Congratulations to the staff and faculty earning degrees this year.

Name: Sonia Montes-Sanchez
Department: Learning Center
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Master of Science in counseling, option in student affairs and college counseling

As I come to the end of my educational journey, I reflect on the amazing experiences I have gained as a student at Fresno State. As a first-gen Latina student-parent, my resilience overcame many obstacles. Still, with the unwavering support of my family, friends, Learning Center colleagues and faculty, I persevered, and now I can continue my commitment to supporting our students and campus community to the fullest.

Name: Luis Jesus Alvarez Ordaz
Department Upward Bound
Current job title: Academic Counselor
New degree earned this year: Master of Science in counseling, option in student affairs and college counseling

Earning this degree has been a positive transformative journey. Balancing full-time work with graduate studies was challenging, but my passion for supporting students kept me motivated. I’ve grown both personally and professionally through this program, and I’m proud to now use what I’ve learned to empower first-generation and low-income students in achieving their academic goals.

Name: Samantha McNeil
Department: Dean of Students/Student Rights and Responsibilities
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator II
New degree earned this year: Master's of Arts in Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL)

After completing her undergraduate degree at CSU Long Beach in 2017, she moved back to Fresno and took a six-year hiatus from academia while stepping into a new role — motherhood. During that time, she often wondered if there was still space for her in higher education. Eventually, she found HEAL— or maybe HEAL found her — and everything began to shift. Now, as she finishes her master’s in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, she does so with clarity, confidence and a deep commitment to making higher ed more accessible for students who carry multiple roles, just like she does.

Name: Estevan Parra-Guerrero
Department: TRIO Upward Bound
Current job title: Director
New degree earned this year Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

In the words of President Claudia Sheinbaum Prado, “No llego sola, llegamos juntas” (I didn’t arrive alone; we all arrived together). As a first-generation Gay Latino raised in poverty by formerly undocumented parents from Jalisco and Michoacán, México, concluding this educational journey brings hope and aims to inspire current and future Bulldogs to pursue higher education. ¡Sí se puede, sí se pudo, que viva la raza!

(Photo by Cary Edmondson, university photographer)

Name: Reyna Velazquez
Department: Continuing and Global Education
Current job title: Student and Faculty Services Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

Embarking on this master's degree journey was quite the educational experience! I have seen my personal and professional growth during these past two years. I am extremely thankful to everyone who supported me during this educational journey. I cannot wait to continue to apply the skills and knowledge that I have gained during my time in HEAL.

Name: Froylan Zavala
Department: University Registrar - Veterans Resource Center
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

Froy Zavala is a first-generation college graduate and a combat-disabled U.S. Army veteran who recently earned his M.A. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL). He currently serves as an administrative support coordinator at Fresno State’s Veterans Resource Center, where he supports military-affiliated students. Motivated by a desire to grow as a transformative leader, Froy chose the HEAL program to deepen his ability to advocate for underserved student communities. He remains committed to helping veterans and their families navigate the complexities of higher education and connect with essential campus and community resources. Through the HEAL program, Froy has further solidified his dedication to student success and to fostering leadership that is student-centered and service-driven.

Campus News is celebrating our employee graduates over the next several weeks. There's still time to submit. Follow the format below and send to campusnews@csufresno.edu with a high-resolution photo.

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