( Fresno State , Fresno , Calif. ) ~ The Bulldog Pride Fund (BPF) at Fresno State announces the 2008-09 scholars— Amanda Junge, Alisia Lopez and Jared Lindo, and releases the 2007-08 Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors.
“The Bulldog Pride Fund is pleased to announce the selection of three scholars that will each receive $1,000 this fall,” said Peter Robertson, founder of the BPF and a three-time Fresno State graduate. “At the same time, the BPF is proud to release its 2007-08 Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors.”
The Bulldog Pride Fund scholars represent a wide range of life experience and financial need. The scholarship selection process continues to attract top-ranked applicants. Candidates complete an extensive online application that includes academic, demographic and financial data, in addition to three short essays. Ad-hoc committees review applications to select scholars that have “demonstrated pride in their communities.”
From a pool of 1,906 applications submitted, an ad hoc committee of Leticia Reyna Cano, Daniel Kimball and Ronald Avedesian selected Amanda Junge of Clovis , Calif. , for a Bulldog Pride Fund Scholarship of $1,000. An incoming freshman studying music performance, Junge expects to graduate in 2012.
Thank you to the Bulldog Pride Fund donors for giving me the opportunity to further myself at Fresno State ,” said Junge. “This scholarship is very much appreciated and I know that will exceed all of your expectations and become a fine musician.”
From another pool of 47 applications submitted, a second ad hoc committee of Robin McGehee, Sara Martinez and Robertson selected Alisia Lopez of Madera , Calif. , for the Bulldog Pride Fund GSA Network Award of $1,000. A sophomore majoring in political science, Lopez expects to graduate in 2011, the same year that Fresno State celebrates its Centennial.
“I would like to express my true gratitude for the Bulldog Pride Fund donors for financially assisting me,” said Lopez. “I owe you my best and true potential in my studies.”
Additionally, Jared Lindo of Gustine , Calif. , has been selected for his third scholarship of $1,000 from the Bulldog Pride Fund. A senior civil engineering major and mathematics minor, Lindo graduates in 2009. Featured in an online “thank you” video posted on YouTube and recognized at a B-1 Bomber flyover at Bulldog Stadium last fall, Lindo was instrumental in securing a $100,000 bequest to the Bulldog Pride Fund from William N. Beck.
“ Fresno State has afforded me life long treasures of friendships, memories, experiences, and education,” said Lindo. “I sincerely thank the Bulldog Pride Fund donors. Your contributions have played a key role in my continued success.”
“This past year has been a remarkable one for the Bulldog Pride Fund,” added Robertson. “The generous bequest from William N. Beck of $100,000, coupled with individual, organizational and corporate matching gifts of slightly more than $19,000, signify that the total donations in the last fiscal year (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) have surpassed $119,000.”
All donations to the Bulldog Pride Fund are deposited into an endowment account that is invested in a diverse portfolio with the assistance and guidance of Merrill Lynch. No percentage of any donation is used for operating and/or related administrative expenses.
“The Bulldog Pride Fund continues to succeed for four simple reasons,” continued Robertson. “Our concise mission statement, the high-caliber of our student scholars, our generous donors, and our business model combined with financial acumen and transparency.”
Junge, Lopez and Lindo will each receive their $1,000 scholarships on Friday evening Oct. 10, 2008, at the Fresno State Alumni Association’s “Top Dog Alumni Awards” gala to be held at the Save Mart Center . The scholars will also be specially recognized at a reception that afternoon that will be held at the Smittcamp Alumni House, prior to the gala. (RSVP @ bulldogpride.org)
“Today, total donations to the Bulldog Pride Fund have surpassed $153,500. This is a wonderful testament to the Fund’s mission, Fresno State , and the students that the fund assists,” closed Robertson. “The strong financial support that the fund is receiving from alumni, friends and the community today will assist Fresno State students tomorrow.”
About the Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State
Established in 2005 and officially recognized by the Fresno State Alumni Association in 2006, the Bulldog Pride Fund is an endowment that provides an annuity to support student scholarships at Fresno State . The earnings (interest) of the BPF are used to fund student scholarships, while the principal continues to earn interest for the funding of future scholarships in perpetuity— or forever.
As of June 30, 2008, donations to the Bulldog Pride Fund total $152,965.44. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Additionally, the BPF 2007-08 Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors may be viewed online @ bulldogpride.org.
Donate to the Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State
Affiliated under the auspices of the Fresno State Alumni Association as an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable and non-profit organization, all donations to the Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
The Bulldog Pride Fund accepts cash, checks and credit card gifts, as well as donations in the form of securities, real property and corporate matching gifts. Also, gifts derived from beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement plan accounts, living wills and trusts are welcome.
Include the Bulldog Pride Fund in your estate plans today and support student scholars at Fresno State in the future.
Apply for 2009-10 Scholarships at Fresno State
The 2009-10 "priority window" of applications for all scholarships at Fresno State (including the Bulldog Pride Fund) is from Sept. 2 to Nov. 30, 2008 with the Scholarship Office, Division of Student Affairs. Details online: http://www.csufresno.edu/scholarships/index.shtml.
Give today. For tomorrow and beyond.
