July 23, 2009

Fifty years ago, Bill Verdugo had an educational vision. He wanted to teach California State University, Fresno students concepts of horse production and management.  

Verdugo worked tirelessly to acquire well-bred, athletic horses for students to work with on Western performance, turning his vision into reality. Five decades after it began, Fresno State’s equine science program continues its legacy of education and impact on the state's equine industry.

Last month, the American Quarter Horse Association recognized Fresno State’s program with the Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have bred and registered quarterhorses for 50 consecutive years. Twenty awards were made this year, and Fresno State was the only university honored, joining a handful of other universities.

Leaders in the Department of Animal Science and Agriculture Education of Fresno State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology will present the award, a bronze sculpture of a quarterhorse mare with foal, to the Agricultural Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the he Farm Market, the Fresno State Winery and other student-operated enterprises whose profits help other students get hands-on experience and education.

For more information about the equine program, visit the following Web site:

www.fresnostatehorses.com

(Copy by University Communications student-intern Megan Jacobsen.)