Meet Pablo Cabrera Arreola, 2022 Graduate Dean’s Medalist Nominee
Pablo Cabrera Arreola is one of the 2022 Graduate Dean’s Medalist nominees. He is graduating with a Master’s in construction management.
Born and raised in Durango, Mexico, Cabrera Arreola moved to the United States with his family when he was 16 years old. The move was difficult, as Cabrera Arreola had to adjust to a new school system and learn English; but with drive, determination, and a love for learning, he graduated from Riverdale High School and enrolled at Fresno State in 2015.
Cabrera Arreola joined Fresno State’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which supports students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families as they navigate college life.
“I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for having the opportunity to be a CAMP student. They really helped me a lot,” Cabrera Arreola said. “We had bi-monthly meetings with our CAMP counselors. They would guide us through the different classes, help us apply to different scholarships. They gave us a lot of resources so that we could get to know more people. For first-generation students it’s a hard transition, but they make you feel a part of the Fresno State community.”
As an undergraduate, Cabrera Arreola was awarded over 20 scholarships.
While dedicated to his studies, Cabrera Arreola was also very involved in Associated General Contractors of America and the Construction Management Association of America, two student chapters in the Lyles College of Engineering.
“I was [also] part of the Design-Build team within the construction management department, where we had the opportunity to participate in different competitions in Reno, Nevada and New Orleans, Louisiana.”
Cabrera Arreola earned bachelor’s degree in construction management in 2019.
Cabrera Arreola has been a full-time graduate student since fall of 2020. He also works full-time as a field engineer with Harris Construction.
“[Field engineers] do a little bit of everything… [we, along with superintendents and project managers], manage all of the different trades that are a part of the project—plumbers, carpenters, electricians, sheet metal workers. We coordinate and make sure we’re staying within the budget, following the schedule.”
“My plan is to eventually become one of the lead superintendents in the construction company I’m working for. I also plan on coming back to Fresno State and teaching part-time at the Lyles College of Engineering.”
by MARISA MATA
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