Sharing Fresno State’s stories is a way to connect with alumni, friends, students and prospective students and other community members. On a campus of about 25,000 students and thousands more faculty and staff, narrowing it down to the top 18 stories of 2018 is no easy task. But here’s a glimpse, in no particular order, at some of the best news, most touching stories and most well-done storytelling from the University over the past year.

Alumni behind the downtown turnaround
It’s no secret that downtown revitalization is at the forefront in the city of Fresno. From the innovative work of developers like Reza Assemi and Terance Frazier, to the business owners like Edgar Blunt and the vision of Ashley Swearengin, Fresno State alumni are making an impact on revitalization every day. And the University’s presence is growing with the Fresno State Downtown Center offering professional development and other interesting courses for the general public.

A national leader in water research
In a quest to solidify its reputation as a leader in applied research on water, Fresno State appointed Thomas C. Esqueda as its first associate vice president for Water and Sustainability. He will lead the University’s efforts in developing, institutionalizing and strengthening programs across campus and through partnerships in the community, and he will assist in coordinating research and outreach activities that address critical environmental water and sustainability issues in the Valley.

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