Photo by
seanclick.com

New TimeOut Spirit Award created
A new scholarship that will support the students portraying Fresno State’s mascot has been created. The TimeOut Spirit Award has been established under the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship of the Fresno State Alumni Association.

“We’re thrilled to provide an academic scholarship that demonstrates true Bulldog loyalty, pride and spirit,” said Peter Robertson, Fresno State alumnus and founder of the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund. “In just five years, we’ve raised nearly $173,00 in donations and will, by fall 2010, have distributed $21,000 in student scholarships.”

The inaugural TimeOut Spirit Award of $2,000 will be granted on Oct. 15 to coincide with Fresno State’s Centennial celebrations and the Fresno State Alumni Association’s Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala.

'Wicked' party a big hit
The hit Broadway musical Wicked was the theme of the Arne Nixon Center Advocates’ eighth annual Secret Garden Party, held April 11. Entertainment included songs by “Wicked” characters and party decorations included a Yellow Brick Road, a rainbow balloon arch, a bubble machine at the champagne station, a lunchbox tree, and a poppy field made of cupcakes. Master Gardeners demonstrated techniques for container gardening, edible landscaping, sustainable gardening, and topiary. A pair of non-scary winged monkeys (played by Delaney Rocca and Ellie Twohey, both aged two) drew the most praise. The party grossed more than $23,000; all profits benefit the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature. This year’s earnings will support programs like the national Oz conference, featuring Gregory Maguire, author of the novel Wicked. The conference will be held at Fresno State, May 14-16. For conference information, see www.arnenixoncenter.org or call 278-8116.

Obesity project featured on TV show
The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Project, headquartered at Fresno State, was spotlighted on a half-hour childhood obesity special broadcast April 11 by KFSN, Channel 30. The program featured project partners and its Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Leadership Program talking about joint use and the need to have safe places for children to play.  The show has been posted online at http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/feature section=resources/lifestyle_community/community&id=7377902.

Fresno State scholarship honors memory of broadcaster Roy Isom
A scholarship in memory of longtime Fresno farm broadcaster Roy Isom has been established by Ag One Foundation to benefit students in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Mr. Isom, who was 72, died April 15 of cancer. He was farm editor and news director at KMJ, AM 580, where he had worked since 1981. KMJ and parent Peak Broadcasting wanted to establish a scholarship at Fresno State because of Mr. Isom's dedication to agriculture in general and to children, including his service on the Sanger Unified School District Board of Trustees. See the full story here.

Welty asks campus community to participate in the 2010 Census
President Welty asks campus community members who haven't returned their 2010 Census questionnaire to do so soon. He noted five significant impacts of the Census:

• Education. Pell grants and many other education programs are funded through the more than $400 billion that the federal government will divide based on the Census count.
• Money. Each person counted in the Census is worth $10,000 over 10 years in federal funds to the city where they live. These funds will be used to provide vital services such as transportation, schools, and hospitals.
• Jobs. The Census helps employers understand where the next generation of workers is coming from. Census data influences recruitment and marketing efforts.
• Data. Many of the scientific research projects depend on Census data. University students and faculty use Census information for reports, statistical profiles and other research projects.
• Representation. Congressional seats are given to states based on the Census count. Accurate Census counts ensure that your voice will be heard.

For more information, visit californiacompletecount.org or 2010census.gov.