2023 Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist Recipient and Nominees
Dean’s Medalist Recipient
Natalie K. Allison
Natalie has earned a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology. A veteran, Natalie joined the US Navy in 2014 as a hospital corpsman, where she underwent extensive training in three specialty schools, studying combat medicine, tactical combat casualty care, emergency medicine, nursing, surgery and preventative medicine. She graduated with honors from each program and obtained a national certification in surgical technology. After earning her associates degree from Campbell University, she was promoted to head surgical technician for oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Naval Medical Center at Camp Lejeune. Natalie was honorably discharged in March 2020 and began classes at Fresno State that fall. In addition to her studies, Natalie participated in Fresno State’s TRIO Veterans program, conducted research with the California Health Collaborative and worked with Fresno State’s mobile health unit, where she administered COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Natalie is currently studying in the speech language pathology graduate program at Fresno State and hopes to work at the Veterans Hospital in Fresno as a speech language pathologist.
Nominees
Allyson J. Bautista
Allyson is graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology, with two certificates: in serving youth at-risk and cross-cultural competency. A first-generation student from Selma, Allyson is interested in working with underserved populations, particularly low-income and first-generation students. While at Fresno State, Allyson served on the ASI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where she advocated for underrepresented students on campus. Since her freshman year, Allyson has participated in the Fresno State TRiO Student Support Services Program, and also served as a peer mentor in the program. In this role, she meets with students weekly to guide them through their college experience. Allyson also works with Care Fresno, to cultivate hope and healing in under-resourced communities. This fall, Allyson will begin her master’s program in school counseling, and she hopes to continue working at the university level to support students in achieving their goals and aspirations.
Alysha L. Curtis
Alysha has earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, with a minor in construction management. A first-generation student, Alysha was the only woman in her class at College of the Sequoias to earn an engineering degree and the first woman in the history of the college to earn a geology degree. She transferred to Fresno State having earned 11 associate’s degrees. At Fresno State, she led a 90-day equity challenge to promote equitable resources for students, and served as a Peer Ambassador of Wellness while staying involved with a number of STEM organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers. Alysha has also been largely involved in K-12 outreach; connecting children in underserved communities with Fresno State and providing an example of a woman professional in STEM. This summer, Alysha will be traveling to the Sacramento area to be a part of the construction of a solar farm. She will also be working at a STEM summer camp for middle school students hosted at Fresno State. She plans to continue working in STEM outreach efforts for the course of her career.
Hnub Lee
Hnub is a first-generation student who has earned a degree in business administration with a minor in Asian American studies and certificates in Southeast Asian studies, entrepreneurship and cross-cultural competency. Throughout her time at Fresno State, Hnub was involved in a number of student organizations, including the Amerasia Organization, Students Organizing for Success, the Homecoming committee and the Off-Campus Student Life Program (OCSLP). As a neighborhood ambassador for OCSLP, Hnub promotes and supports an inclusive environment for commuter students, in order to create a sense of belonging on campus. After graduation, Hnub plans to teach through the English Program in Korea, go to graduate school, and open a Kpop cafe and store in the Fresno area to serve as a cultural hub and community gathering space.
Adilene Leon
Adilene is graduating with a bachelor’s in sociology, with a minor in women’s studies. A first-generation student, Adilene was a member of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and later served as an EOP peer mentor. As a peer mentor, she helps first-generation and low-income students adjust to university life as they transition from high school to college. Adilene recently represented Fresno State at the EOP Regional Student Leadership Conference which was hosted at CSU Bakersfield. In addition to her work with EOP, Adilene has also served as the vice president of Students Organizing for Success, a club that hosts social events for students to supplement their academic experience while at Fresno State. Adilene hopes to continue working within student affairs to support student success as they navigate college.
Eulyses Lopez
Eulyses has earned a degree in psychology, with a minor in Deaf studies. A first-generation student from Corcoran, Ulysses was recently accepted into Fresno State’s master’s of counseling program, where he will focus on student affairs and college counseling. He will begin his master’s program in Fall of 2023. As an undergraduate student, Eulyses served as a neighborhood ambassador through Off-Campus Student Life, where he helped to cultivate community for commuter students. He also served as an academic coach in the Academic Success Coaching program through the Learning Center. Eulyses hopes to spend his career continuing to support students, helping them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Fany Lopez Menjivar
Fany is a first-generation student, earning a degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish. After moving to the US from Honduras at the age of 15, Fany completed high school and enrolled full-time at Fresno State, becoming a member of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). With help from CAMP, she was recently able to complete an internship with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In this position, Fany advocated for workers rights, led presentations and served as an interpreter for a family seeking asylum in the US. Fany has also completed an internship with CAMP, assisting other first-generation students, and worked with third graders at an after-school program through the Moreno Institute. She was recently hired as a behavior interventionist at Applied Behavior Analysis Services at Fresno State. After graduation, Fany plans to obtain a master’s degree in psychology and continue working to support immigrants.
Fransica P. Salas-Chavez
Fransica, also known as Frenchi, is graduating with a bachelor’s in forensic behavioral science, with a minor in military science. While a full-time student, Frenchi also worked full-time as a victim advocate for Rape Counseling Services of Fresno, providing support and advocacy services for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. She is also a member of the United States National Guard. Frenchi participated in Fresno State’s Army ROTC program, where she completed Air Assault School, attended CTLT in South Korea with a military intelligence company, and received the George C. Marshall Award, an honor awarded to the nation’s top cadets. She will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant this summer. After graduation, Frenchi plans to continue her service in the National Guard and pursue a graduate degree.
Maria F. Velasquez Navarro
Maria has earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. She and her older brother are the first in their family to go to college. While at Fresno State, Maria has served as a peer mentor through the Educational Opportunity Program and a college success coach through the California Student Opportunity and Access Program. In these roles, she has helped high school students through the college application process as well as connected undergraduate students with resources and aided them in navigating university life. Maria has also served as the president of Fresno State’s Students Organizing for Success club and is a member of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society for social work. Throughout her time as a student, she has been heavily involved in community service; recently traveling to San Diego to deliver donations to migrants and provide them lunch while sharing information about their rights. Maria plans to continue her education, obtaining a master’s degree in social work, and start a career as a school social worker in the public K-12 school system.
by MARISA MATA
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