Bulldogs staying connected across the nation
By ESRA HASHEM, Student Writer
With more than 123,000 Fresno State alumni living outside of the Central Valley, how do they stay connected with one another as Bulldogs? The Fresno State Alumni Association maintains regionally-based groups — called networks — in areas throughout the nation. These groups are opportunities for alumni who live outside of the local area to connect with each other and support Fresno State.
Currently, there are six existing networks: the Beach Cities Alumni Network (Long Beach, Seal Beach and Huntington Beach), the Las Vegas Alumni Network, the San Diego Alumni Network, the Seattle Alumni Network, the SF Bay Area Alumni Network and the Washington D.C. Alumni Network.
Each network has at least one champion, or alum from the region who have said they would like to lead the charge. Champions stay connected directly with the alumni association and provide opportunities for alumni in their network to engage with each other.
“The great thing about networks, just like with our chapters and clubs, is really it’s for anyone who is a supporter of Fresno State,” said Matthew Schulz, who oversees the alumni association’s chapters, clubs and networks. “So, certainly it’s for our alum, but you could be a donor to Fresno State or just be a friend to Fresno State. Somebody that is passionate about Fresno State, about the university, about Bulldogs. Anybody can get involved with a network.”
Networks usually hold two core events per year. Watch parties for Fresno State football games, informal get togethers at a local hot spot or wine tasting events are popular with some networks.
San Diego Alumni Network Champion Doug Yavanian said he is looking forward to the network’s upcoming events as a way to expand networking opportunities and relations with fellow alumni.
“Alums in this and every area should get involved to carry forth the pride of being able to say, ‘I am a proud Bulldog.’” Yavanian said. “We recognize that these [networks] are not for everybody, but the participation of those who get involved will certainly help enhance the stature of the university as one of the best in the CSU system.”
Fellow champion of the San Diego Alumni Network and young alum Colleen Sullivan agrees, adding that she is looking forward to future tailgates, watch parties and wine tasting events the network might hold soon.
“Because they’re more regionally based, we really want to develop networks so that they are a reflection of the interests of our alumni in that geographic location,” Schulz said. “Our thinking is that if we can help them identify and meet each other, then as often as they’d like to do things — whatever it may be — they can get together and do that. It’s really kind of organic in that regard.”
Las Vegas Alumni Network Champion Andrea Alires said she is looking forward to connecting with Bulldogs in the southern Nevada area this fall. On September 12, alumni from the area will gather together at Nacho Daddy in Henderson, Nevada for a Fresno State football watch party.
“We are excited to develop a social and business connection for the group,” Alires said.
“It is important that all members — whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned alum — have the opportunity and experience to stay engaged with fellow Bulldogs.”
Some networks that are currently in the works, or that are areas of consideration for networks, include New York, the greater Los Angeles area and the south Central Valley (Tulare, Bakersfield and Visalia).
If you’d like to get involved in your local network, visit the alumni association’s website to contact your area’s champion or join the network’s Facebook group.
If you are interested in establishing a network in your area, contact Matthew Schulz at mschulz@csufresno.edu.
