California State University, Fresno’s front line in helping its students succeed — academic advisers —was honored recently at the first Campus Advisers Network Adviser Appreciation Luncheon and Outstanding Adviser Award ceremony.

Dr. Jeronima Echeverria, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, hosted the event recognizing 26 campus advisers nominated for four Outstanding Adviser Awards by students, administrators, faculty and staff.

The Outstanding Adviser Awards, with “Key to Success” trophies and $1,000 professional development stipends, went to:

• Dr. Mary Barakzai, nursing

• Dr. Matthew Jendian, sociology

• Mrs. Janell Tatsumura, education student services

• Mrs. Kimra Aquino Garcia, office of advising services

The other nominees are:

Dr. Jacinta Amaral, Modern & Classical Languages and Literatures; Dr. Alejandro Calderon-Urrea, Biology; Frank Castro, Health and Human Services; Dr. Sandra Donohue, Health Science; Dr. Thomas Dull, Criminology; Dr. Susan Geringer, Marketing and E-Business; Dr. Wade Gilbert, Kinesiology ; Joe Guerra, Student Support Services; Betsy Hays, Mass Communication and Journalism; Dr. Ken Heupel, Agricultural Mechanics; Joe Jauregui, Outreach Services; Dr. Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures; Dr. Barbara La Bossiere, Philosophy; Dr. Maritere Lopez, History; Dr. James Mullooly, Anthropology and University 1/Mentoring Institute; Dr. Gary Rice, Mass Communication and Journalism; Dr. Stephen Rodemeyer, Smittcamp Family Honors College; Dr. Douglas Singleton, Physics; Dr. Janet Slagter, Women’s Studies; Jesse Tafolla, Office of Advising Services; Dr. Ronald Yockey, Psychology; and Debbie Young, Craig School of Business – Internship Office.

“We wanted to acknowledge that academic advising and personal interactions with faculty and staff are strong components of student success,” Oliaro said of the May 4 event attended by more than 80 faculty and staff advisers.

The Campus Advisers Network is facilitated by the Office of Advising Services to provide support to faculty and staff advisers through monthly meetings during the academic year.

Maxine McDonald, executive director of Academic Enhancement Services, which houses Advising Services, said the meetings provide a forum to better understand advising issues, interpret campus policies and procedures and learn about new developments in majors and programs.

For more information, visit: http://can.csufresno.edu/