Barbara Benedict passed away on Oct. 26 at the age of 76.

Benedict was a two-time alumna of Fresno State, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1969 and a master’s degree in college counseling in 1987. She began her career at the University in 1969 and worked in various roles on campus until her retirement in 2007.

In 1982, Benedict began working in the University Advising Center, counseling undergraduate students. She earned an Outstanding Advisor Award from the National Academic Advising Association in 1994.

While working in the University Advising Center, Benedict simultaneously founded and served as the director of Dog Days, a program designed to ease the transition into university life for new students. In this role, she created Bulldog BARK, a publication to orient freshman students and connect them with campus resources. The publication earned a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Advising Publication from the National Academic Advising Association.

Before her retirement, Benedict taught undergraduate courses and served on multiple University committees. She was also very active in the community, serving as a board member for the Center for Independent Living, the Central Valley Bridal Association and Lutheran Campus Ministry of Fresno. She also owned and operated her own business, Barb’s Cakery.

After selling her business and retiring, Benedict continued to be a presence at Fresno State, working part-time with the University’s Office of Testing Services until 2014.

“Barb was a very special person on campus and made an impact on so many,” former Fresno State staff member Jessica Medina said. “I remember attending Dog Days as a new student in 2003, and I went up to Barb at lunch and asked how I could be part of the amazing Dog Days team. In the spring of 2004, I was hired as an orientation leader and that became the start to a lifelong friendship between us.”

“After she retired, we continued to keep in touch. She attended my wedding, baby showers, graduation parties, and all the special events in my life … Barb kept in contact with many of the former orientation leaders that she hired and cheered them on through their life journeys after Fresno State. Many of our stories started with her. We will all be forever grateful for the encouragement and impact she made on our lives.”

A celebration of life is being planned for early 2023. You can find updates here.