” Fife told the Tracy Press in 2019.“I was able to talk to Coach Tedford and get pretty close to the staf and developed a
That game against UConn was a step into achieving his childhood dream.
relationship through the years and kept going back to the camp. The relationship just kept building on its own.”
Following the Fresno State football team’s 45-17 loss against No. 7 USC, backup quarterback Logan Fife made an Instagram post with a photo of himself captioned “Opportunity.”That’sbecause on Saturday, Oct. 1, when Fresno State plays against UConn, he may have the opportunity to make his frst start for the Bulldogs and complete his childhood dream.While Fife wasn’t able to achieve a comeback after taking over for starting quarterback Jake Haener in the third quarter, he still showed plenty of promise in front of 67,226 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.Inthe third quarter of the Trojan game, Haener was injured on a tackle that saw his ankle brutally roll back, causing him to fumble.Helaid on the grass, clearly in pain, before being carted of the feld. He watched the rest of the game from the sideline on crutches. While Fife got his shot, Haener’s future with the Bulldogs was unclear. But after the game the X-ray said otherwise.
“It’s not a season-ending thing. Initial reports on the X-ray are an ankle sprain, not broken, so that’s good news,” Fresno State head coach Jef Tedford said in the post-game press
By Alexis Castellanos Reporter
Even though the coach stepped down before Fife arrived to campus, the two reunited this“Iyear.thought Logan did a very nice job. He showed composure, he was poised… To be able to get in that environment and move the ball down the feld, we really kept rolling on ofense pretty well when he was in there,” Tedford said.
Fresno State’s quarterback could be seen mouthing the words, “I heard it pop.”
Haener and Williams left the feld injured and returned on crutches, both with injuries that require time to heal.
sprain
“We have to do a better job at attacking,” Tedford said. “Getting them stopped before they get started.”
remained of it for the remainder of the game.
One of USC’s athletes was carried of the feld in the same play, defecting the attention from Williams’ injury.
Left, Evan Williams on crutches at the sideline of the USC game. At right, Jake Haener is carried out after suffering a high-ankle
Tedford described what the team needs to work on for their bye week, including returning to their fundamentals and execution.
By Estela Anahi Jaramillo Sports Editor
As fans in the Coliseum rose to their feet, Haener remained on the foor when USC’s Solomon Byrd landed on his right ankle. Haener was later carried of the feld and
Fresno State football lost some key players in their starting line up against their Pac-12 matchup USC on Saturday, Sept. 17. The Trojans claimed a 45-17 victory over the Bulldogs.Captains Evan Williams and Jake Haener’s injuries had a signifcant impact on the team, with Fresno State losing their leaders on both ofense and defense.
He explained that the team needs to gain their confdence back after going up against a biggerUSC’steam.head coach Lincoln Riley praised the team’s performance despite Fresno State losing its senior captains.
“That looked a little bit more serious, like a ligament thing. It kind of loosened his knee. So we have to get an MRI back and see what’s going on there,” Tedford said.
In Haener’s absence, backup quarterback Logan Fife stepped up to lead the ofense for the remainder of the game.
Williams, on the other hand, sufered an injury that still requires more examination with possible ligament damage. His status is still unknown, but it may require a long period of healing for his knee.
“It hurts to lose your two captains, leaders on ofense and defense,” said head coach Jef Tedford. “But it’s our job to step up, and Fife came out and did the job.”
It is still unknown if the Red Wave will see Haener and Williams against the Huskies that day.
Initial X-ray reports revealed that Haener didn’t have any season ending injuries, but had sufered a high-ankle sprain.
Trojan war wounds: Bulldogs face injuries after loss to USC
Though his ankle is not broken, it still needs signifcant healing time, so Haener’s status for the upcoming UConn game is unknown.According to sportsmd.com, the healing time for a high-ankle sprain can take up to two
Tedford noted Fresno State’s bye week this week, giving the athletes time to rehabilitate and focus on healing their injuries.
Senior Dontae Bull from the ‘Dogs’ O-Line was carried of the feld in the fnal quarter with a pulled muscle, Tedford said.
Although the ‘Dogs’ starting quarterback was injured, Riley expected a quarterback coach like Tedford to have a strong person to step up when needed.
In the third quarter the Trojans sacked quarterback Haener in a play where they were able to recover the ball as it fumbled.
weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
In the frst half Williams went down when USC’s ofense rushed through Fresno State’s defensive line.
Fresno State continued its drive, but with the defensive line losing their safety, Williams, earlier in the game, and the ofensive team losing Haener, the team struggled to keep USC out of the red zone and struggled to score with a big part of their ofense in crutches.
Blake Wolf — The Collegian
The Bulldogs will travel east next week for thier game against UConn on Oct. 1 in their fnal non-conference matchup.
“Jef Tedford is one of our best quarterback coaches our game has ever seen. Right? He’s going to have someone else ready to go, and they still got all these other good players that have been a big part of their success,” Riley said.Losing key players to the starting line-up can show a new momentum on the Bulldogs’ ofensive and defensive line-up.
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTSTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 PAGE 12