The Bulldog Pride Fund held a reception to honor its first graduating class on Saturday afternoon, May 17th, at the Smittcamp Alumni House at Fresno State. Nearly three dozen family members, friends and donors attended the event which was held prior to the 37th annual Latino Commencement Ceremony at the Save Mart Center. Guests were welcomed by Jared Lindo, a senior majoring in civil engineering and a two-time Bulldog Pride Fund scholar and donor. He thanked everyone for attending and noted that “we are celebrating the Bulldog Pride Fund graduates of today and inspiring the graduates of tomorrow.”
Bulldog Pride Fund medallions were presented to the scholars that afternoon. The relief of the bulldog on the front represents the Bulldog Pride Fund and Fresno State’s mascot. The back has the graduates’ names engraved with “Bulldog Pride Fund” and the Latin inscription “BONUS INTRA. MELIOR EXI.”— which translates to English “Enter good. Exit better.”
Robin McGehee was introduced to highlight Sara Martinez who was receiving a bachelor of arts in social work. McGehee, a well-known community activist, has worked with Martinez as a mentor and friend with non-profit organizations including the Central California Alliance, the GSA Network and Fresno Reel Pride. She spoke of Martinez’ strive and tenacity that were paramount to her completing her degree. McGehee also presented Martinez with a Bulldog Pride Fund medallion.
Martinez thanked her family and friends that “have helped me to expand my goals.” She shared that she hopes to continue her studies by earning a master’s degree in either social work or counseling in the future. Martinez also thanked all the donors who have contributed to the Bulldog Pride Fund for “helping me to realize my true potential.”
Eudelia Alderete was introduced to showcase Adrian Quintero who was earning two degrees— a bachelor of science in criminology, plus a bachelor of arts in Chicano and Latin American studies. A friend of Quintero’s for the past eight years, Alderete spoke of the challenges that he overcame as a child of immigrant farm workers and as a first-generation college student. Alderete also presented Quintero with a Bulldog Pride Fund medallion.
Quintero expressed his gratitude and shared that he has a new, future educational goal— to “attend law school” and to “become a criminal defense attorney.” He thanked his family and friends, as well as the donors to the Bulldog Pride Fund for “permitting me to stay focused on my academic studies.”
Lindo closed the short program with a surprise announcement— the placement of three personalized bricks in the Commemorative Brick Courtyard of the Smittcamp Alumni House— one in memory of William N. Beck (who recently bequeathed a $100,000 gift to the Bulldog Pride Fund), one in honor of Sara Martinez and one in honor of Adrian Quintero.
Give today. For tomorrow and beyond. ~ www.bulldogpride.org
