Fresno State's fifth annual 24-hour, online Day of Giving will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4.

The campaign is focused on participation and how every donor counts. It’s not how much you give, it’s that you do!

Donors can support the college, school or the programs that matter most to them like student research, scholarships, internship programs, innovative learning environments and much more. Funds raised will be used to help fulfill Fresno State’s mission “to boldly educate and empower our students for success.”

Take a look at why your Fresno State colleagues give.

Nan Baker
Regional director, CalStateTEACH in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development

How long have you worked at Fresno State? 24 years

Are you a Fresno State alum? Deaf Education, B.A. and M.A., Educational Leadership Ed.D.

Why do you think it is important to give back to Fresno State during the Day of Giving campaign? Faculty, staff and leaders make Fresno State a community-transforming institution. Day of Giving is my opportunity to support colleagues, alumni and friends who invest in Fresno State students and the future of our region.

Jefferson Beavers
Communications specialist, English Department in the College of Arts and Humanities

How long have you worked at Fresno State? I've been a staff member for 6 and 1/2 years in the English Department, since January 2015. Previously, I was a lecturer in the Media, Communications and Journalism Department, off and on between 2002-14. This time as a lecturer included two years serving as the editorial adviser for The Collegian (2007-09).

Are you a Fresno State alum? Yes, twice! B.A. in Media, Communications and Journalism (1996) and an MFA in creative writing (2007).

Why do you think it is important to give back to Fresno State during the Day of Giving campaign? I am a first-generation college graduate from rural Tulare County. My father was a truck driver and my mother was a seasonal agricultural worker. Higher education was a difficult but ultimately rewarding path for me. I see many of my own past educational and cultural struggles reflected in the experiences of today's Fresno State students. There were so many family members, mentors and community supporters who held the doors to the institution open for me — sometimes at a great cost to themselves. I consider it a sacred duty to serve our students every day as a staff member, and I know that whatever modest gifts I can contribute on Day of Giving represent a real investment in a student's life.

Peter Robertson
Director of Alumni Connections, Fresno State Alumni Association

How long have you worked at Fresno State? 19 years

Are you a Fresno State alum? Yes! One of the best things I ever did was enroll at Fresno State way back in 1987. Today, I have a bachelor’s degree, and two master’s degrees. Currently, I’m also studying social justice education with the doctoral program in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Why do you think it is important to give back to Fresno State during the Day of Giving campaign? Giving back to Fresno State is vital, especially as employees. Participating during Day of Giving does two things very well — it provides private support for the students we are blessed to serve, and it also gives us an opportunity to lead by example. Just a $10 donation, combined with others’ giving, can make an impactful difference. Day of Giving reminds me of the acronym TEAM — Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Please join me in giving to Fresno State on Nov. 4!

Monica Acosta
Registrar for the Division of Continuing and Global Education

How long have you worked at Fresno State? I have worked as staff for 19 1/2 years (20 years in February). I was a student assistant in this office for two years prior to becoming staff.

Are you a Fresno State alum? Yes, I graduated in 2002 from the Craig School of Business with a B.S. in business administration, accountancy option.

Why do you think it is important to give back to Fresno State during the Day of Giving campaign? I know we can give at any time throughout the year, but giving during the Day of Giving campaign, I feel, boosts morale and encourages others to give. We all see the excitement and want to be part of a program reaching a goal or hitting a reward. I don't give it all in one place. I try to spread it out over various programs that I believe in. This past year, it was great! I was able to attend Zooms that showcased various organizations and it was so fun! It is a great campus to work on and be a part of. The funds raised during the Day of Giving (and always) go back to the students and the campus so it is well worth it!

Cathie Salanitro
Senior budget analyst, College of Arts and Humanities

How long have you worked at Fresno State? 26 years

Are you a Fresno State alum? No, but my husband is an alumnus.

Why do you think it is important to give back to Fresno State during the Day of Giving campaign? My husband returned to school later in life. We had been married 12 years, and our children were 5 and 3 years of age. He gave up his job in retail to go back to school and major in music. The demand of his time between classes, rehearsals, performances and lessons was great. We depended on grants and financial aid in addition to my salary to survive as a family and were thrilled when we found out that he qualified for some scholarships through the music department. In the spring of 2009, my husband graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music education and then completed his teaching credential in spring 2011. I can't emphasize enough how great the impact his education has had in his life — and ours as a family. We are so thankful for the financial assistance he received while in school and are excited for the opportunity to "pay it forward" and make a difference in the lives of other students by providing assistance through scholarships.