Stories inspire us. They connect us. They inform us of all the wonderful things — and sometimes challenging things — happening at the Fresno State campus that holds a special meaning to so many in the Central Valley and beyond. Stories are how we relate to one another, and oftentimes stories spark us to take action — whether it’s giving to a worthwhile cause, attending an event or rallying support. At Fresno State, stories create a bond between thousands of alumni, friends, students, prospective students and other community members.
Here is a glimpse, in no particular order, at the University Marketing and Communications’ picks for the top 20 stories of 2025 — from the biggest campus news to the most touching and well-done storytelling from the university over the past year.
Defining the ‘Pride of the Valley’
Fresno State’s identity is inseparable from the Valley it serves — a relationship built on tradition, impact and generations of personal connection. This story explored the many ways the university uplifts lives and strengthens community pride. It also offered 20 reasons why Fresno State continues to be celebrated as the Pride of the Valley.
Fresno State launches fundraising campaign with call to ‘Lead with Pride’
Fresno State announced on Oct. 20 the launch of its philanthropic, comprehensive campaign, “Lead with Pride: The Campaign for Fresno State,” a people-powered movement aimed at transforming lives through education, discovery and community partnership. “Lead with Pride is more than a campaign — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” said Brady Crook, vice president for University Advancement at Fresno State. Campaign priorities will continue to advance student access and success, student experiences, athletics and research.
Washington Monthly ranks Fresno State No. 2 in the nation
Fresno State is ranked the No. 2 university among all public and private schools nationwide in Washington Monthly’s new ranking of Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars. The Washington, D.C.-based publication ranks colleges and universities based on their contribution to the public good in three categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service. Fresno State is the only Mountain West institution and the only future Pac-12 member to appear in the top 30, alongside Stanford, MIT and five Ivy League universities.
Coolest classes on campus
Fresno State Magazine launched its new “Course Spotlight” series, highlighting hidden-gem classes that offer hands-on learning and real-world experience. Each feature takes readers inside the classroom through video and storytelling to showcase faculty innovation and immersive student opportunities.
CSU releases latest economic impact report, including Fresno State data
Fresno State helps contribute to the billions of dollars in annual economic activity and tax revenue statewide. The 22-campus California State University system released its Economic Impact Report on Nov. 18, highlighting the significant role the CSU and Fresno State play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening California’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to California’s economy. As part of the Central Valley, Fresno State helped generate a substantial economic impact across the area, supporting a total of 14,000 jobs and an overall impact of $1.5 billion in industry activity.
Fresno State receives record number of $1M gifts in 2024-25
Fresno State received a record 13 gifts of $1 million or more in 2024-25, contributing to the university’s second-highest fundraising total at $38.85 million. The year included the university’s strongest Day of Giving ever, raising $611,174 in just 24 hours. From theatre to nursing, plant pathology and athletics, philanthropic partners invested $28.1 million in academics and $10.6 million in athletics.
Theatre for Young Audiences founder leaves $4.8M legacy gift
In a full-circle moment, the creator of Fresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences, Dr. Janet Loring, bequeathed a gift of over $4.8 million through her trust. The gift will establish the “Dr. Janet Loring Chair in Theatre for Youth” endowment and support the Theatre for Young Audiences program and other educational theatre programs in perpetuity. The gift is the largest received by Fresno State in fiscal year 2025 and a key contributor to the second-best fundraising year in the university’s history.
$1M gift will enhance training facility for nursing students
A transformational $1 million gift from the Leon S. Peters Foundation will upgrade and rename Fresno State’s Nursing Resource Center, creating a more realistic, hands-on clinical training environment for undergraduate and graduate students. The enhanced center will feature updated technology and simulation equipment that mirrors a real hospital setting, strengthening student preparation and helping address the Central Valley’s critical nursing shortage.
‘Perception of perfection’
Diamond Learning Center founder and Fresno State alumna Jami Hamel De La Cerda leads a community where adult learners with intellectual disabilities are welcomed, celebrated and treated with dignity. Through partnerships with Fresno State athletics and a growing commitment to inclusion, the story shows how everyone who walks in is valued — and redefines what “perfection” means.
Downing Planetarium celebrates 25 years of bringing the universe to campus
The Downing Planetarium, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, has inspired a generation with a love of science and continues its ongoing mission to excite wonder and curiosity. The planetarium and its adjoining science museum, gift shop and small observatory combine showmanship with serious science education. As one of only four planetariums in the Central Valley, the Downing Planetarium draws up to 20,000 visitors a year, from as far away as San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.
From surviving to thriving
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Asian migration to the United States following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Fresno State saw an influx of Southeast Asian students in the years that followed, starting with the Vietnamese and followed by Cambodian, Hmong, Lao and Mien. Many Fresno State alumni of Southeast Asian descent have found success over the years and gone on to serve the community locally and beyond. This story introduces those alumni, including trailblazers like Misty Her, the first woman and first Hmong superintendent of Fresno Unified School District.
More than a mom: A parent’s journey to the graduation stage
Maria Arredondo is a mother of six, a wife, a full-time student and a future leader in criminal justice. She commutes from Los Baños to Fresno State multiple times a week while raising her children and step-children, ranging in age from 9 months to 14 years old, with her husband Uziel. Her journey reflects the determination of Fresno State parent-scholars who persevere to create new opportunities for their families.
Fresno State hosts first summer LaunchPad supporting freshman success
This year, LaunchPad: Bulldog Bound Freshman Success Camp welcomed 200 incoming first-generation Fresno State students for a free, immersive five-day orientation designed to ease their college transition. The program — in partnership with Fresno Unified School District — offered academic advising, financial-aid planning, support services and peer mentoring, while helping students build community and confidence before their first semester.
Research at Fresno State: Trick-or-treat hysteria
Why trick-or-treat? Dr. William Force, assistant professor of sociology at Fresno State, shared his research on the culture of trick-or-treating — an internationally recognized tradition with deep social meaning. As a part of the new faculty and research video series, Force shared insights that offer a fresh perspective on this familiar tradition, encouraging us to view Halloween from a new sociological perspective.
Club hopping: The vibes are (lift)off
Fresno State’s American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics club took to the Mojave Desert to test rockets they designed and built throughout the year. Their work showcases the creativity, technical skill and teamwork that define student-led engineering projects on campus.
Anatomy lab provides inside look at human body
Fresno State’s anatomy lab gives Doctor of Physical Therapy students rare, hands-on experience studying human cadavers — an opportunity offered by few programs in the region. Through two intensive anatomy courses, students learn to identify structures, understand human movement and prepare for clinical practice using real-world training. The story offers an inside look at how Fresno State is shaping future health-care professionals.
Spinning in a new direction
Amelia DiPaola Robinson, a former track-and-field standout, was recognized as one of 30 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2025. After graduating magna cum laude with a pre-veterinary major, she began veterinary school at the University of Minnesota — a transformation that shows how determination and grit can turn an unlikely start into a remarkable future.
New football uniforms put the ‘ag’ in swag
Fresno State football debuted perhaps its most unique uniform yet for its Ag Fest-themed home finale, paying homage to the agriculturally-rich Central Valley like never before. The Bulldogs donned white jerseys with green “Fresno State” lettering across the chest and sublimated farm imagery uniquely integrated into each green jersey number. Each jersey – from Korey Foreman’s No. 0 to Michael Jordan Jr.’s No. 99 – featured different art representing various fruits, nuts, vegetables and livestock that make up the region’s agricultural footprint.
Bulldog born, Bulldog brewed
Fresno State athletics and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company debuted Red Wave Light Lager, the officially licensed craft beer of Fresno State. While the project spanned three years, its completion fulfilled a decades-long dream for Tioga-Sequoia’s president and Fresno State alumnus Michael Cruz. During his time as a Craig School of Business student, Cruz interned for a local distributor who was working with Tioga-Sequoia’s ownership group to bring the brand to market. After graduation, he forged his own path at the company, taking on various special projects — but none more meaningful than collaborating with his alma mater on the Red Wave Light Lager.
Holiday gift guide
The holiday countdown is on, and retailers like the Kennel Marketplace and Kennel Bookstore are a one-stop shop for apparel and merchandise for the Fresno State fans, alumni and students in your lives. The stores are full of hot-selling and trendy items for any age group, and staff on site are happy to help answer questions and direct customers to the items they are looking for. The nearby Gibson Farm Market also offers a variety of gift ideas for those looking for edible gifts, including student-produced goods like Fresno State Wine, nuts, olive oil and more.
