May 15, 2009

Nine top undergraduate students have been named Deans’ Medalists for the Class of 2009 at California State University, Fresno. They will be recognized at the 98th Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May, 23, at the Save Mart Center. One will be named winner of the President’s Medal, the university’s top student recognition.

The medalists are chosen as the outstanding students in each of the university’s eight schools and colleges of academic discipline and in the Division of Student Affairs. The dean of each college/school selects an undergraduate and a graduate medalist based on academic achievement, community involvement and other accomplishments.

The Class of 2009 undergraduate Deans’ Medalists are:

• Jaime Flores of Hollister (San Benito High) – Jordan College of Agricultural
  Sciences and Technology

• Yosef Mahmood of Fresno (University High) – College of Arts and Humanities

• Julio Espino of Dinuba (Dinuba High) – Craig School of Business

• Tania Sandoval of Huron (Coalinga High) – Kremen School of Education and Human Development

• Stacy Krahn of Fresno (Buchanan High) – Lyles College of Engineering

• Jodi Marr of Oakhurst (Yosemite High) – College of Health and Human Services

• Sukhdeep Singh of Fresno (Central) – College of Science and Mathematics

• Amy Noel of Exeter (Exeter High) – College of Social Sciences

• Russel Statham of Fresno (Washington Union High) – Division of Student Affairs

Jaime Flores, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,
completed her B.S. in Food and Nutritional Sciences with a 3.95 GPA. Flores, who is from Hollister, extended her love of nutrition far beyond the classroom by volunteering countless hours to the Bulldog Pantry, spearheading fundraisers and food drives. She helped develop the Healthy Eating Farm Market on campus for busy students. Flores was selected for the 2007 California State University Board of Trustee's Award. She is a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College and the Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key and Alpha Zeta honor societies. She plans to pursue a career as a registered dietitian.

Yosef Mahmood, College of Arts and Humanities,
completed his B.A. in Theatre Arts and Political Science with a 3.79 GPA. Mahmood, who is from Fresno and came to Fresno State from University High School, has acted in 12 University Theatre shows, danced in the Portable Dance Troupe, performed in the Theatre for Young Audiences Tour and directed campus productions. The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival nominated him for the Irene Ryan Acting Award as well as a director's award. Mahmood, a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, has participated in Moot Court, was the undergraduate representative for the Student Academic Petitions Committee and had internships in Washington, D.C., with Sen. Diane Feinstein and Rep. George Radanovich.

Julio Espino, the Craig School of Business,
completed his B.A. in Finance, with a 3.93 GPA. He is the eldest son of an immigrant single mother from EI Salvador. He spent his youth as an agricultural field worker in Central California. As a Marine supply clerk, Espino served in Kuwait and Iraq, where he was known for getting the job done. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor society and was an officer in the Management, Accounting and Finance Honor Society. Espino, who is from Dinuba and is a husband and father, plans to earn an M.B.A. with an emphasis in financial analysis and become a college professor.

Tania Sandoval, Kremen School of Education and Human Development,
completed her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a 3.53 GPA. She graduates also with a Multiple Subject Credential. At age 18, when Sandoval became both a Fresno State student and the primary wage earner for her family, she worked two to three jobs while carrying 16 or more units per semester. As president of the Build-a-Teacher Club, Sandoval attracted more than 100 future teachers to the first meeting. Her involvement in the community includes volunteering to tutor children, coaching a middle school volleyball team and choreographing quinceaneras. Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher and to teach in her hometown of Huron.

Stacy Krahn, Lyles College of Engineering,
completed her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a 3.94 GPA. Krahn, who is from Fresno, started her college career at Reedley College and Fresno City College. There, and at Fresno State, she has consistently been on the Dean's List and President's List and active in honor societies. She received the Grillione Memorial Scholarship and the California Governor’s Scholarship. Krahn was an intern at a local engineering firm. She has volunteered as a host with the U.S. Forest Service and with the 4x4Him Christian Wheelers in assisting Valley Teen Ranch, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Adopt-a-Highway.

Jodi Marr, College of Health and Human Services,
completed a B.A. in Social Work with a 3.97 GPA. Marr, who is from Coarsegold, traveled to Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia as a volunteer with Youth with a Mission, a humanitarian Christian organization. She has also worked at Exceptional Parents Unlimited, at JDT Consultants and at TLC Children's Center. She is an active member of the campus Social Work Student Association and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She wants to help people in need, particularly young children as well as those with addictions.

Sukhdeep Singh, College of Science and Mathematics,
completed a B.A. in Chemistry with a 3.902 GPA. He is first author of a peer-reviewed article published in the International Journal of Chemical Kinetics in February and is working on a paper to be submitted to the Journal of Physical Chemistry later this year. Singh, who was born in India, has published five abstracts in the past year and presented his work at several conferences on the national stage. His academic awards include the Downing Scholarship and the Chan Scholarship. He was selected by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to present his research in Raleigh, N.C. He was accepted into medical school where he plans to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.

Amy Noel, College of Social Sciences,
completed her B.A. in History with a 4.0 GPA. She is the recipient of the McClatchy and Garabedian Scholarships for Classical Studies and the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. She is a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College. Noel, who is from Exeter, is fluent in Spanish and Latin and has served as Latin tutor for high school students. Last fall, Noel also wrote a thesis for the College of Arts and Humanities Honors Program and presented it at the Honors Symposium. Noel has been accepted into graduate programs at the University of California, Davis and Boston University. She plans to pursue a doctoral program in early American history.

Russel Statham, Division of Student Affairs,
completed his B.S. in Business Administration, Information Systems, with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College and a Craig Scholar in the Craig Honors Program. Statham, who is from Fresno, has been an active member of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma international honor societies. He was Associated Students Inc. chief of staff and vice president for finance, and helped establish the ASI Scholarship Program. Statham was appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger as a student representative on the California State University Board of Trustees. His career goal is to become president of a public university.