Give your colleagues a “High Five” for things such as excellent customer service, “saving my bacon” and going above and beyond.

High Fives are easy to give — simply click “Give a High Five” and fill out the form for a faculty or staff member only. Your message will be delivered straight to the recipient's inbox, and they will be acknowledged weekly in Campus News.

Continue below to read about how your colleagues are going above and beyond to help the campus community.

(Note: Campus News edited comments only for misspellings and missing or incomplete words. They appear mostly as written for each employee.)

Works Above and Beyond

Ricky Alvarado, Custodial Services
I would like to take a moment to recognize an outstanding member of our Custodial Department, Ricky Alvarado, who consistently goes above and beyond in his work. Ricky is assigned to McLane Hall, H-Wing, First Floor. Just before 5:00 p.m. each day, as many of us are wrapping up and heading home, Ricky can be seen walking toward or entering McLane Hall to begin his shift. I have often noticed the sense of purpose in his stride as he carries his stack of towels, ready to start his day as ours comes to an end. On several occasions, as I’ve left my office, I’ve seen Ricky in the Dean’s conference room organizing his supplies—likely waiting until all office staff have departed so he can thoroughly and efficiently complete his work. Each morning when we return, the evidence of his care and attention to detail is clear: trash cans emptied, chairs neatly pushed back under tables, and our spaces refreshed and ready for a new day. Custodial staff members so often go unrecognized, frequently hearing only about what was missed rather than the countless things done right. While I am deeply grateful to all of our custodial staff for the essential work they do to support our campus community, I want to make sure Ricky Alvarado receives special recognition for the pride, dedication, and excellence he brings to his role here in McLane Hall, H-wing (first floor). Thank you, Ricky, for going above and beyond every single day.

Dennice McAlister, Student Health and Counseling
I am proud to recognize Dennice McAlister for consistently working above and beyond in her role as facilitator of Sistah 2 Sistah. While she serves full-time as a counselor in the Student Health and Counseling Center, Dennice generously lends her time and expertise to facilitate this weekly discussion group that centers the voices and experiences of Black women. Through her leadership, she has cultivated more than a program. She has created a space for authentic connection, healing, reflection, and empowerment where students feel seen, heard, and affirmed. Dennice brings intentionality, joy, and deep care to both the planning and facilitation of this space. She goes far beyond coordination by actively connecting students to campus and community resources, securing thoughtful guest speakers, and ensuring participants have access to the support they need. She creates an environment rooted in trust and sisterhood while holding space for vulnerability, growth, and celebration. Her commitment to student well being, her proactive outreach, and her willingness to extend herself beyond her primary role exemplify what it truly means to work above and beyond. Dennice’s leadership continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the students she serves and on our broader campus community.

Marisol Valdez, Technology Services
Our Farm Tours Coordinator had been struggling with Adobe Sign and how to access it. After working with Marisol, she realized the issue was with the department that handles Adobe Sign. However, rather than having me create another ticket, she worked directly with the other department and got it resolved. Marisol called me back after everything was completed to verify that all was good. Side note, while we were trying to figure out Adobe Sign, I noticed my name was spelled incorrectly on my account, and Marisol corrected that as well. I am so grateful that Marisol did not transfer me around and instead did all she could to resolve our issues. Awesome customer service!

Modeled Principles of Community

Misty Brazill, Division of Graduate Studies
Misty consistently shows up with a collaborative spirit and a genuine commitment to the Division of Graduate Studies. She is always willing to lend support when it’s needed, even when it falls outside her formal responsibilities. That generosity speaks volumes. She goes above and beyond to ensure we are serving our students well and upholding the high standards we’ve always valued. Her steady presence, team-first mindset, and dedication make a real difference in our day-to-day work. We are fortunate to have her on our team, and I truly can’t think of a better person to work alongside.

Teira Wilson, Technology Services
I would like to give a High Five to Teira for the incredible support she provides, especially when it comes to accessibility. She recently helped me make one of my documents accessible — and it had tables, which can be so tricky. Teira was incredibly patient and thorough, walking me through each step and making sure I understood how to fix everything properly. She never makes the process feel overwhelming and always takes the time to explain things clearly. Through her guidance, she doesn’t just help fix a document — she helps me learn and understand why accessibility matters. She truly models our Principles of Community by showing patience, respect, and a genuine willingness to help. Thank you, Teira, for your help and for always being so generous with your time and knowledge.

Black Student Success Initiative
I am proud to recognize the BSSI team, Director Sade Johnson, Seven, and Curtis, for modeling Fresno State’s Principles of Community through their extraordinary coordination of this year’s Black History Month programming. Under Sade’s leadership, the team created a series of meaningful, student-centered events that fostered belonging, celebrated culture, and strengthened connections across campus. Seven and Curtis contributed tremendous care, creativity, and behind the scenes work to ensure each program was welcoming, well executed, and impactful. Throughout the month, they demonstrated respect, collaboration, compassion, and accountability while uplifting one another, honoring the contributions of campus and community partners, and centering the needs of our students. Their work reflected not only the spirit of Black History Month, but also the best of who we aspire to be as a university community. I am deeply grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and heart.