We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Daryl Fitzgerald
Title: Director of Development
Department: Lyles College of Engineering

How long you have worked at Fresno State: I joined University Advancement in 2016 as the director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. At that time, the position took on a more proactive role, which was very different from its past. I enjoyed expanding the Fresno State name among the corporations and foundations' philanthropic opportunities. Later, I took on corporate partnerships and now director of development for the Lyles College of Engineering.

The Lyles College of Engineering is one of the bedrock colleges for the Central Valley community. Just imagine if you graduate in one of the majors within the Lyles College of Engineering and get your first job, you are instantly above the poverty line. These majors are great for students with an interest in STEM within the Central Valley. The starting salaries are $60,000 and up. It also offers many opportunities to help other communities across the United States as well. I am very thankful for people with vision like Bill Lyles, Dean Ram Nunna, and many others who have helped shape this college. Every engineering and construction company in the Central Valley should support its efforts.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? With a background in student affairs and academic affairs serving students as a career counselor, employer relations manager, associate director, and corporate relations, I constantly remind myself to never lose focus on the goal, which is to help the students and the community. I consider my efforts in development as a behind the scenes connection enthusiast who is striving to help all the colleges, divisions, and other university areas find a philanthropic match for their program or project that helps Fresno State students and alumni.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? I grew up in Compton, and during that time, it was very dangerous. My community was infested with drugs, gangs, domestic violence and lawlessness. I had people from my church who saw some potential in me and mentored me to seek a different path.

I learned early that academics was my only way out because those youths involved with the dangerous paths were led to early deaths, prison, major injuries sustained from violent acts, etc. I stayed focused on my grades, football, sports and a lot of praying. My passion is to do my best to help all students and alumni trying to better their lives because without them, there is no university or job.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job? I had a vision of wanting to hold a large job fair in the Save Mart Center. When it finally received the green light, it was a huge success, and to see it still running today is a great joy. The Career Development Center, faculty, staff, college departments, deans, chairs, and others consistently help students and alumni impact their lives positively with their first career job, internship, or transition to another job. The one thing that all nations have in common; we need the means to take care of FOOD, SHELTER and CLOTHING. That is something every person can support or rally around.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I enjoy time with my spouse, mother, church, community events, traveling, encouraging others, youth support and sporting events.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I was once the Staff Assembly Chair. I remember Red Friday was going to be eliminated due to budget constraints. The team of Laura Ramos, Syreeta Martinez, and others came together and came up with an outside the box idea to showcase the different colleges and divisions per Red Friday. You see, the University events bring us all together in a thriving way. To see it still around is so refreshing. Second, we need to bring back the faculty and staff golf tournament. :)

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? The Central Valley: I will always appreciate Fresno State and Central Valley community. This community helps feed many nations, provides affordable opportunities and has many people working hard and praying for its good. I respect its efforts and glad this has been a part of my life for almost 20 years.