It’s party time at California State University, Fresno where nearly 500 Bulldogs past and present will formally celebrate 100 years of educational excellence at the sold-out Grand Centennial Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Save Mart Center.
The Centennial Gala is the elegant highlight of the final week of the university’s Centennial celebration activities. The finale is Saturday, May 21 – the university’s’ 100th Commencement.
Fresno State’s first 100 years will live on, too, through “A Century of Excellence,” a coffee table-style history of the university, available for purchase through the Kennel Bookstore on campus.
The final flurry of Centennial events includes an open house for the College of Science and Mathematics on Friday, May 13; burial of the Associated Students Inc. and USU Centennial time capsule on Wednesday, May 18; and the Centennial Vine planting by the Viticulture and Enology programs on Thursday, May 19.
“This year-long observance of 100 years of academic excellence has allowed us to reflect on our role in the entire Central California region,” said Dr. John D. Welty, Fresno State’s seventh president and its second longest-serving at just under 20 years.
“We are grateful for the support our community has shown its university year in and year out,” Welty said. “This year we have celebrated the accomplishments of more than 200,000 Fresno State graduates who have made a difference in our region, state, world and even in space. We hope the generosity of the past will continue as Fresno State enters its second 100 years dedicated to providing educational opportunities in the Valley.”
Highlights of Saturday’s black-tie optional gala include acknowledgement of two of the eldest alumni expected to attend, Earl Smittcamp (Class of 1939) and Abe Goldman (Class of 1942). The concluding dance will feature the Southern California band West Coast Music playing music from various eras in Fresno State history and alumni and guests invited to dance to favorites of their decade.
The university will salute members of the Pinnacle Society including Pepsi Cola Bottling Group and Citibank for their support at the Paramount Level, which is composed of individuals and organizations that have made cumulative gifts of at least $1 million to help shape the university’s past, present and future.
The Pinnacle Society honors individuals whose years of generous contributions of at least $500,000 have made a distinct difference in education at Fresno State.
The Centennial Gala begins with a social on the North Concourse where mascot TimeOut will greet guests. At 7 p.m., Welty will welcome guests before the dinner, which concludes at 9 with a birthday celebration and singing of “Happy Birthday.”
Other Centennial Celebration final week activities:
Book available – “A Century of Excellence, 1911-2011,” the official history of Fresno State’s first 100 years, is now available at the Kennel Bookstore for $49.95. It also can be ordered at http://www.kennelbookstore.com/MerchDetail.aspx?MerchID=623298.
Written by local historian William B. Secrest Jr. and Lanny Larson of University Communications at Fresno State, the book traces Fresno State’s achievements from before it was established as a teacher-training normal school in 1911 to the present.
May 13 – College of Science and Mathematics Centennial open house is 4-7 p.m. in Science II Courtyard. The free public event includes tours of facilities and faculty research labs, the Downing Planetarium and Museum as well as hors d’ oeuvres and live music.
May 18 – Students’ Centennial Time Capsule burial at 12:30 p.m. near the Memorial Fountain. ASI and University Student Union board of directors will bury a capsule preserving slices of campus history during 2011 to be opened by Fresno State students in 2061. President Welty will join Selena Farnesi, the ASI executive vice president and president-elect, who helped coordinate the project with Yesenia Carrillo of the USU. For more information, call 559.278.2656.
May 19 – Centennial Wine & Vines Celebration is 2–5 p.m. at the Fresno State Winery. A Centennial Cork Tree will be planted, the winery’s newly released 2009 Centennial Cuvee will be tasted and winery tours will be available. (Free parking with coupon code: 16080022). Information is available from Jennifer Sobieralski at jsobieralski@csufresno.edu or 559.278.4867, or visit www.fresnostatewinery.com.
May 21 – The 100th Commencement begins with the procession at 9:30 a.m. at the Save Mart Center. Among the highlights: the Fresno State Orchestra will perform live, a commemorative lapel pin with the Centennial logo Centennial stoles will be given to graduating students, tassels feature the Centennial medallion. Family members of C.L. McLane, Fresno State’s first president, are expected to attend and be honored.
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