Meet some of our Graduating Students

Fabiola Perez, Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Fabiola Perez, of Fresno, earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership with a 4.0 GPA, making her a three-time Fresno State graduate. She is this year’s graduate recipient of the Dean’s Medal for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. She previously earned her M.A. in teaching in 2014 and a B.A. in liberal studies in 2006. Born in Culiacán, Mexico, Perez moved to the U.S. with her family at 4 years old, and was fueled with a lifelong passion for social justice and educational advocacy after seeing her mother and brother deported. Her life’s work is distinguished with success in helping to pass California Assembly Bill 540 — granting in-state tuition rates to undocumented college students — as well as recognition as Fresno Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year and nominations for Fresno County Educator of the Year and Association of Mexican American Educators Administrator of the Year. One of Fresno State’s inaugural Holmes Scholars, Perez’s academic research explored how culturally responsive pedagogy honors students’ cultural backgrounds and learning needs, counteracts deficit thinking and fosters inclusive educational environments. She currently serves as the principal at Mayfair Elementary School, where over 97% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged and over 40% are English learners. Perez is in pursuit of policy change and systemic impact that will ensure all students are equipped to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Richie Cortez, B.A. Sociology

I am graduating from Fresno State with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. During my time here in Fresno, I have been honored to take part in the Ronald E. McNair Research Program on campus and to have volunteered at the Birdie Lou Counseling Center in the community. Both experiences have deepened my commitment to serving others and strengthened my passion for mental health and deepening my understanding to support underserved populations. I’ve also had a blast working at Fresno State’s Student Health and Counseling Center as their Marketing Student Assistant, which has made my time here even more rewarding. I have truly enjoyed the connections and memories I have made at Fresno State. This fall, I will begin pursuing a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Biola University.

Niyah Heshmati, B.A. Public Health Administration

My name is Niyah Heshmati and I’m graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health Administration. I was born and raised in Fresno and I hope to stay here throughout my career! This year I worked closely with the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus, both as an intern and as a student representative on the Student Health Advisory Committee. These opportunities allowed me the chance to discover my passion for health education and promotion. During my gap year, I plan to work as an EMT and eventually apply for PA school in the following fall or spring semesters. I will miss you Fresno State ❤️🐾

Frederick Mark Lisitsa, B.A. Psychology

Frederick Mark Lisitsa, of Los Angeles, is a first-generation Ukrainian American and U.S. Navy veteran who earned his B.A. in psychology and minor in philosophy with a 3.8 GPA. He is this year’s undergraduate recipient of the Dean’s Medal for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. After serving as a sonar technician aboard a destroyer — and receiving the Humanitarian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon — he was medically retired for PTSD and enrolled at Fresno State through the Veterans Education Program. He was encouraged by relatives continuing their studies amid war-torn Ukraine. At Fresno State, Lisitsa was elected executive vice president of Associated Students, Inc., where he helped create a $40,000 student research grant fund, authored key policy resolutions and launched “Campus Beautification Days” that rallied volunteers to plant nearly 175 trees and restore campus green spaces. He served as president and vice president of the Student Veterans Organization, co-founded the university’s new ice hockey club and presented research on civic engagement, misinformation and AI equity at regional and international research conferences. A two-time President’s Service Award honoree and recipient of the division’s Achievement of Excellence Award, Lisitsa plans to attend law school and hopes to champion the long-term success of the California State University – the nation’s largest university system.

Melina Morales, B.S. Nursing

Melina Morales, the longest-serving active tutor in the Learning Center, is graduating this spring with a B.S. degree in Nursing. Since 2021, she has met with hundreds of diverse students in pre-health and nursing courses. In this role, Melina has completed all three levels of International Tutor Training Program Certification offered by the College Reading and Learning Association. In addition to her work and academic responsibilities, she remained active in ROTC and the Bulldog Marching Band as a featured twirler. For these reasons, Melina was a DOSAEM Dean’s Medalist nominee. She will continue supporting and mentoring students this summer as a Dog Days orientation leader.

Penelope Moreno, B.A. Liberal Studies

Penelope Moreno was born and raised in Fresno, California. During her time at Fresno State, she has been actively involved on campus and in community life as a Blood Drive Ambassador, Neighborhood Ambassador for Off-Campus Student Life, Spotlight Events as a Spottie’s Helper, Dog Days Orientation Leader, and a Team Leader and Corps Member with Jumpstart. After graduation, she is continuing her journey in education by earning my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Fresno State and pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary teacher.

Patricia Yang, B.S. Child and Family Science

During Patricia’s undergraduate studies, she was a part of the COSS Linked Peer Mentor Program. She then began getting involved on campus through her role as a student assistant with the College of Social Sciences Advising Center. In her second half of her undergraduate journey, she began her internship at the Academic Success Coaching office taking on leadership roles in projects such as the Early Start Initiative. She is also a Student Representative in the Student Health Advisory Committee within the Student Health and Counseling Center. Within her major coursework, Patricia has been able to contribute to the scholarly field with one published scholarly article, one in-press United Nations book chapter, and is currently working on a research publication with a faculty mentor. She is eager to graduate this May and is excited to begin the Masters in Family, Child, and Counseling program in Fall 2025.

Enrollment Management also recognized all of their graduating student staff members, including: Luis Felix, Allyson Bautista, Kassandra Cordova Del Val, Melina Peters, Yvette DeJesus (right), Karigan Wann (left), Katherine, Michelle, Jennifer Herrera Castro, Jaquelin Calixtro-Lopez, Wendy Abrego-Miranda, Briza Burrola, Maria Alvarado, Yesenia Raymundo, Jesus Hernandez, Sunny Karri and Cecilia Mercado.

by MARISA MATA

May 6, 2025

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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!