Dr. Vida Samiian, professor and former dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State, was honored with the Fresno Arts Council Special Award at the 29th annual Horizon Awards ceremony Aug. 14 at the Fresno Art Museum.

The award recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the enrichment of life in the Fresno community through excellence in the arts.

Samiian, who served as dean for 10 years before stepping down this month to return to the faculty, was instrumental in the development of University High School and the CSU Summer Arts program and the advancement of the Fresno State Music Department.

She has also supported the creation of the literary publication, “The Normal School,” and helped establish many scholarships and programs including the Middle East Studies Program, Center for Creativity and the Arts, Chukchansi Language revitalization, study abroad programs and the Fresno Opera and Orchestra Summer String Academy (FOOSA).

Samiian fostered the lead gift for the renovation and expansion of the Concert Hall in the Music Building and helped to promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the college and the arts community.

Past Fresno State recipients of the Horizon Award include Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, a Fresno State music professor, in 2012; the CSU Summer Arts program in 2011; and Jacqueline Doumanian, former community relations specialist for CSU Summer Arts, in 2010.

For more information, contact the Fresno Arts Council at 559.237.9734 or the College of Arts and Humanities at 559.278.3056.

(Copy by Akyia Westley, University Communications news assistant.)

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