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Major gift to benefit Engineering and Construction Management at Fresno State
The College of Engineering at California State University, Fresno will take a major step forward in educating more students in the Central Valley for careers in engineering and construction management thanks to a major commitment from William Lyles, President and CEO of Lyles Diversified Inc.
Lyles, his family and their companies have committed a $10 million gift and the University agrees to seek an additional $10 million in support for the College of Engineering in the coming years.
“The Central Valley has been a great place for our family,” said William Lyles. “We’ve watched the region grow and change through the years and we believe it is essential that the Valley transform its economy in the coming years. A critical part of that transformation will be more well-educated engineers to support this growth. It is our hope that this gift will encourage and inspire others to help in this important effort.”
Fresno State President Dr. John D. Welty said the Lyles gift will play a major role in developing the College of Engineering to meet the region’s growing needs while increasing its appeal to faculty and students.
Welty said the Lyles’ gift acknowledges the importance of the College of Engineering in developing the region’s burgeoning growth, which is driving the area’s economy. Long-recognized as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, the Central Valley is transitioning toward engineering and technological growth as keys to continued economic health and sustainability.
The Central Valley offers an ideal location to apply emerging technologies, engineering innovations and leading edge construction management strategies. To support this new era, the College of Engineering must attract, educate and retain bright, talented leaders in the various engineering specialties and make community connections while they are here so that they stay in the region, Welty said.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, dean of the College of Engineering, said, “This partnering with Bill Lyles will transform Fresno State’s College of Engineering by allowing us to educate and train our share of critically needed engineers and construction managers for the nation and the world.
“Although we have been offering courses in engineering at Fresno State since the 1920s, gifts such as this will significantly alter our college and are critical to fueling the evolution of this region that we call the New California. The generosity of this gift is inspiring and we hope that it motivates others to join us in our efforts,” said Jenkins.
The Engineering College has seen a steady enrollment growth over the past five years, but current national trends indicate a need to increase engineering and construction management degrees to meet demand.
Jenkins said the Lyles gift will allow the college to do that by advancing student academic excellence and scholarship, enhancing laboratories and equipment and promoting faculty excellence.
William Lyles is a third generation engineer. His companies have been involved in construction, real estate and development, underground pipeline and utility construction, heavy concrete and mechanical construction.
Municipal Restoration Zone funding applications available
Eligibility applications are now available at www.FresnoEZ.com for City of Fresno businesses located in the Municipal Restoration Zone (MRZ), which is located south of McKinley and west of Peach Avenues. Once eligibility is confirmed, businesses may submit refund applications beginning October 1, 2008; the final deadline to apply is June 1, 2009.
A business may qualify for MRZ benefits by being new to the area or experiencing an expansion of at least 20% in physical size or number of employees. Additional qualifications include the number of full-time employees and having a long-term lease or ownership interest in the property.
For more information, contact Kelly Trevino at 559.621.8426.
HR professionals needed for CIMT Advisory Board
Careers in Manufacturing Technology (CIMT) is looking for HR professionals in the manufacturing, water and food processing industries to be part of the CIMT Advisory Board. The purpose of the board is to:
- Provide a forum to collect and express opinions relating to the program
- Promote communication among manufacturing companies, community colleges and program administrators
- Identify and inquire into matters of community interest relating to the program
- Promote the program in the manufacturing, water and food processing industries, as well as to the general public
- Make recommendations to the CIMT program coordinator
- Encourage industry colleagues to participate in the program
The mission and vision of the Advisory Board will be finalized during the first meeting on Tuesday, September 23. Additionally, a board chair will be selected and the following subcommittees formed: membership, community relations, supervisor training, high school outreach, Career Expo, and internship program.
If you are interested in participating, contact Laura Ramos at lramos@csufresno.edu.
CVBI restructures business planning course
Central Valley Business Incubator has restructured its business planning course offering continuous enrollment, which will allow CVBI to assist 40 percent more entrepreneurs. The next course starts Tuesday, September 16, in honor of “Strategic Thinking Month.”
“Entrepreneurs never stop coming up with new business ideas; therefore, we want to be able to always give them an opportunity to jump into action,” said Travis Sheridan, director of member services at CVBI. “This new format allows entrepreneurs to learn from industry experts as the company is built. Excitement plus resources equals high potential for success.”
The new format will offer students the opportunity to learn from professionals in human resources, legal, accounting, public relations, real estate and other fields. Topics to be addressed will include:
- Establishing a business concept
- Writing a business plan
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Accounting
- Operations
- Licensing requirements
- Raising capital and business financing
A new business planning course will begin every four weeks. Each course is eight weeks long with students meeting for three and a half hours two evenings per week. The cost is $300 per business.
For more information or to enroll, visit www.cvbi.org or call 559.292.9033.
Fresno Unified students' test scores improve for third straight year; district posts historic gains in mathematics
For the third year in a row, FUSD demonstrated district-wide growth in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics on the California Standards Tests (CSTs). In addition, this is the third year of district-wide growth for all subgroups in both ELA and math with the exception of a one year dip in 2007 for African American students (in math).
“Since 1998, we have never seen this kind of magnitude of across the board student achievement gains in grades 2-7 in mathematics for Fresno Unified, nor have we as a system been so targeted in our efforts,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Michael E. Hanson. “This represents approximately 1,200 students who are now proficient who were not before. If we keep them on track – engaged and on target to graduate - we will be providing these students with an opportunity for the future much different than it would have been just a year ago.”
Math highlights include:
- All grades 2-7 and subgroups showed an increase in 2008 over 2007.
- Achievement gap closed slightly between White students and Hispanic, African American and Asian students while still increasing White student achievement.
- For the first time ever in mathematics, a grade level, grade 4, reached a proficiency rate of 50%.
- Algebra I in grade 8 increased from 43% proficient to 55% proficient due to an increased focus on math programs, not just a change in participation rates.
Student performance in English Language Arts also improved including:
- Grades 3-8 and 10 showed an increase in 2008 over 2007. Grades 2 and 9 declined; 11 remained the same.
- Third year of growth for all subgroups, with the exception of special education students which dipped slightly in 2008.
- Achievement gap closed slightly between White students and Hispanic, African American and Asian students while still increasing White student achievement.
Significant growth in schools also occurred this year including:
- 2 elementary schools with gains of 8% or greater in both ELA and math: Greenberg and Lincoln.
- 4 schools with gains of 8% or greater in ELA.
- 25 school with gains of 8% or greater in math.
- 58 schools with gains in the percentage of proficient students of 1% or greater; 61 schools in math.
- 16 schools had the percentage of proficient students stay about the same; 11 in math.
- 18 schools had the percentage of proficient students decline by 1% or more; 20 in math.
FUSD outgained the state in mathematics this year in:
- All grades in mathematics except grade 6.
- Grades 3 and 5; FUSD was outgained by the state in grades 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10; FUSD and the state had similar gains in grades 7 and 11.
- General mathematics in grade 8, where the state increased by 6% and FUSD increased by 10%.
Please visit the California Department of Education’s Web site at http://star.cde.ca.gov/ to view state, district and school results.
New resource for Asian businesses
The new Asian Business Institute and Resource Center (ABIRC) was recently established to serve the ethnically diverse business needs of the Pan-Asian population in the Central Valley. The mission of ABIRC is to build a strong network of Asian American business owners to promote and advocate for the sustained success of Asian businesses in Central California.
ABIRC will be hosting its next workshop on Tuesday, September 23, on how to write a business plan. Topics will include:
- What are the first steps in planning for a business?
- Effective marketing.
- Research before you start your business.
- Who is your competition.
For more information, contact May Bila Ly at 559.438.9680.
Creative Fresno's next Bartender Challenge to feature two political powerhouses: Elliott Balch and Julie Griffiths
If you thought the primaries were tough, you haven't seen anything yet!
For the last Bartender Challenge of 2008, Republican Julie Griffiths will be going cocktail-to-cocktail against Democrat Elliott Balch. It will be red against blue! Woman against Man! Bartender against Bartender!
Elliott and Julie already are working to solidify their respective bases, court the coveted swing voter and work to get out the vote. Just like the 2000 and 2004 elections every vote counts, so be sure to be at Palomino's (805 E. Olive Ave. in the Tower District) on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. to cast your vote. How? With your CASH TIPS (or check made payable to Creative Fresno). The bartender with the most tips in the jar at the end of the evening is the winner. It's that simple!
All proceeds from the evening go to Creative Fresno's mural fund ,so you're having fun for a good cause! But wait it gets better! Creative Fresno is a 501(c)3 non-profit so your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Bartender Challenge is Creative Fresno's funding vehicle allowing us to bring together the resources necessary to create artistic murals in downtown Fresno and the community at large.
CVCAA awarded 'Linking After School Employment to Career Pathways' grant
Central Valley Career Advancement Academies (CVCAA) were recently awarded one of five “Linking After School Employment to Career Pathways” grants from the California Community College Economic and Workforce Development Program. The grant will extend CVCAA to include public service career pathways at Modesto Junior College, Reedley College and the Madera and Willow International Centers of State Center Community College District.
The two-year grant will help create a sustainable program that provides short-term training, integrated support services, career preparation and job placement related to public sector and education career pathways.
Program participants will receive at least one semester of contextualized basic skills education, followed by one semester of employment in after school programs such as those funded by Proposition 49/ASES. Participants will also receive support services and be prepared to pass employment requirements.
For more information, contact Michael Caress, CVCAA Director at 559.324.6470 or michael.caress@scccd.edu.
Fresno State Division of Continuing and Global Education offering Urban & Regional Planning Certificate
Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education has developed an Urban & Regional Planning Certificate program for practicing planners, public administrators, planning commissioners, city council members, and anyone else interested in the field of urban and regional planning. The program consists of three courses:
- Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning
- Long Range Planning and Implementation
- Contemporary Issues in Urban and Regional Planning
Each class consists of two all-day sessions held at Fresno State. The first course is scheduled for September 12 and 26. For more information or to enroll, contact Continuing and Global Education at 559.278.0333 or cgeinfo@csufresno.edu. If there is enough interest, the program may be offered again. So, even if you cannot enroll now, ask CGE to add you to keep you informed of course offerings.
Fresno State College of Engineering announces Family &
Friends Tailgate
Fresno State Alumni Association’s College of Engineering Chapter will host its annual Family and Friends Tailgate on Saturday, October 4, at 5 p.m. before the big game against the Warriors of Hawaii. This annual event allows students, faculty, alumni and industry members to meet and interact on an informal basis.
Each year the event sells out so please register early. Ten tables of eight are available for $250 each. Individual tailgate tickets are $22 for alumni, faculty, staff and their families; $10 for engineering students and children under 17; and $25 for non-members.
This year’s theme is “Island Fun” so be sure to wear your best Hawaiian shirt or grass skirt!
For more information, contact the College of Engineering Development office at 559.278.8242 or coersvp@csufresno.edu.
What is Fresno's sound? Find out at the first annual
FUSE Festival
Creative Fresno and more than 20 LOCAL musical acts will band together for the first annual Fresno Urban Sound Experience, or FUSE, Festival on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 11 p.m. The one day event is an exploration of the city's sound and reaches across musical genres from rock to rap, alternative to jazz, and a bit of Fresno eclectic thrown in for fun. Bands include Rademacher, Fashawn, Patrick Contreras, Flight 409, Blake Jones, the Trike Shop and more.
This all happens in Fresno's urban core at three venues on the Fulton Mall: Milano, Cafe Corazon, and Smokehouse, with an after party at Tokyo Gardens.
That's 21 bands... in three venues... for one night of authentic Fresno fun! All for only $10.
Come and support downtown. Come and support local creative professionals. Mark your calendars now.
Learn more about placing Fulton Mall on National Register of Historic Places
The community is invited to a series of forums to learn about and provide thoughts on the impact of placing Fulton Mall on the National Register of Historic Places. Hosted by the Downtown Association and City of Fresno, the forums will be held September 22, October 1 and October 13.
For more information visit www.DowntownFresno.org/fultonforums.php. To read information provided to Fresno City Council on August 26 and the National Register of Historic Places Fact Sheet, visit www.fresno.gov/CouncilDocs/agenda8.26.2008/1015.pdf.
Making Fresno's streets and neighborhoods stars
How do you pitch a script, shoot a film or finance a movie? All of these questions, and more, will be answered at the second annual Fresno Filmmakers Forum (FFF) Conference on Saturday, October 25. The day-long event will be held at Tower Theatre and will feature presentations on a variety of film related topics. Professional guest speakers will include:
- Documentary filmmaker Kevin White
- Film accountant and business manager Marty Shindler
- Producer - director Peter Maris
- Deputy Director of SAG Indie Alexis Fish
Plans are also being finalized to host an after-event party, also in the Tower District, that will combine informal networking with screening of locally produced short films.
Fresno Filmmakers Forum was created nearly two years ago through the Fresno Film and Entertainment Commission, Creative Fresno and Entandem Productions, a Fresno-based filmmaking company.
"There are obvious short-term and long-term economic benefits to recruiting out of town productions to Fresno. However, the benefits I'm most excited about are the opportunities for local creative professionals to make a living while growing our own indie film discipline,” said Creative Fresno’s Suzanne Bertz-Rosa.
"The Fresno image can improve with increased pride by seeing our streets and buildings on the big and small screens. Fresno is not just 'good enough' for us; it will become a desired destination for production teams. Our streets, buildings and neighborhoods will become stars."
For more information visit www.FresnoFilmmakersForum.com.
Fresno Design Alliance launches online network
Fresno Design Alliance (FDA) recently launched a resource network for designers and those seeking designers at www.FresnoDesignAlliance.com. In addition to the Web site, FDA has a listserv to help designers communicate with each other in a more immediate fashion.
Launched in January 2005, FDA was created by a group of local graphic designers and Web professionals sharing a desire to participate in a positive local design community. Through collaboration, FDA gives graphic design professionals a way to networking, increase their knowledge and improve business. FDA is committed to improving the public perception of design in the Fresno area.
“I started the Fresno Design Alliance because I wanted to participate in a non-competitive, open, and non-threatening design community right here in Fresno,” said Katrina Neufeld of Neu Design. “I feel so blessed by the opportunities I’d had which led me to the dream of using my talents to give back to my community.”
New company looking to fill multiple positions
EarthRenew Organics Ltd. will be opening an office in Fresno (see last month’s RJI e-newsletter for more information – http://www.fresnorji.org/newsletter/?n=43) and has multiple job openings available. Positions include: director of engineering, project engineering manager, research and development specialist, agricultural sales representative, operations manager, project scheduler and document technician, process operators and administrative assistant. For more information or to apply, visit www.earthrenew.com.
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