Dr. Mark Baldis, a long-time lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology, passed away on Feb. 25 in Fresno. He was 67 years old.

A beloved instructor, Baldis led one of the most popular majors on campus — exercise science, which averages 650 students each year. He also passionately directed the Human Performance Lab on campus for over 15 years.

Baldis’s Bulldog roots began when he was just a young boy growing up near campus. His mother taught deaf education courses at Fresno State, which would later inspire his own teaching career at the university.

After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology (exercise science and physical education) at Fresno State, Baldis worked in the physical therapy field before transitioning to teaching in 2000. He later earned his doctorate in health promotion and wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2011.

Baldis began teaching part-time at Fresno State in exercise science courses and later evolved into teaching full-time within various areas, including physical therapy, physical education, athletic training and exercise science at the undergraduate and graduate level.

From teaching to mentoring and coordinating internships, Baldis made a significant impact on his students and former students. This was evident in his recognition on campus, where he earned the University’s Campus Advisor’s Network Outstanding Adviser Award in 2008, for which he was nominated seven different times.

His dedication to teaching earned him the 2021-2022 Provost’s Award for Outstanding Lecturer, which recognizes excellence in teaching, research and service at Fresno State.

“Mark focused on student success and met students where they were,” said Dr. Jenelle Gilbert, chair of the Department of Kinesiology. “As a testament to this, he would spend hours talking with them about their career goals and guiding them through their degree and onto the next steps. His sense of humor was second to none as was his big heart. He cared deeply for everyone in the department and we all knew that we could count on Mark. He was our colleague, but also our friend and there are really no words to explain the hole that his passing leaves. However, there is peace in knowing that his legacy in the department and in the larger community will be felt for generations to come.”

Aside from academia, Baldis was active in professional organizations including serving on the National Certification and Registry Boards Credential Committee for the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as being part of the medical team for the Central Valley Fuego Futbol Club.

More of Baldis’s lifetime of legacy and contributions are available in this Fresno State story from 2022.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, at St. Paul Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710.

Submitted by Accounting Services

It is with great sadness that the campus community mourns the passing of our friend and colleague, Veronica Arroyo.

Veronica worked in Accounting Services for 19 years and also spent part of her career at CSU Monterey Bay, as well as in other roles throughout her career. She had a unique way of making people feel special, combining her humor, warmth, and kindness in everything she did. Veronica loved to bring a smile to people’s faces. Her cheerful spirit, playful humor, and thoughtful gestures brightened the day of everyone around her. Her smile could light up a room and lift the spirits of those lucky enough to know her.

Veronica is survived by her husband, Joe; daughter, Diana; sons, Richard and Tim; daughter in law, Saraha; and granddaughters, Nadine and Leena, whom she loved deeply. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A viewing and rosary will be held Wednesday, March 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Farewell Fresno – Chapel, 660 W. Locust Ave., Ste. 101, in Fresno.

A funeral Mass will take place Thursday, March 12, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fresno, 2140 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno.