Fresno State was well represented this month at the 36th Annual American Humanics Management Institute in Kansas City, Mo., where participants learned nonprofit management tips from local and national experts. The Jan. 3-6 institute exposed students to experiences they will encounter as nonprofit professionals.

Seventeen Fresno State students, two alumni and a faculty member attended the symposium. They were among 550 American Humanics students and faculty – and more than 200 nonprofit and corporate leaders – who used the opportunity to network, participate in simulated case studies and a national collegiate dialogue and attend workshops.

Fresno State President John D. Welty was among those honored for their dedication to preparing the next generation of nonprofit sector leaders. He was recognized specifically for the leadership role he has played at the local, state and national levels.

Welty joined the American Humanics Board of Directors in 1999 and served as chair from 2001-04. He expanded the program with the California State University system and, as chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, provided leadership to expand the American Humanics program to other campuses.

Fresno State was represented by Dr. Matthew A. Jendian, associate professor of sociology and director of the American Humanics program at Fresno State, and 17 student participants.

They included, from Fresno: Yvonne Brooks (women’s studies, sociology, and liberal studies), Suzie Moreno (health science), Marylou Ortiz (psychology), Ernesto Saavedra (psychology and sociology), Chia Thao (health science/public health), and Susan Vang (sociology).
Also taking part were, from Clovis, Donna Massa (sociology); from Madera, Stephanie Avila-Ramirez (business administration/management) and Connie Gonzales (sociology); from Mendota, Kelvin Alfaro (psychology and sociology).

From Dinuba, Kristina Hernandez (sociology and Chicano & Latin American studies); from Porterville, I Chang (health science/public health); from Woodlake, Sarina Iniguez-De La Rosa (sociology and Chicano & Latin American studies); from Visalia, Gina Molina (liberal studies); from Caruthers, Robin Petrosso (liberal studies); from Stockton, Tzitzijanik Jazmin Serrano (sociology); and from Modesto, Geneva Skram (sociology).

In addition, two Fresno State alumni participated: Koua Cha (B.A., public administration; B.S., chemistry) and Kate Henry (B.A., social work).

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. It is affiliated with more than 70 colleges and universities nationwide, including Fresno State, and partners with more than 60 national nonprofit organizations, including American Red Cross, America’s Second Harvest, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, the United Way, and YMCA.