College Report: April 2024
Mou Signing Slated
Fresno City College and Fresno State will sign a first of its kind agreement on Friday, April 5 that will solidify and fortify an already strong transfer partnership, ultimately with the goal of increasing enrollment for disproportionately impacted FCC students. The MOU will establish the City to State Transfer Program to help streamline and improve the transfer process so that FCC continues to remain the largest feeder community college to Fresno State. The agreement is similar to the MOU signed with UC Merced in 2022. The agreement calls for the hiring of a dedicated counselor at FCC whose position will be funded equally by the two institutions. The formal partnership will officially be signed at 11:00 a.m. in front of the FCC Library. Sam the Ram and Fresno State’s Time Out will also be on hand.
Vice President of Student Services Recognized
Dr. Lataria Hall, Vice President of Student Services, was recognized by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria at her Annual Women Leading the Way event on March 9. The event was in celebration of Women’s History Month honoring 16 women and their service as a role models for women and girls in the Central Valley.
Master Plan for Career Education
On April 5, FCC will host a regional meeting for the Governor’s Council for Career Education. The day-long event will include an interactive design session to share ideas, align K-12, postsecondary and workforce training opportunities and create incentives and improve coordination. In addition, developing easier access to public benefits so that students can afford to participate in specialized education and training. Several regional meetings are planned and the collaborative efforts will result in a new Master Plan for Career Education in California.
California Attorney General to Speak
On April 6, FCC will host California Attorney General Rob Bonta in Forum Hall 101 at noon. He will provide a presentation on the State of Hate at the United Against Hate Summit. The event will include various workshops and a resources fair around the main fountain. Admission is free and the event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Smile California Campaign
On April 4, the “Smile, California” Medi-Cal dental program and the FCC Dental Hygiene program will host a press conference and resource fair from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to promote and educate people regarding their access to free dental care. Free dental hygiene items will be distributed along with key resources that include dental benefits, routine exams and how to prevent tooth decay.
Hanna S. Barsam Excellence in Photography Award
The FCC Photography Department will host their annual student photography exhibit and reception on April 18 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Old Administration Building, room 251. In 2013 an endowment was established and created as the Hanna S. Barsam Award for the FCC Photography Program. The endowment created a $1500 cash award that is offered every spring semester to a photo student who demonstrates excellence in photography.
FCC Student Benefits from UCSF Medbridge Program
A unique program initiated by Senator Melissa Hurtado in 2021 and in partnership with UCSF Fresno and the Foundation for California Community Colleges was launched in the fall of 2023. Currently in its first year, the program has enrolled two groups of 102 community college students across the Central Valley. Students participate in hands-on activities at the UCSF Fresno Clinical Skills and Simulation Center. Malik Evans, a FCC student who is working toward becoming a neurosurgeon, says it’s a perk being enrolled in the San Joaquin Valley MedBridge Program and is invaluable to their education. Evans is in the program’s first cohort and is taking advantage of the opportunity to connect with UCSF Fresno staff and meet other students who are on the same path toward health care careers.
Pancakes with your Peeps
On March 20, President Pimentel and the FCC Management team hosted a pancake breakfast in the East Courtyard for all faculty and staff. The event also included drawings for fun prizes that were sponsored by the managers.
Art Space Gallery
On April 3, a performance lecture is slated at the Art Space Gallery at 6:00 p.m. with guest artist Emilio Rojas. Titled “Go Back Where You Came From,” this talk addresses the history of colonization through the lens of the artist’s identity as a queer, Latinx immigrant with Indigenous heritage. It is presented as part of “Deep Maps,” an exhibition and research project across Art Space Gallery and the FCC library. This performance contains nudity and sensitive language and attendees must be 18 years of age.
Speakers Forum
On April 10, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist and Author, Jose Antonio Vargas will be speaking at 11:00 a.m. in the OAB Auditorium. His book, Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen shares the struggles and challenges of the millions of undocumented immigrants who live in the U.S. His own struggle started at the age of 12 when he left the Philippines to live with his grandparents in California. Admission to this event is free.
FCC President Selected as Keynote Speaker
FCC President Robert Pimentel was the keynote speaker at the annual Trailblazers luncheon held on March 27. The event was organized by the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association and recognized the contributions of community members and organizations who make a positive impact in the Southeast Fresno community. Dr. Pimentel highlighted the opening of the First Responders Campus as an example of the college’s commitment to the area.
Asian American Month
The month of April is loaded with an array of Asian inspired events starting with a Eskrima/Filipino Martial Arts Workshop on April 9. Other events include a Chinese American Women panel, a panel discussion with Sikh Americans and a Lao and Hmong Life Cycles Workshop. It will culminate with a Night Market Sake Garden on Friday, April 26 and Asian Fest on Saturday, April 27. This year will celebrate the Year of the Dragon, with non-stop live performances featuring Taiko Drummers, Lion Dancers, Dragon Dancers, and the excitement of traditional and contemporary performances. Check out the Asian American web page for all dates and times.
Debate Win!
Congratulations to members of the Fresno City College Forensics Team who each came home with medals from the California Community College Forensics Association State Championships in Concord in March. The team debated well over a grueling 5-day tournament in 2 debate events. Over 20 teams from California community colleges competed. The winners are Jack Howard who won a Bronze Medal in International Public Debate; and Alexa Duran and Jack Howard who won Silver Medals in National Parliamentary Debate. FCC tied for second in limited entry sweepstakes.
FCC to Host Earth Day
For the second consecutive year, Earth Day Fresno is holding their Earth Day event at FCC on April 13. The Math, Science, and Engineering Division is a co-sponsor. The event will be held on the West Lawn of the Old Administration Building from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities will include electronic vehicle test rides, a bike clinic, kid’s activities, food trucks and green vendors and exhibitors. The event is free to the public.
Sports Update
Former FCC football player from 2020-2022, Ryan Hunt, successfully completed and passed an 8-hour portion of the Practice of Engineering Exam while currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Fresno State. He is the first student to accomplish this at the Lyle’s School of Engineering and he says the time he spent at FCC helped him to figure out what he wanted to study.
Sophomore golfer Giuseppe Aliotti (Clovis North) has been the first place finisher in the last 4 of 5 tournaments in the Big 8 Conference. The team is currently in second place in their conference and is halfway through the season and is looking to finish strong.
Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams both won their respective Central Valley Conference Championships. NorCal playoffs will be held in April.
First year softball coach Linda Garza is off to a strong first year with an overall record of 21-5. They have not lost a game since February 29.
The Ram Baseball Team is having another strong season with an over record of 19-5. On April 15, FCC will host the Reedley College Tigers at the Bob Benett Stadium at Fresno State at 6:00 p.m.
FCC in the News
ABC30: FCC’s Collegiate Chapter of the Music Teacher National Association named 2024 Chapter of the Year
ABC30: Annual ‘Career Skills Challenge’ at Fresno City College lets students showcase skills
Fresno State News: Local higher ed stakeholders share challenges specific to the Valley
