MCJ Hall of Fame to induct media giants Orozco, Woodward

Six industry leaders to be honored as MCJ Fellows; 30 scholarships presented

Two respected names in the Valley’s media scene — Ron Orozco and Bill Woodward — will be honored at the Fresno State Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Hall of Fame and Scholarship Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 on campus.

The event brings Fresno State alumni back to honor the MCJ Hall of Fame inductees and other graduates during a reception held in Studio A in the Speech Arts building, room 172.

Orozco is an award-winning Fresno Bee reporter who is now retired from the paper but working as an adjunct journalism professor at Fresno State. Woodward was KMJ radio’s “Voice of the Fresno State Bulldogs” for many years, broadcasting University sporting events.

Six industry leaders also will be honored as MCJ Fellows: Jill Wagner, public relations professional; Derek Franks, general manager of the Fresno Grizzlies; Mark Mirko, photojournalist; Oscar Speace, playwright and producer/director; Soma Norodom, journalist and social entrepreneur; and journalist Mark Grossi.

Scholarships will be presented to 30 current MCJ students at the reception. The event also raises funds for future MCJ scholarships with a silent auction featuring such items as a Fresno Grizzlies Fan Pack valued at $700 and a cooking session from the Young Chef’s Academy.

The event is presented by the MCJ Alumni and Friends Chapter of the Fresno State Alumni Association and seven students in the public relations course “Cases and Campaigns” taught by Jan Edwards. The students are executing the entire event as part of their final senior project.

Paul McDougal, MCJ Alumni and Friends Chapter president, said this year’s class of inductees are “wonderfully deserving.”  He invites MCJ grads to celebrate the accomplishments of Fresno State alumni and current students.

Tickets are available online for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit the MCJ Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact Cynthia Villarreal at 559.288.6587 or cynthia519347@mail.fresnostate.edu