Quad grand opening at Fresno State

Quad ribbon cutting Feb. 14 at Fresno State.

A quad area that has been part of Fresno State since the 1960s got a facelift and was dedicated with a special Native American blessing today (Feb. 14).

Located between four buildings built about five years after the campus moved north in the 1950s — Social Sciences, McKee Fisk, Psychology and Human Services and Family and Food Science (San Ramon Avenue and Campus Drive) — the $761,000 quad upgrade is part of the $20 million that University President Joseph I. Castro allocated for deferred maintenance on campus. Additions include five light poles (doubling the number of poles for improved lighting), 20 Chinese pistache and oak trees and tables and benches, including some with electrical and USB outlets.

The event, hosted by the College of Social Sciences, included remarks from Castro and Michelle DenBeste, interim dean of the college; the Native American blessing by the Hon. Ron Goode, tribal chairman of the North Fork Mono Tribe; and a performance by the Los Danzantes de Aztlan dance troupe.

Other campus improvements completed include the Bulldog Walkway between the Wathen Tennis Center and Warmerdam Field with new concrete and improved lighting ($210,000).