May 9, 2018

collegian.csufresno.edu

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Graduation Congratulations to the Class of 2018!!!

Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper

Soon to be Fresno State graduates display their caps to be worn during the 107th Commencement Ceremony on May 19, 2018.

Special to The Collegian

GRADUATION

Ana Alcantar’s spirit continues to bloom

By William Ramirez @willoveslakers2

A

na Alcantar’s light continues to shine.

The Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning is honoring the late Fresno State student through a sunflower pin. The pins were distributed at the Richter Center’s end of the year banquet.

“Whenever I picture a sunflower, I picture a sun, and when I picture the sun, I picture light, and light brings a lot of positive energy. That’s who she was as a person,” said Anyssa Molina, Alcantar’s best friend and fellow Richter Center student leader.

Alcantar died in January of suicide. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists suicide as the No. 2-leading cause of death among those between the ages of 10 and 24.

Alcantar was heavily involved in a number of groups on campus. She was a prominent member of the Richter Center, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA).

At the vigil honoring Alcantar, her superiors praised her attitude and work ethic.

“It was Ana’s genuine passion to do good unto others that was absolutely remarkable,” said Erika Denise Castañon, former Richter Center student leader and Fresno State alumna. “She embodied that passion

Photo Courtesy of Anyssa Molina

in her kind smile; her calm and reassuring voice; and how she made everyone feel like they had a place.”

It is that aspect of Alcantar that the pin aims to honor – her selflessness, her captivating smile and her influence on others. It also helped that Alcantar loved sunflowers, Molina said.

She added that the idea for the sunflower originated with T-shirts made by a group of Alcantar’s closest friends with Alcantar's face surrounded by sunflowers. Those shirts were distributed by Richter Center and HBSA members.

But Alcantar’s impact goes beyond a set

of shirts and pins. Her passing helped bring together groups on campus to help each other mourn, Molina said.

“EOP, and HBSA and the Richter Center, they were the main organizations that really impacted everything,” Molina said. “They were really there, and they were strong organizations.”

Molina credits these organizations and the rest of her support group for helping her through her grieving process. She said that although there is still healing left for her to do, she has progressed well since Ana’s passing.

“I think if I didn’t have those key features,

I don’t know what I would be able to say to you today,” she said. “I’m doing OK, and I have Fresno State to thank for that.”

Fresno State has taken a number of steps to make mental health a focal point on campus. Recently, Associated Students, Inc. voted to include mental health resources in class syllabuses for the fall 2018 semester.

In April, Fresno State’s Health and Counseling Center participated in Mental Health Screening Day, which provided students with free and anonymous mental health screenings. The event was part of the monthlong “Press Pause” campaign, which encouraged students to acknowledge and take care of their mental health and practice self-care.

“Fresno State has great programs. I think where it starts first is students just going and being proactive to everything,” Molina said. “I just encourage students to be more proactive and want to learn about [mental health].”

Molina also hopes campus members employ a loving mentality toward one another in honor of Alcantar. A mentality similar to the one Alcantar had on a daily basis.

Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour services all week long at 1-800273-TALK (8255) Contact the Fresno State Student Health and Counseling Center at 559-278-2734 from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

OPINION

GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them.

COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

2

EDITORIAL

We never planned to work in a college newspaper

By Razmik Cañas & Hayley Salazar

@raz_canas & @hayley_salazarr

A

llow us to introduce ourselves, we’re Razmik and Hayley.

If you’ve picked up The Collegian once or twice in the past two years you’ve probably seen our bylines.

Or perhaps even pestering you on Fresno State Book and Trade looking for sources.

We’ve grown a lot since joining The Collegian team in May 2016. As our adviser George Hostetter says, we did “shoe-leather” journalism.

In the simplest terms, we literally walked up and down campus to find a story.

We’ve written. We’ve edited. And we have way too many interview recordings saved on our iPhones.

We’ve even dabbled into the world of digital journalism, launching a weekly newsletter and web-broadcast -- quickly realizing that those projects are the future of media consumption.

But what really made the biggest impact on our education was the production of a print newspaper.

What many may not know is that we are not pursuing degrees in print journalism.

Razmik is a junior broadcast journalism and political science student. And Hayley will walk to get her business-marketing degree next week.

Neither of us planned to work at a newspaper during our college career.

But we are so glad we did.

Each of us have our own little story of how we stumbled upon The Collegian that spring of 2016.

Razmik’s first story was a five-paragraph essay with no quotes, and Hayley applied for an accounting assistant position that had already been filled for a year.

Like we’ve said, we’ve grown a lot.

As this semester’s news editor, Razmik led his writers on a roller coaster of a semester, covering student deaths, shootings near campus and a national Twitter controversy.

Courtesy of Razmik Cañas & Hayley Salazar

Hayley is the first digital editor at The Collegian, who launched the inaugural weekly newsletter and a new feature Instagram account called “Humans of Fresno State.”

Now, we sit down to write our last piece for The Collegian the night before our final production to tell you why this newspaper is so important – not just to its readership, but to those who produce it.

Weeks ago we launched “It’s Your Paper,” the new brand campaign for The Collegian. And we both stand by this campaign wholeheartedly. It’s true. The past two years, we both wrote for you.

But we also wrote for ourselves. We wrote to learn. We wrote to inform, and we

wrote because we both have the passion to tell other people’s stories.

Being a student journalist at a university newspaper is not easy. We compete directly with local media outlets, and our social lives and education sometimes get put on the back burner for the sake of writing a story.

We’ve had to cover difficult topics like rape, suicide, drug-abuse and mental health -- prompting us to conduct conversations across the campus that we wouldn’t have even with our closest friends.

And sometimes the reward is not even a simple pat on the back, but backlash. We do it because we know it’s the right thing to do.

The outcome of the print product is

measured by how much the creators put into it. The staff at The Collegian prides itself on creating the best content as if it was our full-time career. Because working at a newspaper is not just about the interviews and the writing. It’s about time management, communication and problem solving – values any employer looks for in a potential employee.

Yes, we may have loved seeing our name on a front-page story, but the work done before the ink dried on that paper was even more valuable to us. Because we experienced the hard work it takes to put out a publication for the masses to see.

In the wake of financial struggles for student newsrooms across the country, we ask our readers to open their eyes to the reality of what a newspaper and its functions are.

It’s not just something you pick up from the kiosk to read now and then. It’s not just another news story on your Twitter feed. It’s the culmination of dozens of hard-working students exhibiting their talents to put the publication in your hands.

A student sold the advertisement on Page 3. A student designed the graphic on Page 6.

And a student went out of their way to hand you a copy outside of the University Student Union.

It’s a team effort. The experience is gained only at a few places accessible to college students.

So the next time you read a story from The Collegian, or any newspaper, take a minute to realize the work that went into that story.

It’s not about the writer on the byline or the editor who sent it to print. It’s a team, and we should support that work ethic no matter our career goals.

To the print journalism students on this campus, and all campuses, we thank you for setting the foundation that has inspired other students to see what hard work is really like.

It has been the greatest pleasure and privilege to write for you.

CAMPUS COLUMN

As we embark on the New USU journey, here’s what the USU has offered us

By Dan Waterhouse

The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university. collegian.csufresno.edu

In a few years, a new age will begin at Fresno State when the New University Student Union is built. However, let’s remember the “campus living room” that’s served Bulldogs well for 50 years.

The College Union, or the CU to sev-

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

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Digital Editor Photo Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Layout Designer Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter

eral generations of Fresno State students, opened in 1968. It cost $2.1 million and contained 52,000 square feet of space spread over three floors. It was designed for a student population of 10,000.

When it opened on Nov. 11, 1968, it

Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado Staff Reporter Chueyee Yang Staff Reporter Razmik Cañas Staff Reporter Selina Falcon Staff Reporter Vanessa Romo Multimedia Reporter Hayley Salazar Multimedia Reporter Ramuel Reyes General Sales Manager Benjamin Cruz National Sales Manager Alyssa Honore Special Projects Manager Juan Alvarez Agency Sales Manager William Ramirez Art Director Michael Ford Assistant Art Director Nugesse Ghebrendrias Distribution Manager

Angelica Hernandez Bineet Kaur Chrissy Mattos Jorge Rodriguez Crea Jackson Eric Zamora Bailey Margosian Omar Lopez Jr Danielle Schneider Jacqueline Solorio-Ayala Casey Supple Kong Thao David Greenwald

housed a coffee shop on the bottom level along with the bowling alley. It also was home to The Daily Collegian and the Alumni Association offices. Student government and College Union programming offices were located on the second floor.

My brother spent many hours between classes and Senate meetings (he was the senator for the then School of Engineering in 1968/1969) downstairs in the CU bowling and playing pool. The first games in the game center were old-time pinball machines.

See CAMPUS COLUMN, Page 3 Accountancy Assistant General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair

Edgar Jimenez-Ordaz Rich Marshall Cheryl Carlson Jan Edwards George Hostetter Dr. Katherine Adams

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 Collegian.

The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.

Each member of the campus community is permitted one 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 © 2018 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.

CAMPUS COLUMN from Page 2

By the time I arrived on campus as an undergrad in 1975, the CU was already outgrown. The university was planning for a student population of around 20,000 at that point, and there were roughly 15,000 students on campus then.

By the mid-1980s, there were around 22,000 students enrolled.

The lounge on the main floor hosted events such as the Friday night movie series that lasted

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THE COLLEGIAN • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018 well into the 1980s and live music of the sort now heard in the Pit at lunchtimes. I saw flicks like the Three and Four Musketeers, “Lucky Lady,” “Smokey and the Bandit” and “For Your Eyes Only” there. Vintage Days’ Casino Night was held there for many years.

The reservation center around the corner from the lounge was where students camped out to buy Bulldog basketball season tickets in the early ‘80s. Fresno State hoops was the hottest ticket in town back then. Everyone wanted to go to the games. The demand grew to the point that students would queue up for three days to

buy tickets. Finally, a lottery system was put in place to eliminate the mob scene outside the CU. The student government offices originally were in the northeast corner upstairs, where Student Involvement is now. Student Involvement had a much smaller footprint back in the day than it has now. The Senate met next door. The CU Productions/Vintage Days office was where Associated Students is these days.

On the bottom level, the area where the USU Information Center and Golden 1 are, was originally open to the sky, just like The Pit by the Food Court. What’s there

now was built after the turn of the millennium. At its peak, a small post office, a screen printer, a hair cutter and nail salon and the credit union occupied space in the Bulldog Zone.

The Country Store that was next to the bowling alley in the 1980s was the best of the lot. Far better than the current snack bar, in my opinion. The cinnamon rolls were awesome, and you could get real food there on the weekends.

The coffee shop eventually morphed into the food court. I miss the breakfasts there – I worked graveyard shifts pumping gas and often came straight to school from work.

The Pit remains where students gather when the weather’s nice. In the day, it was where parties and intramural teams were planned.

It was impossible to find a seat at lunchtime. And it’s still hard.

Dan Waterhouse writes The Collegian’s Campus Column, which prints on Wednesdays.

Waterhouse is a lifelong Fresnan.

He has written for the Fresno City College and Fresno State student newspapers over the years, including other local publications.

Follow him on Twitter: @WaterhouseDan

COMMENTARY

Remember Marx for the many things he got wrong

By Noah Smith Bloomberg News

On May 5, admirers of Karl Marx celebrated his 200th birthday. Marx didn't make it to 200, but the ideas he injected into the global conversation and the ideologies that bear his name far outlasted the German economist and philosopher.

As socialist ideas grow in popularity in the U.S., and as the memory of the Cold War fades, respect for Marx is enjoying a bit of a resurgence. In the New York Times, philosophy professor Jason Barker declared that Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement are carrying on Marx's legacy of social critique (a point of view shared by conservatives, who are naturally less happy about it). Meanwhile, writing at the Week, Ryan Cooper said that it was time to normalize the man many consider to be the founder of communism.

But something about this celebration of Marx sits uneasily.

For those who have read history or lived through the 20th century, it's hard to forget the tens of millions of people who starved

to death under Mao Zedong, the tens of millions purged, starved or sent to gulags by Joseph Stalin, or the millions slaughtered in Cambodia's killing fields. Even if Marx himself never advocated genocide, these stupendous atrocities and catastrophic economic blunders were all done in the name of Marxism. From North Korea to Vietnam, 20th century communism always seem to result in either crimes against humanity, grinding poverty or both. Meanwhile, Venezuela, the most dramatic socialist experiment of the 21st century in a nation with the world's largest oil reserves, is in full economic collapse.

This dramatic record of failure should make us wonder whether there was something inherently and terribly wrong with the German thinker's core ideas.

Defenders of Marx will say that Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot exemplified only a perverted caricature of Marxism, and that the real thing hasn't yet been tried. Others will cite Western interference or oil price fluctuations as the reason for socialism's failures. Some will even cite China's recent growth as a communist success story,

conveniently ignoring the fact that the country only recovered from Mao after substantial economic reforms and a huge burst of private-sector activity.

All of these excuses ring hollow. There must be inherent flaws in the ideas that continue to lead countries like Venezuela over economic cliffs.

The best way to look for those flaws is to follow Cooper's advice and read Marx with judicious detachment. My favorite example of this is a 2013 post in which University of California – Berkeley economic historian Brad DeLong tried to boil Marx's big ideas down to their essentials, and evaluate each one. While noting some trenchant and foresighted observations the German thinker made about capitalism, DeLong also chronicles his mistakes.

Marx, DeLong writes, failed to appreciate the degree to which capital investment raises worker productivity and living standards. He didn't predict the shift from manufacturing to services.

And he underrated the power and usefulness of the signals and incentives created by the price system in a capitalist economy.

Those mistakes alone would

be enough to hobble an economy and send any economic doctrine to the rubbish heap. Collectivization of agriculture seems to have been particularly disastrous for farm-based societies like 20th century China and Russia. But they can't explain why communism was so often accompanied by atrocities, or why leaders like Mao and Stalin persisted in failed policies long past the time when wise, benevolent leaders would have changed course.

The brutality and insanity of communist leaders might have been a historical fluke, but it also could have been rooted in another of what DeLong sees as Marx's mistake – the preference for revolution over evolution. DeLong writes: "(Marx believed) that even though the ruling class could appease the working class by using the state to redistribute and share the fruits of economic growth it would never do so...Hence social democracy would inevitably collapse...and the system would collapse or be overthrown."

But overthrowing the system has usually been a disaster.

Successful revolutions tend to be those like the American Rev-

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olution, which overthrow foreign rule while keeping local institutions largely intact. Violent social upheavals like the Russian Revolution or the Chinese Civil War have, more often than not, led both to ongoing social divisions and bitterness, and to the rise of opportunistic, megalomaniac leaders like Stalin and Mao. Even the French Revolution, though it eventually led France to become a stable liberal democracy, only did do after almost a century of atrocities, short-lived dictatorships and civil strife.

Meanwhile, the most successful examples of socialism – the mixed economies of the Scandinavian countries, France, Germany, and Canada – came not from the violent overthrow of the old order, but from gradual change within the democratic, partly capitalist system. These countries have plenty of private businesses, but also fairly high taxes, universal health care, strong social safety nets and a variety of other government tools that keep capitalism from resulting in runaway inequality.

Even in the supposedly capitalist bastion of the U.S., the social safety net is a lot stronger than people give it credit for – thanks to government benefits, America's child poverty rate is at an all-time low. Meanwhile, almost all rich countries now have progressive income taxes, universal public education and laws against child labor – all things that Marx demanded in 1848 in the Communist Manifesto.

In other words, real socialist success has been of the gradual, incrementalist kind, more in line with the visions of thinkers like Eduard Bernstein than to the dramatic, violent prophecies of Marx. Through repeated experimentation, societies like those of Denmark, France and Canada have found ways to use government to make society more equal without killing the golden goose of private enterprise.

So although Marx was far-sighted in identifying some of the problems of capitalism, he got the solution very wrong. Remembering this is the best way to commemorate his birthday.

NEWS

4

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

CITY

ENGINEERING

Fresno recharges water system

11th annual ‘Projects Day’ showcases student innovation

Ramuel Reyes • The Collegian

By Kimberly Binion @kim_b_alto

Fresno’s major expansion of its water system, the Recharge Fresno project, is nearing completion.

Recharge Fresno is an infrastructure project that will deliver treated surface water to more homes and businesses beginning the middle of this year.

“Many of the staff working here have been working on this project for well over five years,” said Michael Carbajal, assistant director of public utilities.

Increasing the use of surface water supply will allow Fresno to comply with state regulations passed in 2015 to stop the overuse of groundwater supplies. The changes will also allow Fresno to achieve the long-term goal of being drought resilient by reducing dependence on groundwater pumping while also replenishing the aquifer.

“The state is very heavily focused on reducing the reliance of groundwater,” said Kassy Chauhan, senior engineer with the state drinking water division.

The expansion of the water system will begin with water delivered to a new treatment facility for testing. A new surface-water treatment facility will be located in southeast Fresno.

The treatment process involves a series of steps to ensure that the raw surface water is purified and sanitized in order to meet state and federal water quality standards before it is delivered to customers.

Raw water will be taken from the Kings River and delivered to the treatment facility through a 13-mile, large-diameter pipeline.

A screen and other treatment

processes will remove large objects and sediments before the water enters the pipeline. Then the water will be disinfected and filtered before delivery to water customers.

Little noise or odor is expected to be associated with this water treatment process. The testing process will continue through June 2018 as the facility is brought up to full operation.

“We are doing whatever we can to deliver a clean, safe water supply,” said Mark Standriff, the city’s director of communications and public affairs.

Most customers may not even notice the expansion of the city’s water system. However, businesses and institutions treating water for special use or processes may want to consult water quality and treatment professionals to assist with any necessary adjustments.

There may still be some changes in the water with pH, mineral content, alkalinity and hardness.

“The only things you should really notice is a little bit more softness because the surface water doesn’t have the kind of minerals you find in ground water and a little bit more water pressure,” Standriff said.

He said the city is expecting a smooth transition of the water supply.

Community members are encouraged to report any noticeable changes with their water as soon as possible to Resource Fresno at 844-FRESNOH2O or at online at RechargeFresno.com.

A ceremony is also expected to take place soon to announce the grand opening of the new Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility.

By Bineet Kaur @hellobineet

Fresno State engineering and construction management students as well as Sanger High School students gathered at the Satellite Student Union on Tuesday to show off more than 100 projects at the 11th annual Projects Day. The annual event highlighted the hands-on projects made by the Lyles College of Engineering students.

“Engineering is really critical for our environment,” said Ram Nunna, dean of the Lyles College of Engineering. “The United States has very few engineers, compared to the jobs that are currently available. We need more

JOIN

Photo courtesy of Recharge Fresno

The projects on display at the 11th Annual Projects Day held in the Satellite Student Union on May 8, 2018.

people to pursue engineering.”

Fresno State students Abdulaziz Almudarra; Mario Mendis; Landan Yoshida; Fahad Al Sadhaan; and Reynaldo Vazquez created a portable shower. The group did so in hopes of improving upon issues with already existing portable showers.

“Its unique shape allows for easy set up,” Vazquez said. “The current portable showers – they don’t offer the elbow space that you need.”

Students Jose Garcia; Cesar Navarro; and Ivan Soto displayed their automated sorting machine.

It sorts tomatoes by color and size – differentiating small tomatoes from large ones and green tomatoes from red ones.

Soto said they felt this machine would be applicable for the

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Central Valley, given its large agricultural industry.

Sanger High School students Daysia Torres; Keanu Lugo; and Mario Moctezuma created a composting machine. Torres said they were inspired to do this due to issues surrounding food waste.

“When you put a lot of food waste into landfills, it emits methane gases into air,” Torres said. “So, it also causes air pollution.”

She said they aimed to make their machine simple enough for people to use, even if they don’t know much about composting.

“We want to make it easier for consumers to compost at a household level,” Torres said.

“Easier for the average person who may not take as much of an interest in it.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

PAGE 5

PROFILE

NEWS BRIEF

Zante: Transparency was the goal of ASI this year

Anthropology professors, students launch local ethnic food website

By Hayley Salazar @hayley_salazarr

It was an eventful year for Associated Students, Inc. President Blake Zante.

Accomplishments this semester had much to do with the team effort of the student government to improve student outreach and transparency among the student body, he said recently as he reflected on his presidential term.

Proof of ASI’s strides toward transparency lies in the fact that more people showed up to the biweekly student senate meetings and reached out through email with their concerns, Zante said.

This semester, ASI expanded its readership program by providing The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times at no additional cost to students.

The Senate also allocated nearly $171,000 in reserve funds toward projects for students. Perhaps that has been the most rewarding part of his presidency, Zante said.

Zante and other Fresno State representatives and students lobbied in Sacramento for more funding for the California State University system. The CSU trustees announced this spring that tuition would not go up.

The ASI presidency at Fresno State is a “unique role,” Zante said. It comes with unexpected obstacles.

Recently, Zante attended two forums

along with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro and other representatives to hear public comments regarding the Twitter controversy unleashed by English professor Randa Jarrar, following the death of former first lady Barbara Bush.

The experience has helped Zante grow, even in his final moments as ASI president, and has inspired him to move toward a career in public service, he said.

“I think like that is a big thing that I learned is accessibility and just being there for the people that live here, whether they voted for you or not. It goes a long way,” Zante said.

He said he’s been inspired by Castro through their one-on-one collaborations and has gained “a nugget of wisdom” each time he’s talked with the president.

“I think one of the biggest moments was probably yesterday [May 3], after the forum, maybe it’s because it happened yesterday, but after it was done, we got off the stage, and we were walking back, and he put his arm around me and he’s like, ‘We did it.’”

It wasn’t a perfect presidency. There are some things Zante said he would do differently. He said he wouldn’t have spread himself too thin across projects and meetings.

“I would spend whole nights and weekends just catching up on all of my responsibilities and attending different events,” he said. “I really tried to go to everything I could happening on campus. But you defi-

A big thing that I learned is accessibility and just being there for the people that live here.

— Blake Zante, ASI president nitely need some time for yourself, too.”

As Zante prepares to walk across the stage during graduation to receive his bachelor of arts degree in political science, he said he hopes ASI will continue its path of growth under ASI president-elect Demi Wack.

“I think, going forward, she’s really going to have a big impact on this campus and the student body. I’ve seen her passion. It’s very real, and she’s really a real person, too,” he said.

Zante said it is comforting to see the presidency and ASI left in good hands.

Zante plans to intern in Washington, D.C., for the summer and return to Fresno to remain involved with the community.

His future may include politics, law school or even graduate school to study higher education.

But one thing is certain – he is a proud Bulldog.

By Dan Waterhouse |

@WaterhouseDan

A website devoted to telling about Fresno’s ethnic food scene was unveiled during last weekend’s Southwest Anthropological Association conference in downtown Fresno.

According to Dr. Dvera Saxton, a Fresno State anthropology professor, students “collaborated with a group of food entrepreneurs and home cooks hailing from immigrant, refugee, and diasporic communities.” Saxton added that those communities face many challenges, including prejudice and discrimination, exclusion from public investment, disproportionate attention from law enforcement, and suspicions about crime and terrorism.

The website was developed by students in Saxton’s public anthropology class. Public anthropology not only documents the human experience but participates in research and actions that address inequalities and injustices in ways that are real to the communities involved.

The aim of the site is to tell the stories of marginalized groups, support their businesses by creating a website telling vignettes, to train students in anthropological methods and foster public engagement in social justice issues through food.

The website can be found at fresnofoodways.wordpress.com/

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

Commencement Schedule 2018 107th Commencement Ceremony, May 19, 2018 10 a.m. Save Mart Center

Craig School of Business – May 18, 2018 8 a.m.

– Save Mart Center

College of Arts and Humanities – May 18, 2018 12:30 p.m.

– Save Mart Center

College of Science and Math – May 18, 2018 5 p.m.

– Save Mart Center

University Commencement Ceremony – May 19, 2018 10 a.m.

– Save Mart Center

Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony – May 18, 2018 11:30 a.m.

– Satellite Student Union

CAMP Migrant Student Graduation – May 19, 2018 noon – North Gym 118

EOP Graduate Recognition Ceremony – May 11, 2018 4 p.m.

– Satellite Student Union

Health Careers Opportunities Program – May 18, 2018 1 p.m.

– Education Building, Room 140

International Students Commencement Celebration – May 19, 2018 3 p.m.

– Satellite Student Union

Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduation Ceremony – May 19, 2018 1:30 p.m.

– Student Recreation Center

Rainbow Graduation Celebration – May 19, 2018 3:30 p.m.

– Peters Educational Center

Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration – May 19, 2018 6 p.m.

– Save Mart Center

Lyles College of Engineering – May 18, 2018 9 a.m.

– Student Recreation Center College of Social Sciences – May 18, 2018 10:15 a.m.

– Save Mart Center

African-American Recognition Program – May 19, 2018 2 p.m.

– Save Mart Center American Indian Graduation Honoring and Dinner – May 18, 2018 5:30 p.m.

– Falls Event Center

Congratulations to all of our

CLAS graduates!!!

Kremen School of Education Jordan College of Agricultural and Human Development Sciences and Technology – May 18, 2018 7:15 p.m.

– May 18, 2018 2:45 p.m.

– Save Mart Center – Save Mart Center

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

PAGE 7

COMMENCEMENT

2018 Undergraduate Deans’ Medalists

By Razmik Cañas | @raz_canas

Elizabeth Barba

Katelin Britton

Selena Carbajal

Prabhsimrat Gill

Kremen School of Education and Human Development

Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

College of Social Sciences

College of Arts and Humanities

Born in Mexico, Elizabeth Barba moved to the U.S. when she was only six months old.

In eighth grade she began studying French and now is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Barba is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies and a minor in French while receiving a 3.56 GPA. She has a passion for helping children in the community by assisting in programs like Jumpstart Fresno and Kings Canyon Head Start. Barba is now a candidate for the Fresno Teacher Residency program through Fresno Unified School District.

Raised on her family’s fruit farm, Katelin Britton grew up with a passion for agriculture. She worked her summers harvesting cherries, peaches and apples. Britton is graduating with her bachelor of science degree in agricultural business while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. She was also team captain for the Bulldogs’ swimming and diving team where she was awarded with Academic All-Mountain West honors. Britton also completed multiple internships at Ott and Davison Consulting in Clovis; Van Groningen & Sons in Manteca; and Gaarde Food Source/Pangea Cultivar Management in Fresno. Her goal is to eventually take over her family’s business.

As a first-generation college student and a daughter of two immigrants Selena Carbajal made her education at Fresno State a unique one. She is graduating with three bachelor of arts degrees in women’s studies, psychology and Chicano studies with a 3.97 GPA. Carbajal is a McNair Scholar, a Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar and a research assistant for the Latino Family Dynamics Project. She used her diverse fields of study to research a number of issues.

She will continue her studies this fall at the University of Arizona where she will pursue her doctorate in family studies and human development.

As a child Prabhsimrat “Peekay” Gill had a passion for educating and storytelling. When she was in kindergarten, she would set up a mock classroom at home and teach her stuffed animals. Gill continued her desire for teaching by graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in English education with a 3.83 GPA. She also is an advocate for educating Valley youth through organizations like the Gobind Sarvar Gurmat School in Fresno and “The kNOw Youth Media.” Gill is now preparing to teach English at the high school level.

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A&E

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

8

MUSIC

Childish Gambino masterfully commentates on America in new video

By William Ramirez @willoveslakers2

D

onald Glover is a multifaceted artist. There is no doubt about that. You can find him on FX’s “Atlanta,” which he stars in and writes for; as Lando Calrissian in the upcoming film “Solo: A Star Wars Story;” and let us not forget his rap alter-ego, Childish Gambino.

The latter is the facet catching the most attention at the moment. During his hosting of “Saturday Night Live” this past Saturday, Gambino debuted two new songs.

One of those two songs, “This Is America,” came with a music video. Both the visuals and the track presented layers upon layers of social commentary, as well as Gambino’s musical versatility.

Both the audio and the video are irresistibly captivating. The song is another genre-pivot from the P-funk driven “Awaken, My Love,” Gambino’s last studio album. This song is a combination of trap, and gospel-inspired melodies, with the two contrasting one another. This juxtaposition is intentional and beautifully executed with both aspects segueing nicely into each other, presenting two sides to African-American art and making them one.

But the video is where the bulk of the song’s messages are found, or at least where they are found more clearly.

The video begins with Gambino dancing and making eccentric faces to the camera. His dancing and his faces continue throughout the video’s four-minute runtime, but they are quickly joined by acts of violence.

Gambino disposes of a guitar player and a church choir with gunfire. The video wastes no time actually acknowledging the deaths or mourning them. Gambino and the camera just move on, turning the focus back to the rapper’s dancing.

This appears to be a metaphor for the apathy in America toward violence. The man and choir are shot dead but the audience has already moved on and has turned its focus back to Gambino.

But even more shocking is what is going on behind Gambino. In the backdrop is a group of children doing the shoot dance

His apathy is gone, almost as if to represent that he has realized the weight of his actions and the dire state of society. and the South African Gwara Gwara.

There is chaos – men jumping to their death, cars being vandalized and people running aimlessly. How many caught that chaos on first viewing? Not many. Hence why the video warrants multiple views.

Again, Gambino is communicating how easily we, as a culture, are distracted from some of the ugliest parts of the world. Mental health, senseless violence, co-dependence on technology, it’s all here; none of it is framed as important.

Gambino even manages to sneak in a dig at the gun laws in the country. The gun he uses to kill the guitar player is wrapped in a red cloth and coddled away, while the human body is dragged off screen.

Arguably the most harrowing part of the video, though, is the end. The camera suddenly cuts to a dark and empty lot, and Gambino’s “character,” per se, is no longer dancing, he’s running. He is running with an unforgettable look of fear, sweat dripping from his face and chest. Then an angry mob comes into frame, and we see what he is so afraid of.

Young Thug’s refrains of, “You’re just a black man in this world,” add even more context to the scene.

Gambino almost seems like a representation of black America and the constant fear there is in living in this country. His apathy is gone, almost as if to represent that he has realized the weight of his actions and the dire state of society.

The video has been analyzed to death, and rightfully so. It is extremely nuanced, and every view reveals a new element to Gambino’s vision. Gambino, who used to be Donald Glover’s main act, has returned. And if this really will be his last musical effort, then it is off to an extremely strong start.

Laura Thompson • New York Daily News/Tribune News Service

Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, attends the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” Costume Institute Gala 2018 on May 7, 2018 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY.

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

PAGE 9

EVENT

Grizzly Fest to bring liveliness to the Central Valley

By Bineet Kaur @hellobineet

Grizzly Fest is returning to Fresno on May 18 and 19 with expanded food options, a stacked lineup and a new location.

This year’s lineup includes Snoop Dogg, Jhene Aiko and Dirty Heads as well as Foster the People and Nas. Local artists such as Zee Will and Fashawn will also perform.

Aren Hekimian, the organizer of Grizzly Fest, said part of what inspired him to organize a music festival in Fresno was to show locals what the Central Valley has to offer.

“I want to prove to people that we’re a region that’s just as good as any other region in the United States,” Hekimian said.

Seth Duran, who plays drums for Sharks of Dance – a local band that will perform at Grizzly Fest – said the event is much needed for the Central Valley, as the area’s music scene has slowed recently.

“Fresno doesn’t get a lot of very big shows very often,” Duran said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to show bigger artists that Fresno is a great place to come.”

Hekimian said that often,

Collegian File Photo

Fashawn performs at Grizzly Fest 2017 in Chukchansi Park on April 29, 2017. “Thank you Fresno for letting us have an event like this,” said the hip-hop artist from Fresno. “It really means more to me than you know.”

people doubt the Central Valley’s ability to host entertainment.

“I love that we’re underdogs,” Hekimian said. “I feel people in the Central Valley are just not educated about what Fresno has to offer – and that’s what we’re here to do.”

Duran echoed these senti-

ments.

“Fresno sometimes gets a bad name, undeservingly,” Duran said. “We are one of the biggest cities in California. There are lots of people that want to come out and enjoy music.”

This year will be the first time that Grizzly Fest will take place

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at Woodward Park. Previously, it’s been held at the Fresno Fairgrounds and Chukchansi Park.

Hekimian said the location was changed in hopes of improving the overall experience. “[There are] areas where people can sit and congregate and dance and enjoy music – rather

than being in a really tight, confined area,” he said. “You need space, and you want scenery.”

The change in location was met with pushback. Earlier this year, controversy ensued over the potential for noise pollution in surrounding areas because of the festival. Hekimian said the debacle didn’t take him by surprise.

“Anytime you’re doing something that’s going to push the boundaries, you’re always going to get hit with adversity,” he said.

Hekimian said that much of the conflict stemmed from misinformation.

“If people don’t know, they’re going to be fearful,” Hekimian said. “We just had to educate them on what this is and how this can really impact our community in a positive way.”

The festival will include 30 food trucks, offering a spectrum of options including tacos, vegan food and Thai food.

Grizzly Fest will also have art installations on display. There will be a four sided wall with murals, a backdrop for people to take photos in front of and an LED Ferris wheel.

For lineup and ticket information, visit grizzlyfestival.com.

PAGE 10

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

POP CULTURE

Summer 2018 Entertainment Guide

By Selina Falcon @selinafalcon

T

he approaching end of the spring semester typically means one thing is on my mind: summer vacation. Not only does it mean no more time spent in long classes, doing homework and studying for finals - it means free time spent watching movies, listening to music and reading books (of my choice).

Summer vacation is the time for any pop culture junkies who are stuck in school eight months of the year to fully immerse themselves in what they love. Here is a guide of what I’ll be keeping an eye on and checking out this summer.

by childhood memories of the summer when racial tensions in his hometown reached a tipping point. Release date: May 29.

June Movie: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

Starring Joanne Rogers and Fred Rogers (archive footage).

Documentary, biography. NR. Release date: June 8.

Movie: “Incredibles 2”

Album: “Pray for the Wicked” by Panic! at the Disco Release date: June 22.

Book: “The Museum of Us” by Tara Wilson Redd Sadie loves her boyfriend Henry and her best friend Lucie, but when something goes wrong and Sadie is taken to the hospital calling out for “George,” her hidden life may be exposed. Release date: June 26.

July Movie: “The First Purge”

May Book: “What I Leave Behind” by Alison McGhee After his dad commits suicide, Will tries to overcome his own misery by secretly helping the people around him, including Superman, the homeless guy he passes on his way to work; the Little Butterfly Dude he walks by on the way home; and Playa, his childhood friend. Release date: May 15.

Movie: “Book Club” Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. Comedy. PG-13.

Release date: May 18.

Movie: “Deadpool 2”

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin and Bill Skarsgård. Action, comedy. R. Release date: May 18.

Movie: “Solo: A Star Wars Movie” Starring Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke and Thandie Newton. Sci-Fi, fantasy, action. PG-13. Release date: May 25.

Album: “Shawn Mendes” by Shawn Mendes Release date: May 25.

Book: “They Come in All Colors”

by Malcolm Hansen Malcolm Hansen’s debut follows a biracial teenage boy in the 1960s and early ‘70s who finds his new life in the big city disrupted

Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson.

Animation, kids and family. NR. Release date: June 15.

Book: “The Lost for Words Bookshop” by Stephanie Butland Loveday Cardew prefers books to people. If you look carefully, you might glimpse the first lines of the novels she loves most tattooed on her skin. But there are some things Loveday will never, ever show you. Release date: June 19.

Movie: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jeff Goldblum. Action, adventure. PG-13.

Release date: June 22.

Starring Y’lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis and Joivan Wade. Horror.

NR. Release date: July 4.

Movie: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” Starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Cher and Lily James.

Musical, comedy. PG-13.Release date: July 20.

Movie: “The Equalizer 2” Starring Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Bill Pullman.

Action, thriller. NR. Release date: July 20.

Album: “Sweetener” by Ariana Grande Release date: July 20.

Book: “Contagion” by Erin Bowman

After receiving a distress call from a drill team on a distant planet, a crew is sent into deep space to perform a standard search-and-rescue mission.

Release date: July 24.

Book: “Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win” by Jo Piazza A novel about what happens when a woman wants it all—political power, a happy marriage and happiness – but isn’t sure just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Release date: July 24.

Starring Ewan McGregor, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi and Hayley Atwell. Drama, adventure.

G. Release date: Aug. 3.

Movie: “The Darkest Minds” Starring Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore and Harris Dickinson. Sci-fi, action. NR. Release date: Aug. 3 Book: “The Last Best Story” by Maggie Lehrman A fresh romantic comedy about two high-schools seniors who can’t quite admit they are in love. Includes a toga-wearing prom crasher, an emergency lockdown, a secret stalker and a wild after-party to bring our main characters together for one last story for the school paper. Release date: Aug. 7.

Movie: “Crazy Rich Asians” Starring Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Gemma Chan. Comedy. PG-13.

Release date: Aug. 17.

Book: “We Regret to Inform You” by A.E. Kaplan

August Movie: “Christopher Robin”

When a high achiever is rejected by every Ivy League college and her safety school, her life is turned upside down in this novel that puts college admissions in perspective. Release date: Aug. 21.

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PAGE 12

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

GEOGRAPHY

You can plan a city with this major

By Christian Mattos @chrisssymattos

Have you ever wanted a career like Mark Brendanawicz from the TV show “Parks and Recreation?”

Fresno State has a new major that can get you that – or something like it.

A new bachelor of science degree in city and regional planning (CRP) was introduced this spring. A city planner is responsible for determining the use of land and resources necessary for creating a community. From infrastructure to the environment to transportation, city planners help play a role in the development of a city.

Dr. Michelle Calvarese, an associate professor and the chair of the department of geography and city & regional planning, said that the major is separate from a previous option of city and regional planning that was available to students seeking a degree in geography.

“A lot of our [students] as geography majors were already going into planning, but they didn’t necessarily have all the courses a county agency would like to see,” Calvarese said.

The new CRP program was created after faculty discussions and community inquiries.

“Over the years, we started being contacted by local planning agencies, developers, nonprofits asking if we were ever going to have a degree in planning, because there is no planning degree in the Valley,” Calvarese said.

“This program has been highly supported by the community, and they’re waiting for our students to graduate so they can hire them.”

The community has shown its support through internship opportunities and donations earmarked for scholarships, Calvarese said.

The CRP program allows students to have theory background and learn the requisite material for planners as well as take part in classes that provide field experience and opportunities for networking.

One such class is a case study class taught by Calvarese this spring. Students worked with the development firm McCaffrey Homes as it designs a new community called Tesoro Viejo near Madera.

“The students have taken six site visits up there this semester where they can actually have boots on the ground – I mean, it’s dirt essentially right now,” Calvarese said. “They’re getting to learn material from the McCaffreys themselves as well as all their subcontractors.”

Students have been able to meet with different members of the project including a biologist, project manager, planning consultant and individuals work-

ing on infrastructure, historic preservation and environmental preservation.

Fresno State senior Valerie Binion, who is in the case study course, said that she and her peers are working on a paper giving recommendations and opinions on the project.

“We’re able to see a town being planned from the ground up,” she said.

Senior Ryan McKelvey, who is also in the class, said that the site visits have been beneficial experiences for the class.

“Every single meeting, there’s always something new, like something being built. It’s always changing, so we actually get to see the development occur,” McKelvey said.

Also introduced this spring is the environmental planning certificate, Calvarese said.

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Geography and City & Regional Planning

Students can earn the certificate upon completion of Geology 128, Environmental Pollution; Geology 132, United States Environmental Law; Geology 184, Environmental Planning; and another approved course.

to the 2018 Arts and Humanities graduates!

“In a way, it’s learning how to help companies and help public agencies work with the environment instead of against it, which is kind of big right now,” Binion said about the certificate.

Students will also have in-

ternship opportunities within the CRP field working with the city and county, developers and nonprofit organizations and providing more real-world experience, Calvarese said.

“When they graduate from this program, there should be no doubt in their mind as to what their job is going to look like,” Calvarese said.

The CRP program has been structured with new curriculum to ensure that any students who enter can graduate in two years, whether they are transfers or changing majors, Calvarese said.

For sophomore Eileen Mitchell, who is majoring in CRP, said the program has offered a lot of valuable field experience.

“I’ve seen a lot of departments, and this one is, by far, the funnest, the most exciting, and I think I actually have the most experience compared to all the other ones that I’ve actually had the opportunity to actually work with,” Mitchell said.

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

PAGE 13

COMMENCEMENT from Page 7

Patricio Galindo

Brandon Sepulveda

Majerle Reeves

Anoush Hakopyan

Yvette Espinoza

College of Health and Human Services

Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

College of Science and Mathematics

Craig School of Business

Lyles College of Engineering

Majerle Reeves is graduating from Fresno State with two degrees this spring. She is receiving her bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. During her time at Fresno State, she was involved in two research projects that align with her fields of study. The first project was a team effort in modeling the spread of influenza in California. The second was using data science techniques to classify locations in Manhattan.

She will continue her education at University of California, Merced this fall to receive her doctorate in applied mathematics.

Growing up with a family business, Anoush Hakopyan came to Fresno State to further advance her knowledge in the field. She is graduating with her bachelor of science degree in accounting with a 4.0 GPA. During her time on campus, she was involved in the Armenian Students Organization, the VITA program and the Student Managed Investment Fund. She has accepted a full-time position with K-Coe Isom, a nationwide public accounting firm where she previously served as an intern. Her future plans include getting her doctorate and becoming a professor.

Yvette Espinoza grew up knowing very little English. Today, she is graduating from Fresno State knowing three languages: English, Spanish and Mandarin. Espinoza is graduating with her bachelor of science degree in computer engineering with minors in mathematics and Chinese with a 3.83 GPA. She had such a passion for the Chinese language and culture that she studied for a semester abroad in Shanghai. Her passion for engineering began as she joined the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program, and later landed two internships with Raytheon Missile Systems. She has accepted a full-time position with Northrop Grumman, a global aerospace and defense company.

In 2010, U.S. Marine Patricio Galindo was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and served overseas for seven months.

Galindo was awarded eight medals for serving as well as a certificate of appreciation from former Vice President Joe Biden for assisting with the protection of President Barack Obama during a visit to Hawaii. Civilian life was a difficult adjustment for Galindo who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bilateral hearing loss. He used his GI Bill to attend Fresno City College. He transferred to Fresno State where he is earning his bachelor of arts degree in social work with a 3.85 GPA. Galindo has worked on numerous service projects that impact veterans and students. He will continue his studies at Fresno State in the master of social work (MSW) program.

Brandon Sepulveda committed himself to serve students during his time at Fresno State. He served on Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) for two years as vice president of finance and then executive vice president.

During his time in ASI, he worked on a number of projects including increased funding for sponsored activity grants and undergraduate research and expanding the campus readership program with the addition of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to students. He is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in finance and a minor in public health.

After graduation he will work with the Peace Corps to help teach children math in Tanzania.

Photos Courtesy of Cary Edmondson • Fresno State

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THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

Bulldogs celebrate the 2017-18 season

By Vanessa Romo @vanesssaromo

The Fresno State athletics’ department gathered at the Save Mart Center on Monday to celebrate and honor its student-athletes for the “Night of Champions Gala.”

The softball team was the first to be honored with the Community Service Award. The ladies led the department with 10 hours of community service each, helping the department exceed 1,000 hours.

The softball team then cheered on its 2017-18 George IIg Newcomer of the Year recipient, Hayleigh Galvan.

The sophomore ranks second in the Mountain West in on-base percentage at .512, has a batting average at

.377 and ends the regular season with eight home runs.

Freshman wrestler AJ Nevills was also honored with the same award after placing second at the Big 12 Conference Tournament and appearing in the NCAA Championships.

Softball player Kaitlyn Jennings was the lone recipient to receive the Paul Shecter Courage Award after showing an undeniable passion for the game, even after separating both of her shoulders.

Myra Delgadillo represented the women’s soccer team as she accepted the Giant Step Academic Award alongside football player KeeSean after showing significant strides in the classroom.

Club Red recognized lacrosse player Abby Bergevin and men’s bas-

ketball Terell Carter II leadership on and off the court with the Club Red Bulldogs Spirit Award. Their respected coaches and teammates nominated the two.

Up next, the Harold Haak Most Memorable Moment. Wrestler Khristian Olivas took the award home for the men after recording the first Bulldog home win since 2006. He notched a 10-2 major decision over Illinois on Nov. 17.

Freshman pitcher Danielle East took it for the women. She tossed a no-hitter against New Mexico – all strikeouts – on Match 31.

The most memorable team moments was given to the football team based on it win over Boise State, the first victory over a ranked team since 2004. The women’s tennis team was

also honored as well, especially since they won the 2018 MW Championship.

The last award was the Bulldog of the Year. With finalists like baseball’s Edgar Gonzalez, softball’s Katie Castellon and men’s tennis Zander Veys, the judge’s had a tough decision.

In the end it was basketball player Candice White and football’s Aaron Mitchell to take it home, for good reason.

Mitchell received All-MW First Team honors and was a pivotal player on the Bulldog offensive line this past season.

White led her team with 19 points per game, collected All-MW First Team and notched a 40-point game in Fresno State, the first-ever in Fresno State women’s basketball history.

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16

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

REFLECTIONS

Ignore the stereotypes, be a sports editor

By Vanessa Romo | @vanesssaromo

I didn’t think I would get the position.

My friend, Razmik Cañas, the news editor at the time told me to apply for the assistant sports editor position in spring 2017.

With my experience, he thought I could do it. I didn’t.

I had worked for Fresno State athletics, the Fresno Grizzlies, Fresno FC and Fresno Fuego. I played sports my whole life, since I was 4. Softball, volleyball, soccer and competed on a national level in gymnastics.

My time is up, but the memories will last forever

By Nugesse Ghebrendrias | @nugebear13

You know, I never thought I’d get hired at The Collegian. Coming in, I didn’t have much experience in journalism – if any.

I didn’t come from a high school or community college newspaper. A combination of forum writing and self-determination propelled me early on.

It was an incredible feeling. My name in bold letters just underneath the weekly sports headline. How cool is that?

Although, it was a far cry from where I used to be.

For years I struggled with my future.

Was it biology? Maybe pharmacy? The indecision set me back. I used to spend hours at Clovis Community College stressing about why I couldn’t figure it out.

I always told myself, once I get to Fresno State I know I’ll find my purpose – I was right.

Writing never became a reality until I started at the Madera Tribune, then The Collegian shortly thereafter.

I look back at the games covered and the questions asked, and I realize how lucky I was over the past year and a half.

I was fortunate to witness history

Every day, I watched baseball with my dad. Every day, he coached me on a play made. I enjoyed those moments. I loved learning about it, watching it and being surrounded by it, in an arena, stadium or on a field. It was my happy place.

But, no matter how much I watched, did, knew and even played, I still felt like it wasn’t good enough.

It was never instilled in me that a woman can not be in sports, but I always knew it was a topic that surrounded the world of sports journalism. That’s why I felt a bit over my head when I applied.

So, just in case, I applied to sports, entertainment and a reporter position, thinking there was no way I would get this.

Come interview time, I was questioned by two guys. They didn’t look like judgemental people, but I felt judged. Like they were laughing at me.

A couple of days later, I got an email

as the Bulldogs erased a disappointing 2016 season on the gridiron for a remarkable 10-4 record in 2017. From Derek Carr’s jersey retirement to the Hawaii Bowl victory. In some ways, I was a part of that.

My trip to San Jose was a particular highlight. Yeah, I was there to work. But I was an excited fan just the same. They beat the Spartans in a defense-driven throwback game and returned the famous Milk Can Trophy back to the Valley.

I took the photo for The Collegian as players hoisted the trophy. It was my first time shooting photos and writing the story, but it turned out better than I thought.

What a night that was.

I remember covering the return of Fresno State wrestling. The massive crowds and electrifying energy created a surreal experience. Honestly, I forgot I was working. It was incredible.

I remember traveling to Las Vegas to watch our Bulldogs battle it out in the Mountain West Conference Tournament. Regardless of the fact that they lost and I got two tickets on the way back, the experience was worthwhile – expensive, but worthwhile.

I felt like a professional. I felt like I had reached my goal already.

I never considered it work. We all find our calling. A purpose that we feel we were destined to pursue.

This was it for me.

Combining the love of sports with my preference of writing was truly a match made in heaven. It just came natural to me. Although, there are some sports that still cause me fits – hockey and lacrosse for starters.

I’ve come a long way from my first story, and I know I still have a long way to go. The journey to become the best writer I can be will never end. However, I think it’s important to cherish the steps – no matter how small.

The beginning to my story will always start with Fresno State’s student-run newspaper, and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

and in the subject line “Your Collegian Position.” I opened it, I got the job.

Turns out those two guys weren’t laughing at me in the inside. They weren’t judging me and they never did. They respected me.

Speaking to the previous sports editor, he said he was excited to meet me that day.

He had seen my resume. He had seen what I can do and knew I was fit for the job.

Fast forward a year later, I am the sports editor, and it has been a journey, but an experience I am grateful for.

I have covered every sport here at Fresno State. Learned about sports I never knew existed. Met players who had hearts of gold, players who became friends and never a player or coach who looked down on me.

But, I think the most exciting story I covered was my first one: Riding ‘till the end: Two seniors share journey to senior

year.

The nerves I experienced were crazy.

I studied the sport, the riders, I reviewed everything. But once I got in there, I felt great.

And I have continued to feel great as I covered controversy in the athletic department, coaching changes, budgets, athletes, events and more.

I have stood with sports reporters from other media outlets, FOX 26 Nick King, former ABC30 sports director Tommy Tran, Fresno Bee’s Robert Kuwada and KSEE 24s Julia Lopez. And with them, I felt I belonged. I knew it.

Till this day, it’s still mind-blowing to have thought that I couldn’t do it. I can. I have for a year, even more than that.

Now that I end my reign as sports editor, I say goodbye to the thought that I don’t belong here. I do.

I’ve found a home in sports journalism

By William Ramirez | @willoveslakers2

My experience covering sports at The Collegian has been invaluable. I’ve tackled sports I loved, and ones I had no idea I would ever enjoy. I even ventured into the dark and scary world of sports administration.

Fresno State’s athletic department has undergone so much turnover this past semester. There was coach Rodney Terry’s departure from the men’s basketball team, followed by Justin Hutson’s hiring, Steve Robertello’s first full semester as interim athletic director, the decision to shelve the Bulldog Stadium renovation, to name a few.

I’ve been at the center of all of that.

I’ve been forced to ask tough questions.

I’ve been forced to grow thicker skin.

These events have made me more knowledgeable on collegiate sports, in general, but, more importantly, have reminded me how much more I have left to learn.

I’ve stumbled over my words, asked stupid questions and have even missed out on interviews entirely, but my staff and advisers never made me feel like my work was not worthwhile.

Co-workers like Vanessa Romo and Jorge Rodriguez make the sports section all the more enjoyable. Romo helped continue to grow my voice within the print medium as my editor. Rodriguez, on the other hand, helped me find a voice in audio.

Recording The Collegian SportsCast

with Rodriguez was the venture I had the most fun with this semester. The podcast did not have the production value of the ones produced by some of my favorite publications (ESPN and The Ringer, to name two). But it was space of unadulterated fun where I could just shoot away my hottest takes on both collegiate and professional sports with a friend. They didn’t always land so well (I picked Toronto over Cleveland, too).

I never imagined I’d find myself on a podcast. I felt afraid to step forward, give an opinion and end up being wrong.

I toyed with the idea of it but never completely followed through. But when Rodriguez pushed me to do so, I never looked back.

One of the most rewarding parts of the sports environment at The Collegian is just how open to hearing ideas our editor was. Romo was constantly looking for ideas for columns or analysis. As writers, we did not always deliver, but the door was always open.

My experience here at The Collegian excites me for the future, and it also reminded me of how important a sportswriter’s job truly is. We open a door that would otherwise be closed. The public gets a look into the administration, and it is through jobs like this that the athletics department is held accountable.

I learned all of this while working for a student-run publication. So with that in mind, there’s no telling how much I still have left to go as I venture into the professional world of sports journalism.

It is a scary world. Some of my favorite writers have been laid off from some of my favorite publications. But it is experiences like the many I had at this student paper that keep my drive for this profession alive and well.