March 26, 2008

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development Alumni Chapter will honor five outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to education during a dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at California State University, Fresno’s Residence Dining Facility.

In the spotlight will be:

• Richard Firpo, Director of the Renaissance Program and Teacher Internship Program in the Kremen School.

• Jim Yovino, Deputy Superintendent, Fresno County Office of Education

• David Gromis, Attorney

• Dr. James Bushman, Head of School, University High School

• Dr. Sharon Brown-Welty, Professor of Education, Kremen School

• Bruce Barnett, Retired CEO, Educational Employees Credit Union

"We selected outstanding individuals who have significantly impacted education in our valley,” said Don Beauregard, president of the Kremen Alumni Chapter. "Each honoree is clearly outstanding and deserves recognition for making great contributions to enhance the quality of education for students.”

The 2008 awardees are:

Richard M. Firpo - Noted Alumni Award for significant contributions to the field of education

Richard Firpo is a long time educator. He is a former assistant superintendent with the Fresno Unified School District and is currently director of the Renaissance Program and Teacher Internship Program at California State University, Fresno.

Jim Yovino - Professional Alumni Service Award for outstanding achievement

Jim Yovino is currently the Deputy Superintendent for the Fresno County Office of Education. He was formerly a district administrator for the Central Unified School District.

David Gromis - Friend of Education Alumni Award for sustained impact on education

David Gromis is a Fresno attorney. He has been active for many years in supporting a variety of Fresno State activities as well as involvement in several local charitable organizations. He is currently president of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Community Council and is an active member of the Bulldog Foundation.

Dr. James Bushman - Kremen Noted Alumni Special Recognition Award

James Bushman is “Head of School” of University High School, located on the Fresno State campus. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked University High School 36th best high school in the nation.

Dr. Sharon Brown Welty – Kremen Noted Alumni Special Recognition Award

Sharon Brown-Welty is a professor of education in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. She was recently the co-director of the Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Administration and currently Director of Fresno State’s new “stand alone” doctoral program in educational administration.

Bruce Barnett – Special Honor

Bruce Barnett, former Chief Executive Officer of the Educational Employees Credit Union, is being honored for his outstanding contributions to the Kremen School of Education during his tenure as CEO of the Educational Employees Credit Union. A scholarship in his name, “Bruce Barnett Scholarship[“ will be awarded annually to a deserving student enrolled in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

The banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $35 and available at the Kremen Dean’s office, 559.278.0210, or at the door.

(University Communications student-intern Megan Jacobsen contributed to this release.)