October 8, 2009

“Hollywood Homecoming” will take center stage at California State University, Fresno from Oct. 11 to 17 with something for everyone.

A cupcake eating contest, blow-up games and a celebrity look-a-like contest are among the on-campus activities scheduled to get students pumped up for the weekend and the centerpiece football game against San Jose State at 7 p.m. Saturday. There also will be a Back to the U concert and outdoor screening of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” presented by USU Productions.

Homecoming athletics include soccer, hosting Western Athletic Conference rival Louisiana State at 2 p.m. Oct. 11; a lacrosse alumni game at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12; and volleyball vs. Boise State at 1 p.m. Oct. 17.

The Bulldog Marching Band alumni are invited to join the 2009-10 band in the stands and during the football half-time show.

Half-time also will include the presentation of the 2009 Norm and Patti Moglia Band Alumni Award to Dr. Larry Engstrom of Kingsburg, director of the School of the Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno.

During the game, tribute will be paid to the memory of Debbye Scott, an alumna (Class of 1987) best known as the person at the other end of Fresno State live mascot Victor E. Bulldog's leash. Her English bulldog, Norman, was chosen from among more than 100 in 2006 to be Fresno State's mascot, based on his personality, looks and ability to remain calm in with big crowds around. Scott died Oct. 3.

Academics and Athletics have teamed up for a homecoming exhibition called “Bulldog Pride: The Modern Era of Fresno State Athletics.” Library Dean Peter McDonald, Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh, Time Out, the pep band and star athlete from each sport will be at the premiere of the exhibit from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Ellipse Gallery, on the second floor of the Madden Library.

Distinguished Alumni

The Fresno State Alumni Association will roll out the red carpet for distinguished alumni during the Top Dog Gala at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Save Mart Center and at the alumni tailgate at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 in the red lot next to Bulldog Stadium.

Trent Dilfer, the former Fresno State star, Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback and now an ESPN football analyst, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Sidney B. Cox, retired from a career in communications with Producers Cotton Oil Co., will be honored with the Arthur Safstrom Service Award for his volunteer efforts in the community and for Fresno State.

In addition, Top Dog Alumni awards will be presented to outstanding alumni representing each Fresno State’s college and school, Athletics, the Henry Madden Library, Student Affairs and Graduate Studies:

• Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology - Dr. Gordon C. Rausser

• College of Arts and Humanities – John Loiacono

• Department of Athletics – Cory Hall

• Craig School of Business – Larry Johanson

• Kremen School of Education and Human Development – Susan Fisher

• Lyles College of Engineering – Jerry DeYoung

• Division of Graduate Studies - Carmen C. Carey

• College of Health and Human Services – Judith Case

• Henry Madden Library – Dr. Michael Adams and Jeanne Falk Adams

• College of Science and Mathematics – Dr. Larry Crowder

• College of Social Sciences – Arnold Peter

• Division of Student Affairs – John Hernandez

Also part of the Top Dog Alumni Gala is presentation of Fresno State Alumni Association scholarships to students.

Times and locations of on-campus student activities are available at: www.myspace.com/fresnostatehomecoming.

Information about the Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala and Alumni Association tailgate are available at: www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/CAF/cpages/events/events_homec.jsp.

Information about athletics tickets and schedules is available at www.GoBulldogs.com.