Michael Olivarez, admissions and records assistant for the University Registrar, passed away on Jan. 12. He was 63 years old.

Olivarez attended Sanger High School, where he was part of the tennis club. He graduated in 1980 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration from Fresno State in 1986.

Olivarez returned to campus in 1988 when he was hired to work at the admissions and records windows on the first floor of the Joyal building. He worked on campus for 36 years, until his retirement in 2024.

Over the course of his career, Olivarez saw admissions move from paper to computer systems. Before the implementation of digital records, Olivarez registered students for courses by hand.

For Olivarez, the most rewarding part of his job was always the students. He loved to see students graduate, start their careers or continue their education.

“[Michael] was one of the people that made coming to work more fun,” said Wendy Nomura, a coworker of Olivarez. “He will be missed.”

Olivarez had a deep appreciation for Fresno State, visiting Vintage Days, taking photos of campus scenery and being a loud, proud supporter of the university’s football team.

Outside of Fresno State, Olivarez enjoyed touring the coast, keeping up with the news, completing crossword puzzles and spending time with his family.

A funeral service will be held for Olivarez on Jan. 28 at St. Mary’s New Catholic Church in Sanger. You may also send flowers or send a message to his family here.