Manuel Pérez, a trailblazer in advocating for underrepresented students and a long-time fixture at Fresno State, passed away on March 24 at the age of 95. Pérez, who retired as associate dean of the Division of Student Affairs and was an early director of the Educational Opportunity Program, made lasting contributions to ensure greater access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds.
Pérez’s legacy at Fresno State was commemorated at the university’s César E. Chávez Commemoration on March 27, where a moment of silence was held in his honor. The event was co-sponsored by the College Assistance for Migrants Program (CAMP), which Pérez played an instrumental role in helping establish.
Frances Peña-Olgín, a long-time colleague and friend, reflected on Pérez’s enduring influence: “He was a distinguished educator, an exemplary administrator, and a dedicated family man. Manuel’s work paved the way for countless students, providing leadership and mentorship that empowered them to reach their full potential.”
Pérez played a critical role in the creation of many programs at Fresno State that have since helped thousands of students from low-income and minority backgrounds pursue higher education.
He was a staunch advocate for student rights, voter registration, and equal employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, and he was a key figure in the growth of the university’s student enrollment to over 24,000 students during his tenure.
Among his many accomplishments, Pérez was awarded the Fresno State Bold Visionary Award in 2017, and in 1990, he and his wife were named Chicano Alumni of the Year.
Born on December 24, 1929, in Fresno, Pérez served in the United States Army during the Korean War and later earned a degree in criminology and a master’s degree in social work from Fresno State. He went on to become a prominent figure in the local community, advocating for equal rights and serving on various boards and commissions, including the Fresno Grand Jury and the Civil Service Commission.
Pérez is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister Linda Reyes. Fresno State will fly its flags at half-staff on the day of his funeral, April 3.
(Story by Tom Uribes. Photo Caption: At the 50th anniversary of Fresno State’s Chicano Youth Conference on Jan. 28, 2023, from left to right: Martina Granados, interim associate vice president for strategic enrollment management; Frances Peña-Olgín, retired director of University Outreach Services and former CYC adviser; the late Manuel Pérez, retired associate dean of student affairs; Hon. Rosendo Peña, associate justice with the California Court of Appeal, 5th District; Tom Uribes, retired public affairs specialist at Fresno State; and Manuel Olgín, president of the Fresno State Chicano Alumni Club.)
