Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval honored two individuals with the President’s Medal of Distinction during the 2024-25 academic year. The honorees are Vinci Ricchiuti, chair of the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors, and longtime faculty member Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor.
Established in 1993, the President’s Medal of Distinction is the highest non-degree award presented by Fresno State. It is presented to citizens of the region, state or nation whose contribution in the area of professional achievements or public service of national or international significance, or represent a contribution of great significance to the university.
The honor is awarded to those who give not only of their time or money, but are worthy of emulation through their leadership.
Ricchiuti, a major figure in Fresno State fundraising, was honored during the September 2025 Foundation Board of Governors Dinner. Jiménez-Sandoval said this about her at the dinner:
“Vinci, you have been a cornerstone of this university. Since your days as a student, you have shown an enduring commitment to your alma mater. From serving on Dr. Harold Haak’s Blue Ribbon Committee and leading the Fresno State Alumni Association to your current role as chair of the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors, you have given selflessly to support our mission. Your leadership on so many boards and committees exemplifies your dedication, and I know you continue to devote countless hours every week to Fresno State.”
Ricchiuti graduated from Fresno State in 1981. A leader in the Ricchiuti family farming business, She was recognized with the Arthur Safstrom Service award in 1992, and a Top Dog award in 2001. In 2021, she received the Leon S. Peters Award for outstanding leadership and philanthropy.
“Receiving the President’s Medal of Distinction from my alma mater is incredibly humbling,” Ricchiuti said. “Over the years, working side by side with esteemed community leaders and university representatives has been extremely rewarding. I proudly share this recognition with my fellow Foundation Board of Governors; their expertise and steadfast commitment have been vital in our mission to advance student success. I have long considered supporting Fresno State a privilege and wholeheartedly look forward to continuing my service.”
Kapoor was honored on May 16, during the commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Humanities. Jiménez-Sandoval said this during the ceremony:
“Since 1967, Dr. Kapoor has been a foundational figure at Fresno State, serving the university for 55 years as a dedicated faculty member and earning the distinction of professor emeritus in the Department of Social Work Education. Among his many accomplishments, he founded and served as the inaugural director of Fresno State’s Peace and Conflict Studies Program, an initiative that brought his deep commitment to peace into academic practice.”
In 1990, Kapoor established one of Fresno State’s most cherished landmarks — the Fresno State Peace Garden, which he considers one of his most significant accomplishments.
In 2022, Kapoor received the Arthur Safstrom Service award, and, in 2023, he was named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers. His work has also been honored by peace organizations across the country.
“My deepest and heartfelt thanks to President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval for awarding me this prestigious Medal of Distinction,” Kapoor said. “It means so much to me and my family. I consider this recognition also to be recognition of my colleagues and students, whose steadfast support and encouragement over the past 55 years have inspired and empowered me to be what I am today.”
Past recipients of the Presidential Medal of Distinction can be found on fresnostate.edu.
