November 9, 2021

FACULTY UNION DEMANDS CONTRACT Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper

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Marching toward the Rose Parade

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

BRIGHT FUTURES

Veterans plan to graduate in nursing

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INSIDE: MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PREPARE FOR 2021-2022 SEASON

NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

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Education and service: graduating veteran students

By Adam Ricardo Solis & Edward Lopez Reporters Three graduating veteran students from the Fresno State nursing program come from different backgrounds and branches of the military but have a united belief in brotherhood through service.

Harjot Singh, Joe Martinez Jr. and Paul Areyan will graduate together as a cohort of veterans from the nursing program in spring 2022.

In celebration of Veterans Day, The Collegian interviewed these veterans, who shared their experiences in the nursing program as well as their time in service.

Harjot Singh Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Harjot Singh, 23, grew up in the northern region of India in a small town in the state of Punjab and moved to the United States at 12 years old.

“It was a bit of culture shock. I mean, I grew up watching English movies and listening to rap… 90’s rap [was] pretty much popular around the world, so I kind of knew about the Western culture as well,” Singh said.

Although Singh adapted to the culture and language quickly, he found it important to stay close to his roots. At home, Singh exclusively speaks Punjabi, a language he hopes to pass down to his children.

Singh attended Central High School, where he graduated as valedictorian and went on to work a number of jobs ranging from a raisin worker to a gas station attendant.

By graduation, Singh knew he wanted to serve in the military due to his family’s histo-

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Harjot Singh poses for a portrait.

Singh said he enjoys the feeling of helping others.

Harjot Singh, left, Paul Areyan, center, and Joe Martinez Jr., right, pose for a portrait in front of the university fountain.

The veteran students will graduate in spring 2022 from the nursing program. ry, as well as seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the country.

“I always wanted to continue that tradition of serving. So, I mean, this country has given us a lot of opportunities, and I just wanted to give back. So I ended up joining at the age of 17 in high school,” Singh said.

As a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, Singh served as a petroleum supply specialist. Despite his Military Occupation Specialty (MOS), Singh noted that most of the time – especially when he was a private – he would be assigned random tasks to fill a spot when needed.

“It doesn’t really matter what MOS specific you are because joining as enlisted as a new soldier — when I was a private — the higher-ups would just tell you or put you in wherever they need you, so you’re just kind of, like, filling a spot,” he said.

Singh joined the reserves in part to pursue higher education and graduate as a nurse while serving his six-year contract. Nursing provided financial stability alongside the ability to help care for community members in a much more personal manner.

“I would say I grew up learning about selfless service… that feeling of helping people, really. I enjoy doing it, so that’s why I considered nursing. I like the medical perspective, like being a doctor and all that, but nurses are the one[s] who spend most time with the patients,” Singh said.

The pandemic proved to be difficult for Singh as he felt there was a disconnect from being behind a computer monitor as opposed

to in-person learning.

At home, he constantly battled with the temptation to slack off due to laziness or lack of motivation.

Family distractions also proved difficult to manage, with family members occasionally popping into his room during class.

Back at the university Singh felt productive with his time in the nursing program, being able to interact with professors as well as being able to do homework free of distractions.

“I will say I’m more productive being on campus when it comes to doing any homework, if it’s learning or anything like that. I’ll be at home if I’m just reading or something. But if I’m doing any practical work like writing an essay, I would rather be here because in my mind, I’m like, ‘I’m not leaving [or] going home,’” Singh said.

Following graduation, he plans to complete the National Council Licensure Examination to receive his Registered Nurse License (RN) to practice nursing locally at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

“This is where I plan to live. And I love this country… I mean, home is where you grew up, but home is also where you live, and [this] country has given me a lot and being in the military just automatically happened, as well,” Singh said.

Paul Areyan Paul Areyan, 27, was born in Los Angeles, and much of his childhood was spent moving throughout the Los Angeles region.

In high school Areyan said he felt directionless, often finding himself floating in the direction the wind blew him. Shortly after graduating high school at the age of 18, Areyan joined the military.

“I was never interested in the military. I kind of just, like, floated over there. I didn’t really have any direction in high school, and so it kind of just happened,” Areyan said. “And then the free pen was pretty enticing, so I couldn’t turn that down.”

Initially he planned to go to a local community college but found the path to enter the Army more ideal.

“The path of least resistance [was] to go into the Army because the recruiter pretty much… did everything to get me in versus [going] to college,” Areyan said.

He first wanted to join the Army to do intelligence work, however, none of those jobs were available at the time, so he decided to join as a combat medic instead.

He went on to serve in the Army for four years as a combat medic/healthcare specialist.

That offered him the opportunity to care for fellow soldiers in a more intimate manner.

“The rapport that I could build with soldiers… I like caring for people. I like learning about [it] because it was more science-based.

I do enjoy science. Yeah, caring for people and the knowledge required to do it,” Areyan said.

He was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, but found himself deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions.

Areyan said he disliked going to Afghanistan and would not recommend others travel

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

share personal stories and experiences Nearly half a child also relieved a bit of stress.

“Having a kid would have changed how well I could do academically, but… since the pandemic happened, it probably made being a parent slightly easier because I got to stay home,” Areyan said.

He plans to later on move to the Bay Area to further his education in nursing as well as provide a safer healthier living environment for his family.

“I feel like if I want to live somewhere where the air doesn’t stain your teeth, then I should have that. I can afford that and why not give that to my kid also. My wife wants to start school somewhere around that area… So, a cleaner air and lower temperatures would let her walk around and enjoy being outside versus here,” Areyan said.

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Paul Areyan poses for a portrait.

Areyan said his time as a combat medic helped his choice in nursing. there either.

With two months left in his contract, Areyan was able to leave the military early to pursue higher education at Fresno City College, eventually transferring to Fresno State and enrolling in the nursing program.

He decided to join the nursing program due to his prior experience as a combat medic. During one deployment overseas, Areyan was able to work at a clinic for several months, which he greatly enjoyed.

“I did get an opportunity to work in a clinic for a few months, and I really enjoyed my clinical experience because I got to see more because combat medicine is like it’s more straightforward,” Areyan said.

“I’m very interested in physiology and so working in a clinical environment and administering stuff like shots and other nursing-like interventions, I enjoyed it. And the rapport I had with my soldiers. I enjoyed it. So that motivated me to like, ‘Oh, I think I would like nursing,’” Areyan said.

He disliked the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rotations he experienced as they did not provide him with the personal interaction with the patient that he wished to develop over the course of their treatment.

Similar to Singh, the COVID-19 pandemic affected Areyan’s education as he found himself more easily distracted at home and unable to fully absorb the information during lectures.

Prior to the pandemic, Areyan’s son was born. Areyan noted the timing couldn’t have been better, as staying at home allowed him to care for his son. The experience of raising a

Joe Martinez Jr. Joe Martinez Jr., father, son and veteran, went straight from Hoover High in 2010 to the Navy. After completing his service in 2016, he began attending Fresno State to major in nursing.

Martinez said joining the Navy directly after high school helped him become an adult quickly.

“I didn’t have any time to party and figure it out. I kind of got thrown into it,” Martinez said. “Having to learn how to pay bills and do everything, it was chaotic at first but [I quickly learned] it.”

Growing up, Martinez knew he wanted to serve his country because it was a tradition passed down from his grandfather and father.

“It’s an honor to say I’m a veteran and that I served this country. I’ve been raised super patriotic,” Martinez said.

During his time in the Navy, Martinez became a military police sentry and watch commander.

Through these responsibilities, he made sure those under his command were on watch and protecting the base during 12-hour night shifts.

With his experiences, Martinez said he hopes to change a family tradition of passing on the flag of a loved one who was in the service, starting off with his son.

Although proud of his heritage and his family’s service, Martinez said he is not looking forward to the day he receives his grandfather’s and father’s flags.

He plans on changing his previous family tradition to one where his child will have the opportunity to become a Fresno State Bulldog

like Martinez and his wife.

“Now I’m going to give him those options other than the ones I had, which were ‘stay on this path’. So I’m going to give him multiple paths,” Martinez said.

“I swap it out to have our degrees up instead of the flags.”

Martinez said he recognizes the current divide in politics throughout the country, and that, regardless of people’s mindsets, he still sees them as part of the country he protects.

“I love this country despite any kind of politics, no matter what side you’re on. I don’t care what side you’re on, you’re still part of my country, so I love you,” he said.

Originally wanting to become a pharmacist, Martinez now wants to become involved in step-down services, which is the medical care that takes place between the intensive care units and the surgical wards.

Even though Martinez is no longer in the Navy, he continues to want to help those in need in any way he can.

He said his family also had a large role to play in the decision to go into the medical field.

“I always wanted to go into health because my grandfather was a chiropractor, my great-grandfather was a physician and my great-great-grandfather was a physician, so we’ve always had [a] health background in the family,” Martinez said.

After experiencing online learning as a father and a full-time student, Martinez offered support for any other students going through a rough time with life or school.

“If I can do it, you can,” Martinez said.

“With a kid, and working, and school, and the nursing program, if I can get it done you definitely can.”

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

Joe Martinez Jr. poses for a portrait in front of the fountain. He said he is proud of the time he was in service.

million raised in one day

By Jannah Geraldo News Editor Day of Giving, Fresno State’s 24-hour annual fundraiser, returned for its fifth annual year Thursday.

The event, which invites alumni and the extended community to give online donations to help fund programs at the university, raised about $486,543, according to Fresno State News.

According to Fresno State officials, the amount exceeded last year’s total of $457,166.

This is an increase of nearly 6%.

Across all colleges, departments and programs, 2,373 total gifts were donated, according to Fresno State News.

The College of Arts and Humanities received the most individual gifts with 420 donors, followed by the Fresno State Alumni Association with 301 and Fresno State Athletics with 226, according to the Day of Giving website.

Betsy Hays, chair of the department of medica, communications and journalism (MCJ), sent an email to MCJ students thanking them for another successful year.

“Our college, arts and humanities, was the leader in the number of donors for the fifth year in a row. That’s something to be proud of,” Hays said.

The annual event features social media challenges and incentives for participating comunity members including an alumni participation challenge and social meda sweepstakes.

Day of Giving was tracked live via the campaign website, updating a real-time donor list and a completion chart of all fundraiser challenges.

Donors were able to select the schools or colleges they wished to donate to. Donations came from locals, but also exended internationally from countries including Spain, Great Britian, Canada, Japan and Portugal, Fresno State News said.

According to Fresno State News, Day of Giving intially began in 2017 with the national trend for “giving days” at universities to fundraise for programs and initiatives on campus.

The event was held online on Nov. 4, 2021.

However, in-person activities returned with booths and opportunities to take photos with Victor E. Bulldog III. Students could also participate in scavenger hunts on campus.

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

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CFA demands university president support new contract

By Jannah Geraldo News Editor The Fresno chapter of the California Faculty Association (CFA) presented President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval with a petition demanding support for a fair contract for faculty Friday.

“To be told that you’re only worth a 2% salary increase for one year of a three-year contract, and at the same time to have the chancellor go to the Board of Trustees and say, ‘We need to get at least a 10% raise for those who are already at the top of the food chain…’ That juxtaposition of those positions is really insulting and disrespectful,” said Diane Blair, statewide CFA officer and faculty member in the department of communication.

CFA committee members met Jiménez-Sandoval with hand-painted signs reading “Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions” alongside 544 food products for the Amendola Student Pantry to represent the signatures on the petition.

Following the presentation, Jiménez-Sandoval received a physical copy of the petition and offered a brief comment on the CFA’s presentation.

“It’s good to know the faculty’s perspective, and it’s good to know what’s going on with the faculty. It’s always good to be informed about the pulse of what’s happening at the university, and I always welcome any and all communication with me,” he said.

The petition outlines the need for Jiménez-Sandoval’s support in telling California State University (CSU) Chancellor Joseph I. Castro to settle a fair contract for faculty and to address the needs of faculty.

“And so in doing so, that would mean that in addressing, say, wages for contingent faculty…

Some of them are living paycheck to paycheck at other campuses,” said CFA Fresno Chapter President John Beynon.

Currently the CFA is at an impasse with the CSU, a move which Beynon said came about due to the lack of bargaining in “good faith” from the CSU throughout the process.

“Hopefully, we’ll come to some common ground, right, but if they’re not willing to do that, then the conversation stops,” Beynon said.

“And that’s what’s happened recently because our bargaining team, the CFA bargaining team, declared an impasse, which basically meant: we can’t keep doing this over and over, because nothing is happening.”

In a multi campus effort throughout the CSU, Beynon said CFA chapters will present petitions demanding that Castro improve working conditions for all faculty in anticipation of the

Adam Ricardo Solis• The Collegian

The Fresno chapter of the CFA met with President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, demanding that he support faculty efforts to obtain fair contract. The CFA and the CSU are currently at an impasse in the bargaining process. upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 9-10.

Beynon, also a professor of English at Fresno State, said the CFA bargaining team has made multiple proposals since last March for an improved contract to the CSU Board of Trustees with limited traction.

The proposals address issues including the improvement of the working conditions of faculty, improved job security and increased salary particularly following the impact of COVID-19.

In particular, faculty saw a disparity with the Board of Trustees’ proposed 10% increase in salary for the next three years for CSU presidents in comparison to the 2% salary increase for one year within a three-year contract for faculty.

“So I know the administrators, they think, ‘What we do is very important.’ And it is important but not as important as the faculty, and not as important as the interaction that happens between faculty and students,” said Doug Singleton, professor and chair of the physics department.

“That’s the heart of the university.”

Beynon noted that the traction of the petition is encouraging as it calls on CSU presidents to advocate for faculty, and also demonstrates the unity of the efforts to improve faculty working conditions throughout the CSU. “Because in my experience, it’s more often the case that a president will come back from those meetings, right, telling the faculty that this is what we’re doing because this is what the chancellor’s office wants, or this is what the

Adam Ricardo Solis• The Collegian

The CFA donated the 544 food items to the Amendola Family Student Cupboard.

The food items represented the number of signatures received for the petition.

Board of Trustees wants... So we’re hoping that this is going to just sort of shift that dynamic so that the president ends up confronting the chancellor on behalf of the faculty,” Beynon said.

Students for Quality Education (SQE) was also present in solidarity with faculty.

Tanya Acosta, a member of SQE and Fresno State senior, said that the proposals from the CSU are “disrespectful,” especially after what students and faculty experienced during the pandemic.

“We’ve been going through COVID and the pandemic that really hit us hard, and for them

to offer a low raise, or if at all any, it’s just disrespectful and, quite honestly, downright embarrassing that we treat our faculty like this,” Acosta said.

She noted that the faculty work directly with students, and the quality of education for students ties directly with their efforts.

“So whatever happens to them impacts us directly and as students. We’re here to learn and engage with our faculty,” Acosta said.

“And if they can’t offer the best education because [it is] out of their control, then it really affects and harms us. So we want to be here in solidarity with them.”

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

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University will remain open through end of semester

By Jesús Cano & Zaeem Shaikh Managing Editor, EIC Weeks after Fresno State said there was a possibility classes would shut down after Thanksgiving, University President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said in a campus-wide email that on-campus instruction will continue through the end of the semester.

At the beginning of the school year, campus officials debated having classes at Fresno State go virtual after Thanksgiving break, but Jiménez-Sandoval said high vaccination rates for both students and employees and a high testing compliance made the administration move in a different direction.

“With our strong vaccination rates, timely case management reporting and convenient access to on-campus testing and vaccination resources, I am pleased to announce that Fresno State will continue with on-campus instruction, activities and operations following the Thanksgiving break and through the end of the fall semester,” Jiménez-Sandoval said in the email.

According to Jimenez-Sandoval, 89% of Fresno State students and 88% of employees are fully vaccinated.

The student vaccination rate increased by 14 percentage points from the middle of Septem-

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Students walk around the university fountain on Aug. 30, 2021. They can expect to return to campus following Thanksgiving break. ber when it was at about 75.1%.

During a president’s forum in September, Jiménez-Sandoval said one big reason for a potential closure was the extended travel during Thanksgiving, adding that the holiday causes

people to interact with more individuals, especially at family gatherings. “This is not set in stone, right now we are exploring the possibility and we are constantly asking for feedback from the county, from the hospitals, from our health

officials, from everyone,” he said in September.

The Collegian originally learned about the university’s discussions from Honora Chapman, the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

Chapman told The Collegian that Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Xuanning Fu called a meeting of the deans on Aug. 24 and “talked at great length for an hour about everything to do about repopulating the campus.”

The plan to close after Thanksgiving was known as Plan B, an alternative for officials to consider if the university had multiple breakthrough COVID cases.

Fu said in an email that multiple meetings were made to discuss the topic, but no decision was made at that time.

In September, Jiménez-Sandoval said conversations with health officials foretold a “bumpy ride for the month. Now, the feedback from Fresno County is positive,” he said in the email.

“I’d like to share with you that our partners at the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) have commended Fresno State’s vaccination rate success, as well as our ongoing measures for safeguarding our campus community.”

A&E

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COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

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Bulldog Marching Band selected to participate in 2023 Rose Parade

By Ashley Flowers A&E Editor Immediately after a performance before thousands of spectators at Bulldog Stadium for the Sierra Cup Classic on Saturday, Oct. 30, Bulldog Marching Band director Steve McKeithen delivered exciting news to the band.

“Before [the band] left the field, the announcer said, ‘Hey, Bulldog Marching Band, check out the video board for a special announcement,’” McKeithen said. “And that’s when they literally found out – in front of all these people.”

That’s the moment the 253-member Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (BMB) found out it had been chosen to perform in the 2023 Rose Parade on Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena.

“It was really amazing honestly. I’m on the Student Band Council who helps run the BMB – even we didn’t know. It was a great opportunity to show high school bands the future of the BMB and how exciting the future truly will be for our program,” said Kaitlyn Jones, a sousaphone player for the BMB. “It was definitely a wild and emotional moment. [Sierra Club Classic] is our biggest show of the season and I couldn’t imagine any better way of being told that our hard work was recognized,” said Judit Sanchez, a color guard member who came to Fresno State primarily to join the BMB. McKeithen, who was hired in 2014 as the director of the band, kept the news secret for a month, but he had applied two years before.

McKeithen said the inspiration to apply came from Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Bulldog Marching Band members perform before a sold-out crowd during the Fresno State vs Boise State game on Nov. 6, 2021.

“In early 2020, I encouraged Professor McKeithen to submit an application for the [BMB] to participate in the Rose Parade because I was born and raised in Pasadena and I’ve watched this amazing parade either in person or on television every year… Considering how beautiful and famous the Rose Parade is, I knew that our Bulldog Marching Band would be honored and thrilled to march in it,” Chapman said.

McKeithen submitted the application only weeks after the pandemic had shut down the campus. Chapman attributes some of his students’ success to this dedication from McKeithen.

Over a year later, McKeithen got an unex-

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

The marching band will be one of the chosen performers at the Rose Parade in 2023.

pected call at his office with the good news: the BMB would be one of the chosen performers at the Rose Parade in 2023.

“It’s a huge honor. The selection process is very rigorous. There are a lot of bands that apply and there’s a lot of them that never ever ever get selected. Ever. And you know, I was also not really thinking that we were going to get it the first time around, but you know this is a nationally ranked program as far as the marching bands [are] concerned,” McKeithen said.

The BMB has had years of acknowledged success, including the selection of the band as an “Ensemble of Excellence” in 2017 by the College Band Directors National Association.

This selection came after a juried process with only eight college bands chosen throughout the country.

The band has also performed for two NFL games: the San Diego Chargers in 2015 and the then Oakland Raiders halftime show in 2016.

They have also performed at five bowl games and been featured in the 2018 E3 Expo and the launch of video game “Just Dance 2019.”

Joshua Bell, a sousaphone player in the BMB who rose from member at large to current president, is confident that the band is deserving of the opportunity.

“I think our performance [at the Sierra Club Classic] cemented why we were selected, if I will be honest,” Bell said. “I absolutely love the opportunity that’s being offered to the BMB. I’m from Los Angeles, so I grew up watching the Rose Parade every year and it has been a dream of mine to perform in it, and now it feels like it’s coming true.”

Every participating 2022 BMB member who is able to keep up with the intensive preparation as well as coursework will have the opportunity to participate in the Rose Parade.

“It’s a daunting thing. It’s gonna have sixand-a-half miles and a lot of TV and a lot of people and a very confusing environment, and a tough environment, like, it’s not easy. It’s not just walking down the street playing. We’re going to have to do a lot of preparation to do that at a high level. It’s going to be challenging,” McKeithen said.

“I’ve heard we will be working a bit more on endurance for the 6-plus mile parade. It’s the longest parade I believe the band has ever done so it’s important for us to be prepared in a way we have never been before,” Jones said.

“Practice your instrument, learn your scales and make sure you can move (in terms of marching). The standards of the BMB have been raised and we definitely want to put our best foot forward for the Rose Parade, which will be heavily attended and heavily televised.

However, if you work hard what I just described will be a cakewalk,” Bell said.

Members encourage student musicians to audition regardless of any possible reservations, from being a non-music major to lacking the confidence or experience they perceive necessary to be in the band..

About 64% of the 253 BMB members are actually non-music majors, instead being spread across over 45 different majors. 12 members are currently pursuing their bachelor’s in psychology, and 13 members are without a declared major.

When it comes to social anxiety, members have found confidence in their interactions with the band.

“Don’t be scared. No one is perfect and the BMB is all about progression and being the best you can be. It’s a great way to make friends, become a better player and also truly get a Fresno State Bulldog experience,” Jones said.

Other members shared Jones’ sentiments, echoing that their fears dwindled through more time in the band.

“Coming to Fresno State was definitely overwhelming, and it was hard to make connections and friends,” Sanchez said. “Once I joined the marching band everything changed. We are truly one big family, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“I want the students to know that even if they think they’re not ‘good enough,’ we still want them to try to audition. Audition[ing] will only give you the experience and confidence you need for the next time you audition for anything in life,” Bell said.

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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

MCJ Hall of Fame Celebration makes its return in hybrid format

By Athena Clayson Contributor The 2021 Media, Communications and Journalism (MCJ) Hall Of Fame and Scholarship Celebration will honor students receiving academic scholarships on Nov. 17.

“The most important thing we are wanting to highlight is the uniqueness of the MCJ department. We really want to reflect the best qualities of being an MCJ student,” said Hall of Fame CEO and MCJ student Allison Craun.

After missing last year’s celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MCJ department brings this event back to campus this year in a hybrid style to remind students of the opportunities available in the field and to honor the connections formed among members of the department.

“The MCJ department is always going to be there for students. All alumni who go through MCJ have positive relationships with their professors that go way past graduation. That’s our MCJ family,” Craun said.

The event will take place at the University Dining Hall. The Hall of Fame recipients are Jan Yanehiro, an Emmy award winner; John Zelezny, former MCJ professor and department chair; and Don Priest, former general manager at Fresno State’s public radio station.

Courtesy of Allison Craun

Hall of Fame recipients Jan Yanehiro (left), John Zelezny (middle) and Don Priest (right).

Honorees have established themselves in their own careers, volunteered their efforts outside of the workplace and have contributed to the improvement of the industry as a whole.

“The different backgrounds these guests have, they all touch on something I am interested in. I get to meet so many people in one place at once, that’s so incredible,” Lucca Lorenzi, MCJ scholar, said.

Lorenzi, MCJ student with an emphasis in public relations, is one of 44 scholarship winners set to be honored at the event.

He is the recipient of the James L. Melikian

Scholarship and plans to attend the event in person.

“It’s so exciting that I can lean on these people in my community who haven’t even met me that are confident in my future,” Lorenzi said.

“It’s almost overwhelming and just makes me incredibly grateful.”

In addition to the Hall of Fame recipients, there are MCJ Fellows who are being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

These guests are those who are in the prime of their careers.

The MCJ Fellow inductees for this year’s

event are: Tommy Rouse, two-time Emmy nominee; Manny Fernandez, Pulitzer Prize nominee; and Christine Paik, chief communications officer for the Poway School District.

The event is organized by students in the MCJ advertising and public relations campaigns course, led by instructor Jan Edwards.

Fifty in-person tickets are available at $50 each, but the event will also be streamed live via Zoom and later broadcast on CMAC.tv. Tickets for the virtual event are $8.

All proceeds go toward future MCJ scholarships.

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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

PAGE 8

M.A. in Art Graduate Project Exhibition opens in Phebe Conley Art Gallery

By Miranda Adams Reporter A diverse selection of artwork by four Fresno State art graduate students is now showing at the Phebe Conley Art Gallery.

Through various mediums, the artists challenge the mundane and ponder the overlapping realities that exist within our lives.

A series of 42 paintings by Attika Chanthavong is on display in the first room of the gala.

The narrative paintings recap Hoodslam 2019, an edgy, LGBTQ+ friendly underground professional wrestling event.

“In this series of paintings, my intent was to show that queer people can exist in all spaces, including that of a typically white, cis-heteronormative male-dominated spectacle of professional wrestling,” Chanthavong said.

Actual footage of Hoodslam 2019 is also available for viewing across from the collection of paintings.

The adjacent room features artwork by Gabrielle Marie Luo, who paints acrylic landscapes and weaves together driftwood, seaweed and other plant materials that she has collected from her meditative walks.

“We portray our world through various lenses: the ordinary — mind, emotions, body and senses as well as the non-ordinary — dreams, imagery, visualization, meditation, shamanic journeys and mystic experiences,” Luo said. “An interconnection of these states of consciousness

Kameron Thorn • The Collegian

Gabrielle Marie Luo’s exhibit features acrylic landscapes and more.

Kameron Thorn • The Collegian

Audia Dixon’s colorful paintings intend to start conversations about the “juxtaposition between past and present, and memory and reality,” the artist said. is where I choose to practice from.”

Luo’s exhibit also features an interactive display that calls upon the spectator to join the artistic process by weaving yarn onto a provided loom.

Audia Dixon’s large ethereal paintings displayed in the center room of the gala similarly call for audience participation.

“I aim to begin a conversation about the juxtaposition between past and present, and memory and reality,” Dixon said.

Dixon’s colorful paintings reminisce on the naive, worry-free blissful days of childhood.

However, in each painting Dixon also employs a negative space.

She said this space symbolizes the looming prejudice that many children of color will eventually come to encounter.

“I attempt to capture young Black female figures glowing in a fantastical world, an imperfect Edenic playground, where the present and past dwell on the same plane,” Dixon said.

The final room is adorned with Nicole Ellis’ silver gelatin and cyanotype prints.

“These photographs speak a language in which I cannot do so effectively with my words, simulating moments of extreme emotional distress, vulnerability and discomfort with brief glimpses of hope and light,” Ellis said.

“My use of self-portraiture in combination with physical manipulation to negatives, splatters of emulsion, and tears and cuts to the surface of paper printed on allow for my emotions to speak without the means for words.”

The M.A. in Art Graduate Project Exhibition is free to all audiences and will run until Nov. 20 within the Phebe Conley Art Gallery.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday between 11

a.m. and 3 p.m.

Parking is $5 during the weekdays, but free with coupon code 262321 at any parking kiosk Monday to Friday.

Parking is free on Saturday.

OPINION

PAGE 9

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Put a price on carbon

By Abbygail de Castro

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

The Collegian is Fresno State’s student-run newspaper and will celebrate its 100th year in 2022. The paper prints every week and is free to students and community members.

Why should you join The Collegian?

By Jesús Cano Managing Editor When I began my first semester at The Collegian, I felt like I had all the tools necessary to be above everyone else.

Back home I freelanced for the East Bay Times and the San Jose Mercury News – two of the top publications in the Bay Area.

My name was on posters, and I would get recognized when I went grocery shopping.

My ego was the size of the sun, and I was in a pretty comfortable spot.

But The Collegian humbled me and taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone to cover stories that went beyond the final score of a sporting event.

During my tenure with The Collegian, I’ve

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.

gotten to wear many hats as reporter, sports editor and managing editor.

I’ve gotten to travel to Oregon, Las Vegas and Southern California to cover Fresno State Athletics.

Most importantly, I’ve gotten the opportunity to enhance my skills as a journalist and develop as a human being.

Journalism is an important part of society.

Local news matters.

Real news is important.

Good and accurate journalists will always be needed.

And if you’re a Fresno State student that wants to know what it is like to work in news, The Collegian is the place to be.

We’re a student newspaper, meaning everyone involved has the opportunity to have

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hands-on experience.

Our adviser Timothy Drachlis is a twotime Pulitzer Prize winner who has over 20 years of journalism education experience.

Rich Marshall, our general manager, similarly has 27 years of experience as an editor at The Fresno Bee. While we may not be competing for championships and banners to lift from the rafters, this is still a winning environment in which everyone motivates and pushes each other to succeed.

There are plenty of stories to be told on campus from education, athletics and student life.

Some stories are easy to find. Others take time and research, but that’s the beauty about this job.

Zaeem Shaikh Jesús Cano Jannah Geraldo Ashley Flowers Manuel Hernandez Kameron Thorn Stacy Hurtado Marc Anthony Lopez Adam Ricardo Solis Miranda Adams Tyler Van Dyke

Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Photographer General Sales Manager Local Sales Manager Distributor General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair

A recent article in The New York Times, “Democrats Consider Adding Carbon Tax to Budget Bill”, discussed a price on carbon as a solution to tackle climate change.

Under a carbon tax, a fee is applied wherever fossil fuels enter the economy. This price flows through the economy, incentivizing businesses and people to switch to clean energy.

According to the article, a recent analysis found that a tax on American carbon pollution that starts at $15 per ton and rises to $50 per ton by 2030 would decrease domestic carbon levels by 44% from 2005 levels.

The study found that a carbon tax would actually lower electricity bills.

There is still some hesitation from Democrats to fully commit to putting a price on carbon.

This is mainly due to Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin III’s stance on the issue.

The article states that, for decades, economists have believed that a carbon tax would shift the economy to look for other sources of power which do not produce emissions that contribute to heating up the planet.

And climate activists such as Citizens Climate Lobby spokesperson Steve Valk, wants representatives to know that CCL volunteers have placed 1,444 calls to Arizona Senate and House offices to convince Ms. Sinema that citizens demand a price on carbon.

Graduating from Fresno State during a global pandemic, I will honestly say that my morale about the future has been a little less than positive.

But the fact that Congress might actually pass a bill that will immensely help the environment makes me motivated to contact senators and tell them that there should be a price on carbon.

To learn more and contact your representative, I encourage you to visit cclusa.org.

Edward Lopez Sydney Morgan Melina Kazanjian Lexee Padrick Hannah Hieber Edward Lopez Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays

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 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 © 2021 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.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

PAGE 10

Cavinder twins look to lead women’s basketball

By Tyler Van Dyke Reporter After coming off an emotional 80-76 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West Tournament Championship game last year, Fresno State’s women’s basketball program hopes to use that tough loss to learn from and build upon it to achieve greater success this season.

The team returns the dynamic scoring duo of the Cavinder twins back to the court this season.

The twins look to lead their squad with their all-around scoring ability, playmaking skills, and gritty defense.

Haley Cavinder was a standout player last season as she became the fastest to score 1,000 points in program history, accomplishing the feat in just 57 games.

Cavinder was just the third sophomore in Mountain West history to be named Conference Player of the Year and was its first since 2004.

Last season, she averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game to earn the prestigious award.

“She just puts in so many extra hours and tries to improve every single day, so just seeing her being able to achieve that last year was definitely something I am super proud of her for, so shout out Haley,” Hanna Cavinder said about her sister’s accomplishment.

Poised to do it again this season as a junior, Haley started it off in an exhibition game against Fresno Pacific University by earning a double-double scoring 21 points and grabbing

10 rebounds.

She added four assists and a steal on the night as well in a full stat line.

Hanna mentioned that her sister will be adjusting to being the team’s point guard this season.

“She is taking on a different role of being a point guard this year and she’s been working on that all summer,” Hanna said.

However, Haley wasn’t the leading scorer in the win. Her sister Hanna beat her by one, putting up 22 points and grabbing six rebounds while dishing out four assists to go along with them.

She showed off her skills defensively as well intercepting passes and grabbing loose balls, racking up three steals.

The twins shot almost identical on the night with Haley shooting 9-of-15 and 2-of-3 from the 3-point line and Hanna shooting 9-of-14 and 1-of-2 from 3.

The all-out hustle and work ethic the duo possesses is unmatched while on the floor, showing great speed and quickness when sprinting after loose balls and picking off passes for steals.

They are practically the same type of player and can be substituted for each other with no loss of strength for the team on the court.

This year’s team features a lot of new faces and some key returners as well.

One of the newcomers who stood out in the exhibition game was Jessica Peterson.

The 6-foot-2 freshman out of Etiwanda High School had a solid game contributing 9 points, grabbing four boards, adding a block,

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

Bulldog guard Haley Cavinder sets up a play against Fresno Pacific University in an exhibition game on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at the Save Mart Center.

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

The Fresno State women’s basketball team celebrates Haley Cavinder scoring 1,000 points as a Bulldog on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at the Save Mart Center. and a steal in the win.

Washington native Tamia Stricklin was another new face who impacted the game scoring 6 points and pulling down three rebounds as well.

“We have three new kids right now in the starting lineup and we have four new freshmen and you know you saw some minutes from Jess Peterson she did a good job and Tamia Stricklin is going to be a great player for us,” head coach Jaime White said.

She added, “It was nice to be able to see them see some different combinations, run some of our stuff and just really again kind of get the nerves out and calm down and just play Bulldog basketball.”

The more experienced players on this roster should help calm those nerves and balance out the inexperience and youth of the team this season.

Six-foot-2 senior from Brazil Maria Guimaraes is definitely one of those veteran players who has made strides in her game to help the team on the glass and contribute by scoring and playing tough defense in the paint this season.

The starting center was the Bulldogs’ third-leading scorer and rebounder on the night behind the Cavinders, putting up 11 points and grabbing six boards with an assist as well.

“I think this year is different from last year.

We had a summer, so I could be working with the coaches here and so I think it was the biggest difference because I had more time to put more work in, and I think that helped a lot,” Guimaraes said.

Another Bulldog with experience was starting guard senior Yanina Todorova.

The Bulgarian native had 6 points and grabbed three rebounds, as well as swiping two steals and adding an assist in the blowout.

Look for Guimaraes and Todorova to provide veteran leadership, intelligence and poise to an otherwise young team this season.

Overall on the night, the Bulldogs shot the ball well, as they hit a 54% field-goal percentage.

But they shot 33.3% from downtown.

Something they are going to need to improve on going forward is shooting free throws.

They shot 47.6% from the line, going 10-for-21 on the night.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.

I think we are definitely going to improve on that. Shoot a couple more extras after practice, but, yeah, we’ll definitely improve on that.

That’s not good,” Hanna said.

White also said the team needs to get comfortable with shooting free throws with fans in the stands again this year.

“Well, the funny thing is last year I blamed it on no noise. You know, it felt like a technical every time you were shooting a free throw, and so this year I think we just got to get comfortable with that,” White said.

Despite the free-throw shooting, the Bulldogs had an outstanding performance in a blowout victory in their exhibition game.

They will kick off the regular season on the road in Utah taking on Utah Valley this Thursday, Nov. 11, with tipoff set for 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 11

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Fresno State forward Orlando Robinson drives to the rim against Stanislaus State in an exhibition game on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, at Save Mart Center.

Men’s basketball returns core group of players

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor

Two years ago, the Fresno State men’s basketball team lost 10 players, five entering the transfer portal. It was definitely a rebuild for the ‘Dogs with young players and a new coach in his second season.

It also didn’t help with preseason practices getting canceled, and the team having to quarantine twice due to the pandemic. The story this year was looking similar as it was unclear if certain players were returning.

But it was a relief for the organization as 10 players return for the upcoming season.

Fresno State finished last season with a record of 12-12 overall and 9-11 in the Mountain West conference. The ‘Dogs couldn’t get past the Mountain West quarterfinals in a loss to the Colorado State Rams.

It was unclear who would come back after that loss, with players like Deon Stroud and forward Orlando Robinson potentially entering the NBA draft portal. But both players decided to come back, and now, Fresno State is one of 18 programs in the nation to return at least 90% of its scoring.

“They just work really hard,” third-year head coach Justin Hutson said. “We got some good players. We do have some returners, so we’re bringing back a certain level of experience. So

we’re excited to see our progress.”

Hutson also said he’s looking at players like Robinson, Jemarl Baker Jr., Anthony Holland and Isaiah Hill to step up as leaders for the team. Like Hutson, many people are going to have their eyes on the 7-foot forward junior Robinson.

The Las Vegas native is in his third season with Fresno State. Last season, he recorded 11 double-doubles, and was third in the Mountain West for rebounding and recorded 350 points overall.

Robinson declared for the 2021 NBA Draft,

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian Isaiah Hill

but withdrew his name on July 2. Coming into this season, he was named preseason All-MW, and is the fifth Bulldog to earn National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 17 honors since Fresno State joined the Mountain West in 2012.

“I just want to be able to play with my teammates, and take the shots I’m supposed to take,” Robinson said. “I have opportunities to facilitate for my teammates.”

Robinson isn’t the only returning player to emphasize. Fresno native Stroud is in his second season with the ‘Dogs. A dynamic duo with Robinson offensively, Stroud finished 17th in Mountain West for scoring last season.

He also averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 48.2 % from the field.

Following Stroud, Hill was the third highest scorer for the ‘Dogs. After playing in Tulsa, Hill went to Fresno State his sophomore year, and became a prominent guard in the starting roster. He averaged 10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Hill is another example of talented guards post-players like Robinson could kick the ball out to or utilize in pick-and-rolls Junior Ballard, another guard, is the only returning senior who started 19 out of 23 games last season.

He played two seasons at Cal Poly before going to Fresno State.

Ballard adds 3-point shooting and rebound-

ing to the team and has high praise from former NBA player Quincy Pondexter.

Other returning players are expected to see more minutes. Kyle Harding is a solid player to have off the bench for scoring.

Center Braxton Meah is going to have a bigger role, being the few returning big men.

Despite the long list of returning players, many new names are important to learn for this team. Hutson continues to shine as a recruiter, adding Baker to the long list of names he’s brought to the program.

Baker is a 6-foot-5-inch guard that played for Arizona and Kentucky before becoming a Bulldog.

He was part of Kentucky’s Elite 8 run in 2019, so he adds experience to the team during big moments.

In his exhibition game against Stanislaus, he scored 17 points on 7-for-11 from the field, shooting 50% from the 3.

Another pick up for the ‘Dogs is Donavan Yap, a sophomore who played in UNLV the season before.

He also scored double digits against the Stanislaus State Warriors.

The ‘Dogs also have two true freshmen with Steven Vasquez and Robert Vaihola.

Fresno State men’s basketball season starts this Tuesday, Nov. 9, against the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds at the Save Mart Center.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 12

Bulldogs suffer blowout loss in front of sold-out crowd

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor Since 2014, Fresno State football has not seen a sold-out stadium. 41,031 members of the Red Wave showed up hoping to see the ‘Dogs defeat their conference rivals, the Boise State Broncos.

But as the Broncos increased their lead into double digits, fans went from chanting the Bulldog fight song to starting fights in the stands.

By the end of the night, few people remained to see Boise State celebrate its 40-14 victory over Fresno State.

“It’s on all of us together. It starts with me,” head coach Kalen DeBoer said.

In the opening kickoff, Boise State received and went nowhere in its first possession as the ‘Dogs forced a punt.

underperformed, a clear shift from what opposing teams are used to seeing.

With Haener throwing under 300 yards for the first time this season, Boise State eliminated him from the game – and with no help from the offensive line, the Broncos’ defense did what it wanted.

Boise State finished with five sacks and three interceptions. DeBoer said the Broncos’ defense did a good job disrupting the flow of the offense, breaking down Haener’s intercepted passes.

After the first intercepted pass, Boise State capitalized on the opportunity and scored its first touchdown with 6:38 left in the first quarter.

Still not finding the answer offensively, Fresno State ended the quarter with a turnover on downs.

Fresno State running back Ronnie Rivers catches a pass from quarterback Jake Haener against Boise State on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Bulldog Stadium.

Bronco kicker Jonah Dalmas scored first with a 47-yard field goal, leading 3-0 with 7:17 left in the first quarter.

It was during Fresno State’s following drive when the game seemed to go out of control for the Bulldogs, and the Broncos started dominating.

In the Bulldogs’ first play, Jake Haener threw an interception. The offensive captain

Boise State did struggle with its offense, but after a 48-yard pass from Bronco quarterback Hank Bachmeier to Octavius Evans, Boise State started the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal.

The Broncos increased their lead 13-0 with 12:45 left of the first half.

It wasn’t until the middle of the second quarter where Fresno State was able to get their

first points on the board. Haener threw a 10yard touchdown pass to receiver Keric Wheatfall, cutting the Broncos’ lead to 13-7.

But the ‘Dogs wouldn’t score again until the end of the game. Boise State answered back with another field goal in the third quarter, increasing the lead 16-7.

Boise State utilized every advantage to in-

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

crease its lead.

As the only ones to score in the third quarter with a touchdown and starting the fourth with another field goal and touchdown, the Broncos led 40-7 with 2:48 left in the game.

Fresno State was able to score again in the final minutes of the game, but it did not matter as Boise State won 40-14.

Soccer team’s season ends in loss to Boise State

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor

After Fresno State drawed with Boise State 1-1 in the final minutes of the Mountain West semifinal conference, the ‘Dogs had a chance to win with penalty kicks.

Fresno State’s Katie Dohnel gave her team the 2-1 lead as she converted her first attempt.

But as the Broncos shot their first penalty kick, Bulldog goalkeeper Ella Wilson guessed correctly and nearly stopped the ball, but suffered an injury as the shot hit on target.

Losing their starting goalkeeper was tough for the ‘Dogs, but Valentina Vivas looked to fill in the role during this crucial moment.

After both teams first goal, they traded backto-back pks for five rounds until Boise State’s goalkeeper blocked Fresno State’s Kaelyn Miller’s shot, and followed it up with another penalty kick score of its own to take the game, 6-5.

Before the penalty kicks, Miller was the first and only one to score with an assist from Sam Tristan and Jordan Brown. This is the first time the ‘Dogs lost a game despite scoring first

against their opponents.

The ‘Dogs were devastated from the loss as their season came to an end. They ended with a 7-3-1 record in the Mountain West and a 9-6-4 record overall.

Fresno State has been struggling to get over this hump.

Its record is 0-2-1 all-time in Mountain West semifinal matches.

It is also the team’s second time losing to Boise State while finishing second in conference standing.

Despite this year ending for the ‘Dogs, a majority of the team is young, filled with freshmen and sophomores, so there’s room for growth.

Before the game, five Bulldogs were honored with Mountain West postseason accolades.

Bulldog defender Robyn McCarthy was named Mountain West defensive player of the year.

After five seasons for Fresno State, this was her last year in the Bulldog uniform.

McCarthy is the first Bulldog to reach the league’s six-team tournament four times in her career.