Clarence Chiong (University Advancment) and the Fresno State Trademark Licensing Program received the 2017 Synergy Award by the International Collegiate Licensing Association.

Chiong, director of Trademark Licensing, began working at Fresno State in Athletics marketing following his graduation in 1997 and began managing the Trademark Licensing program in 1999.

His innovative approaches to collegiate licensing garnered the award.

“Through Clarence’s vision, dedication, and creative programs, the awareness of the Fresno State brand has experienced unprecedented growth within the last year,” said Rachael Bickerton, ICLA President and Director of Trademark Licensing and Enforcement at Boise State University. “He has gone above and beyond to educate and engage the Fresno State community throughout the year’s campaign, further strengthening both the University brand and our collegiate licensing industry.”

The Synergy Award is given annually to an exceptional “team” on campus or from a conference that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to collegiate licensing that has directly contributed to the betterment of the industry and the institution or organization.

The team must also have made significant contributions to the collegiate licensing industry through innovative or new ideas during the current academic year.

In addition, the team must play a vital leadership role on campus.