Fresno State Alumni Association

 Andrew Knott (2003) and Kim are happy to announce their marriage that took place on November 8, 2009, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. They currently reside in San Angelo, TX.
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Clayton Tidyman (1940), age 91, died in the embrace of his family on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Clayton was professor and department chair in the School of Business at California State University, Fresno for 25 years. He continued to contribute to the community through the development of an emergency room patient advocacy program at St. Agnes, and weekly serving as a volunteer with the Fresno Police Department and California Highway Patrol. An East Fresno Rotarian, he was key in supporting the Roeding Park Playland and in starting the East Fresno Rotary International Scholarship Foundation. He was a retired U.S. Naval officer, who served in World War II. He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 68 years; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jo and John MacDonald, Cary and Ralph Kelly, Janice Tidyman, and Laurie and Tim Tidyman-Jones; as well as his grandchildren, Alicia, Clay, Kirt, Dylan, and Dustin; and great-grandson Aiden. A private Memorial gathering was held December 3. Remembrances may be sent to the Clayton Tidyman Scholarship (31015.9108.44741), CSUF Foundation Office, Fresno, California 93740 or donor’s favorite charity.
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Nadine (Speed) Clark (1943) was born on December 22, 1921, in Hayward, California, and passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2009, at the age of 87. She graduated from Fresno State College and member of Phi Mu Sorority. Most importantly she was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Clark. She is survived by her daughters, Jacquelyn Pierce and her husband Ken, Jeryll Brunotte and her husband Jim, Kathy Barrie and her husband Jeff, seven grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. A Funeral Service was to be held at Lisle Calaveras Chapel on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. Remembrances may be made to St. Jude Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38148. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street, Fresno (559) 266-0666
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Bob Gaston, born to Garland Lee Gaston and Gertrude Frances Wright in Gainesville, Texas, on October 19, 1933, our beloved Bob went home to his Lord on Saturday, December 12, 2009. A retired homebuilder, Bob took great pride in his work and made sure the simplest details were done with perfection. He put all of himself in each and every home, and in every task he set out to perform. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy; and brother Gary. Bob is survived by his widow, Vicki; his sons, Terry and his wife, Suzanne, Tim and Todd; daughter-in-law, Susan Gaston; and grandchildren. A Memorial Service was to be held at Northwest Chapel, 5415 N. West Ave., in Fresno on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Northwest Church Built to Honor. YOST & WEBB 1002 'T' Street, Fresno (559) 237-4147 yostandwebb.com
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Martha Raught passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2009. She was 88 years old. She and her husband lived in Clovis for many years. Martha was a Secretary all of her adult life, retiring in the late 1980s as Head Secretary for the Geography Department at California State University, Fresno. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merv Raught. She is survived by two older sisters, two daughters, three grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. At her request, there will be no service or memorial.
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Jeanine Bilbo was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 23, 1930 to Albert and Elizabeth Riley. She passed away on Monday, December 7, 2009, in Fresno, California after a brave fight with cancer. Jeanine grew up in Long Beach, California. She met her future husband Alvin “Jake” Bilbo while working at a clothing store. They fell in love, married on June 25, 1950, and they moved to Fresno, California, soon after. Jeanine enjoyed being a model but most of all she enjoyed being a wife and mother. She was a member of the La Tienda Guild for Valley Children’s Hospital and International Foot Printers Association. Jeanine was preceded in death by her beloved husband “Jake”’ her parents Albert and Elizabeth Riley; her brother Albert Riley Jr.; Grandson Joshua Volpa; and son-in-law Jon Burnett. She is survived by her three daughters, Andrea Burnett of Clovis, California, Yvonne Portillo and her husband Roque of Auberry, California, and Babette Reese of Fresno, California; her loving grandchildren; Tracy West, Alicia Christopher, Dustin Reese, Matthew Reese, and Breanna Burnett, her great-granddaughters Hayley and Rebecca; also, her brother-in-law Bill Bilbo and his wife Phyllis and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was to be held at Boice Funeral Home on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Poverello House, P.O. Box 12225, Fresno, California, 93777. BOICE FUNERAL HOME 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis (559) 299-4372
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Mildred Hansen passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the age of 84. Mildred was a lifelong resident of Madera, California. She graduated from Madera High School, and attended Fresno State College where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree. Mildred gave over three decades of dedicated service to the Madera County Office of Education. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents John E. and Mildred Campbell; her husband, Louis “Dick” Hansen; her sister, Margaret “Peg” Parker; and her brother Charles “Bud” Campbell. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hale; her son, Richard Hansen and his wife Garyanne, all of Madera; her five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her niece and nephews, numerous cousins and other relatives. Visitation was to be held at Jay Chapel in Madera on Wednesday, December 10, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Suite C-1, Fresno, California 93711; or American Cancer Society, 2222 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 201, Fresno, California 93711. JAY CHAPEL 1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera (59) 674-8814 www.jaychapel.com
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Clifford Stolan passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. He was born on February 18, 1916 in Gonvick, Minnesota. In 1939, he entered the United States Air Corp and was sent to Europe during WWII. After the war, he continued his military career serving in Japan and Korea during the Korean conflict. He retired in 1959, and then moved to the Fresno to complete his college courses. After graduation, he worked as a social worker for Fresno County. The family wishes to thank the care givers at Sunrise Assisted Living and St. Agnes Hospice for their loving care during his illness. Anyone who met Cliff instantly knew what a kind, gentle and friendly man he was. He will be missed and always loved. He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Myrtle, of 59 years, and his beloved second wife, Tillie. He is survived by his daughter, Leslie; son-in-law, Bart; son, John; daughter-in-law, June; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A Funeral Service was to be held at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave., Clovis, on December 14, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following, he was to have a military burial at San Joaquin National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Agnes Hospice, 1303 E. Herndon, Fresno, California 93722 in his honor. BOICE FUNERAL HOME 308 Pollasky Ave., Clovis (559) 299-4372
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Nancy Payton passed away peacefully on December 2, 2009, at the age of 76, from a short battle with cancer. Born in Shamrock, Texas, growing up in Porterville, and graduating from San Jose State, she’s known for teaching business at Washington Union High School for over 25 years. Spending hours on the Cayucos Beach, she loved to read and sunbathe the days away with her sister June. Many will remember her from the times spent at Roeding Park where she loved playing tennis and was an active member of the CCTA. Pottery to sewing, decorating and dancing, or FBLA to volunteering at football games, Nancy was always the first to step up with clubs and events – she was legendary in her accomplishments and energy. Athlete and friend, she will be missed by all including her surviving son Cory; daughter Bonnie; sisters, June Symiczek and Bonnie Gaskill. A Celebration of Life was held at the Garrigus residence 835 E. Hampton in Fresno on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Neil Diamond music and Harvey Wallbanger toast to follow.
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Kenneth Hallmark (1953) was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 26, 1928, to Sam and Jeanette Hallmark; he passed away on December 3, 2009. Ken spent 2 years in the Navy before going to college at Fullerton J.C., then on to California State University of Fresno, where he graduated with a B.S. in Criminology. He worked for 26 years at the Fresno Police Department before retirement. He was a member of the Los Palmas Masonic Lodge. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan; his sons Patrick and his wife Sonya of Clovis, Randal and his wife Helen of Lakeside, California; grandchildren Heather of Clovis, Rebecca, Rachael and Randal; step-granddaughters Samantha, and Becky; great-grandchildren, Ava and Chloe, all of Lakeside, California; a brother Jim and his wife Betty and nieces and nephews of Houston, Texas. The family would like to thank Elim Alzheimer's Rest Home. Remembrances may be made to the Elim Foundation, 668 E. Bullard Ave., Fresno, California 93710. NEPTUNE SOCIETY of Central California 1154 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno (559) 222-7764
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 A. Reza Assemi (1998), local developer, was honored the Image Fresno Coalition with their "You Get It" award to recognize community members who have positively promoted Fresno's image. Assemi was selected for his contributions to development in Downtown Fresno with projects such as the Vagabond Lofts, H Street Lofts, Broadway Studios and the Pearl Building. A creation of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, the coalition is made up of members of the City of Fresno, Fresno County Office of Tourism, Tree Fresno, Downtown Association and Fresno County Economic Development Corporation to support new businesses, beautification projects and communication programs that cast Fresno in a positive light.
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 William "Bill" Doyle Briggs (1969) was born on August 12, 1921, in Norman, Arkansas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 14, 2009. Bill was a graduate of Clovis High School where he played on the baseball and basketball teams. After he graduated in 1941, Bill played for the Fresno Cardinal St. Louis professional baseball team. In the same year, WWII broke out and Bill joined the United States Marine Corps. During this time he met his wife, Millicent Gunter. They wed on June, 2 1946, and were faithfully by each others' side for 61 years. Millie passed away in August, 2007. After Bill served in the Marines, he and Millie decided to make a home in Fresno where they raised their two children, Bill and Carol Ann. Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was in the Marine Corps Reserves. In 1950, he was called back into active duty during the Korean War. He then returned to the Postal Service. His last position was as superintendent of the Cardwell Station. After retiring, he worked for Century 21 Real Estate. Bill loved spending time with family and friends and was a member of The People's Church. Bill was involved with various dance groups, acted as Master of Center Lodge No. 465 of Free and Accepted Masons, and was a part of the Fresno State Dugout Club. Bill was a Christian and loved to sing hymns. He enjoyed spending time with his wife on vacations, tending to his gardens, and took pleasure in going to Fresno State baseball games. He will be remembered as a loving spouse, a protective father, a grandfather who never missed a game or performance, a dependable friend, and a person who had a good sense of humor. Visitation was held at Yost and Webb Funeral Home on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Yost and Webb Funeral Home on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. Interment Graveside service immediately following at Fresno Memorial Gardens. YOST & WEBB FUNERAL HOME 1002 ' T ' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)237-4148 www.YostandWebb.com
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Eunice Benz passed away in 2004 at age 90 in Tulare. She attended Redlands University from 1932 to 1934. She finished her teaching degree at Fresno State in 1955 and taught kindergarten at Oak Valley School in Tulare, CA for 25 years.
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 Justin Lindo's (2007) daughter Natalia shows off her "Future Bulldog" pink hoodie.
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Shauna Johnson (2004) wrote an article entitled "Healthy Holiday Travel." Shauna has a passion for healthy living, including living and cooking a healthy diet. She has been the head instructor for flagship Wellspring Academy of California for four years, and has designed the curriculum for Wellspring Camps around the globe. Shauna earned her Nutrition and Culinary Education degree at Fresno State University. Shauna has also continued taking courses, including a recent "Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives" curriculum developed by Harvard Medical School in association with Culinary Institute of America.
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Michael Cleary (1980) a Ford Motor Company Certified Senior Master Technician and Powerstroke Engine Specialist, is hosting a Powerstroke training class in January on FORD 6.0L D.I.T. Diesel: Powerstroke Troubleshooting.
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Norman Repanich (1967), a longtime champion for economic vitality in Solano County, died Thursday in Sutter Solano Medical Center in Vallejo from complications of his treatment for leukemia. A 75-year-old Sacramento native, Repanich was president of Solano Economic Development Corporation from 1986 to 1995, its formative years. He later took the post of economic development director of the city of Rio Vista, where he lived until his death. He is credited with being instrumental in luring biotech giant Genentech to Vacaville and later China-based Meyer Corp. cookware to Vallejo. In Rio Vista, he helped Rich Collins establish California Vegetable Specialties, an internationally renowned grower of endive, in an industrial park he guided near the city airport. During his tenure, Repanich pushed his vision of enhancing the workforce, improving education and nurturing cultural development to attract the best companies and jobs to Solano County cities. He was one of the first to recognize agriculture as one of Solano's top industries, no different than other manufacturers, and worked to bring food companies that complemented the local farm economy. Repanich came to take the helm of Solano EDC after holding a similar post for the Greater Niles Economic Development Foundation in Michigan. Before moving to Rio Vista, he had lived in Vacaville and Fairfield with his wife, Janet, a schoolteacher, and his children, Peter and Aynn. A graduate of California State University, Fresno, Repanich started his career with the Greater Tulare Chamber of Commerce, going on to work in business development for the city of Greenville, S.C., and as director of the Fairmont Industrial Credit Corp. in West Virginia prior to his post in Michigan. Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering was saddened to hear of Repanich's death, recalling how Repanich had helped Suisun City with its redevelopment efforts during the time Spering served as mayor of that city. "He was so helpful with ideas for different ways to find funding. He was a great resource," Spering said. "I think his greatest strength was that he understood the needs of small cities and that's why he was so effective in Solano." Former Reporter publisher Richard Rico noted Repanich's work in laying the groundwork for Solano EDC. "Much of what is happening in Solano County industry today can be credited to his work," he said. "He has left us a lasting legacy."
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Brian Turner (1994), an Iraq war veteran and award-winning poet has received one of five Lannan Foundation literary writing fellowships totaling $425,000. The Fresno City College English composition instructor won't reveal the amount of the fellowship but says it is enough to allow him to scale back on work and focus on writing for the next year to 18 months.
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 Jim Hill (2003) is a candidate for Fresno City Council, District 3.
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Agricultural students in a sensory evaluation class at California State University, Fresno have created an olive oil now available to customers of the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market on campus.
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All offices will be closed and no classes will meet at California State University, Fresno from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5 for holidays and state-mandated furlough days. The University Police Department will remain open during break and can be reached in emergencies at 559.278.8400.
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The Hispanic College Fund and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium announced today that student applications for the 2010 Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org.
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The Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band is back on its way to Albuquerque following unexpected layover this morning in Barstow because of a problem with bus tires, for the fourth annual New Mexico Bowl football game to be played Saturday, Dec. 19, by the Bulldogs and the Wyoming Cowboys.
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Dr. Jody Hironaka-Juteau, who chairs the Department of Recreation Administration at California State University, Fresno, will take on additional duties as associate dean for the College of Health and Human Services.
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Brian Turner, an award-winning poet and California State University, Fresno alumnus, has won a $50,000 unrestricted 2009 United States Artists Fellowship.
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The Normal School, a nationally distributed literary magazine published by The Press at California State University, Fresno, begins its second year with an issue featuring short fiction, nonfiction and poetry from authors across the country.
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The Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI) at California State University, Fresno has been granted $150,000 from three foundations to support the institute’s Health Policy Leadership Project.
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Recreation Administration students at California State University, Fresno are conducting research commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service to determine the practices and habits of visitors to national parks and forests.
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Guitar music played by Dr. Corey Whitehead, an assistant professor of music at California State University, Fresno, now fills the silence telephone callers once experienced when being transferred or put on hold at the university.
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