Student-faculty project helps transform Clovis
The Clovis Community Foundation, a project started four years ago by an MBA consulting team formed by Dr. Mark Keppler, executive director of Fresno State’s Maddy Institute, is using money from home sales to transform the city. The foundation already has provided matching money resulting in more than $200,000 worth of improvements to the growing Clovis community. The foundation’s roots are in a brief conversation between Keppler and Clovis City Manager Kathy Millison. Keppler was involved in a project that raised $900,000 in grant money for 13 miles of trails in Clovis and northern Fresno. More...

Kids Day offers volunteer opportunities March 14
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in the annual Kids Day on March 14 that annually raises thousands of dollars for Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera County. Each March, hundreds of volunteers sell special editions of The Fresno Bee on street corners and at other places throughout the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent Sierra foothills. One of the most successful volunteer efforts each year comes from Fresno State. In 2005, 450 people from Fresno State helped raise more than $22,000. Faculty, staff and students can participate by volunteering to sell papers, helping recruit other volunteers and buying the papers from those around campus. To volunteer, call 278.7079.

CATI’s Olson helps in New Orleans-area recovery effort
Steve Olson, the Publications Editor at the Fresno State-based California Agricultural Technology Institute, spent six days in January with a Fresno area team helping provide relief to people in the New Orleans area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. To download a PDF version of his account, please click here.

Mediator Appreciation Day scheduled May 11
The fourth annual Mediator Appreciation Day 2006 is scheduled on campus May 11 to thank young mediators from throughout the region for their contributions. Professional mediators will offer their insights and there will be opportunities for peer interaction, a tour of the Save Mart Center, a show at the Downing Planetarium and lunch with faculty and university students. The event is sponsored by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development, the Peace and Conflict Studies Program and University Outreach. To get involved (have lunch with a mediator), please contact Dr. Lane-Garon at pamelalg@csufresno.edu or Frances Pena at francesp@csufresno.edu

Making a difference through service
To fulfill the internship requirements for my American Humanics certification in nonprofit management and leadership, I have been involved with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno. As a faith-based organization, Catholic Charities works “with individuals, families, and communities to empower people to meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression and build a just, informed and compassionate society.” More...