The College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State will celebrate eight alumni for their contributions to their professions and communities during the 16th annual Health and Human Services Hero Awards at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19. The virtual event is free and open to the public.
The awards recognize health and human services alumni whose work, service and advocacy improve lives throughout the Central Valley and beyond. Each honoree was selected by an academic department, school, center or institute within the college.
“These alumni bring expertise and compassion to their work, changing lives every day,” said Dr. Kara Zografos, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “Their impact extends beyond the individuals they serve, strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation of health and human services professionals. It is a privilege to share their achievements at our annual Hero Awards.”
The 2026 Health and Human Services Heroes are:
Dr. Mark Baldis (posthumously): As a beloved instructor and dedicated mentor in the exercise science program for 26 years, the late Baldis made a lasting impression on countless Fresno State students and alumni. In addition to leading one of the most popular majors on campus, Baldis also directed the Human Performance Lab on campus for more than 15 years, bringing passion and commitment to his work daily. His dedication to teaching earned him a Provost’s Award for Outstanding Lecturer.
Dr. Natalie Bolin: With more than three decades of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, Bolin serves as behavioral health director for Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. She oversees mental health and addiction treatment, crisis response, inpatient psychiatric care and supportive housing services. She also founded Pathways to Healing, a survivor-centered nonprofit supporting survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, spiritual abuse and betrayal trauma.
Antonina Cardinalli: Throughout a 45-year career, Cardinalli dedicated her life to educating deaf or hard of hearing children. At Clovis Unified School District, she helped develop specialized programming and an auditory verbal therapist position to strengthen achievement among students developing listening and spoken language skills. She also founded the district’s Seeds of Joy scholarship endowment to support deaf or hard of hearing students. She now shares her expertise with future professionals as an instructor at Fresno State.
Kyle Lane: As district ranger for the Hume Lake Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, Lane leads efforts to protect public lands and connect communities with the outdoors. Throughout his USDA Forest Service career, he has improved recreation programs, trails and visitor services while building partnerships that support stewardship of the Sierra Nevada. Through teaching at Reedley College and mentoring Forest Service employees and interns, he has also helped prepare the next generation of recreation and natural resource professionals.
Dr. Gary Lentell: A Fresno State professor emeritus, Lentell has advanced physical therapy through award-winning research, decades of clinical care and a faculty career that began in 1984. He led the university’s Musculoskeletal Care Clinic, pairing hands-on student learning with accessible patient care. His community service includes more than three decades supporting physical therapy services at the Poverello House Holy Cross Clinic, alongside efforts to expand fitness and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
Grace Meyer: A pediatric intensive care unit nurse at Valley Children’s Hospital, Meyer provides lifesaving care to critically ill children and compassionate support to their families through the hospital’s specialized cardiothoracic surgery and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation programs. Inspired by her patients’ experiences with blood cancers, she led a team that raised more than $134,000 in 10 weeks for Blood Cancer United, supporting research, improved treatments, advocacy and patient assistance.
Laura Rodriguez: As the senior vice president of Health Education at Marquee Health, Rodriguez has spent more than a decade advancing health coaching to help people lead healthier lives. She helped develop innovative, family-based telehealth programs in Spanish, as well as ElevateU, the organization’s certified coach training program. A national board certified health and wellness coach, she is passionate about improving health outcomes for all.
Bee Vang: An environmental health specialist with the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Vang conducts public health and safety inspections, with a particular focus on childhood lead poisoning. She provides outreach and support to parents, educators and medical providers, bringing professionalism and care to her work. She also trains and mentors environmental health students at Fresno State.
Since 2011, nearly 150 individuals have been honored for their leadership and commitment to their professions. Learn more about this year’s honorees on the Hero Awards website.
For more information, contact Jeff Rickels, development director for the College of Health and Human Services, at rickelsjeff@mail.fresnostate.edu.
