Fresno State launches new Student Success Speaker Series, brings esteemed journalist Ruben Navarrette to campus


The Student Success Speaker Series is a newly established program that brings exceptional professionals from across the country to engage in meaningful conversations with Fresno State students and the community. The open dialogues aim to inspire and motivate individuals while also providing them with tools to enhance their personal, professional, and academic success.

The first guest speaker in the series, Ruben Navarrette is a nationally syndicated columnist and author who has contributed to the LA Times, Washington Post, CNN and Fox among other major publications. According to Media Matters, he is the most widely read Latino columnist in the country and the 16th most popular columnist in America.  

“The university is excited to welcome Ruben Navarrette to campus and to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with such a prominent and esteemed journalist,” said Dr. Kent Willis, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Navarrette’s visit aligns with our commitment to promoting open dialogues on campus, and we look forward to his insights into civil discourse and journalism.”

Navarrette’s visit to the university spanned two days and consisted of three engagements, with the first taking place on the evening of April 16, where he had a conversation over dinner with the professional staff members in the Division of Student Affairs to discuss educating students in practicing civil discourse. 

The remaining two engagements took place on April 17 and were exclusively for students. 

The first was an open forum in which Navarrette shared his personal story about growing up in the Central Valley and becoming one of the most respected journalistic voices of our time. The second was a networking reception that offered student leaders pursuing careers in journalism to make a more personal connection with Navarrette. 

Willis said, “Fresno State is dedicated to preparing its students to be effective communicators and critical thinkers, especially amid rising tension and public discourse around divisive issues. The university aims to provide students with the tools they need to navigate society’s complex and ever-changing landscape.”

The Student Success Speaker Series will continue to host professionals whose values align with the mission of the university and division and uplift the spirit of the campus. 

To philanthropically support the efforts of the university and the Student Success Speaker Series, contact the Student Affairs Development Directors, Katie Bewarder and David Hembree at vpsa@mail.fresnostate.edu


by MARISA MATA


Related :

Share your story

Do you have news you would like to share with the community? Let us know! Contact our Communications Coordinator Marisa Mata at 559.278.6560 or marisamata@csufresno.edu to get started!

BLOG ARCHIVES

Leave a comment