Smittcamp Family Honors College

Article from Fresno State News!

"Smittcamp Family Honors College Welcomes Its 26th Class of Scholars"

Smittcamp Family Honors College welcomes its 26th class of scholars - Fresno State News Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval greeted 50 high-achieving high school graduates from across California who […]

Congratulations Isabelle Dillsaver and Victoria Wiest, recipients of the 2024 Pioneer Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi!

This $1,000 award is given to 50 undergraduate students who develop the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.

www.phikappaphi.org

For two weeks this summer, Itzel Michel, a junior majoring in Mathematics - Teaching Option, had the chance to explore K-16 schools and universities in Sri Lanka as part of the Noyce Scholars Program.

“The way each school greeted and received us with open arms always made me feel welcomed and at home. Whether it was greeting us with a flower, a leaf, food, a dance, or a song, every gift was much appreciated. Sometimes one can be so focused or distracted with deadlines, school, work, and other responsibilities that one forgets to stop, look around and appreciate nature and those around us. I would like to continue traveling and learning about other educational systems around the world. This experience has motivated me to find ways to encourage my future students to see the value in education and in what they learn.”

As part of their Scholarly Activity, Liberal Studies majors Bronagh McGahan and Alyanna Quisado wrote and published their own picture books!

Purchase a copy of "The Fairy Stepmother" by Bronagh McGahan and "The Cherry Tomato I Know and Love" by Alyanna Quisado on Amazon.

Read the full interview with Bronagh and Alyanna on the creation of their books: https://fresnostatesfhc.squarespace.com/sfhc-news-blog/2z5ildhcx7arnlqhz9sdtdk8j5n0n8

One of our Smittcamp Alumni – Steven Banbury, Class of 2012 – is now an author and his debut book, The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night, comes out next Tuesday, Sept 3rd. It’s sure to be a fun read for anyone who loves the fall season! He has two book signing events coming up (one is local in Fresno – see attached flier). Check it out!

On Friday, we welcomed the 26th cohort of President's Honors Scholars to Fresno State. Join us in congratulating these freshmen scholars as they begin their college experience!

On Friday, we welcomed the 26th cohort of President's Honors Scholars to Fresno State. Join us in congratulating these freshmen scholars as they begin their college experience!

“Volunteering with the American Red Cross has taught me that there is so much need within this community and even the smallest acts of service go a long way.”

Great article on sophomore Yuna Ha and her efforts with the American Red Cross Central California Region this summer!

https://redcrosscentralcalifornia.com/2024/08/12/yuna-has-passion-for-healthcare-led-her-to-the-red-cross/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYyuaVbXUu1lckLLKbHF4csPhZ1D9Q0IhL5mVGdwOPC2Ap7KHuqPzoPp7o_aem_76n4QyDMP9GzgXZoPrfGow

Yuna Ha’s Passion for Healthcare led her to the Red Cross “Volunteering with the American Red Cross has taught me that there is so much need within this community and even the smallest acts of service go a long way.”Yuna Ha By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross C…

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Harmanpreet Kaur is a Clovis North High School graduate from Fresno, CA. She loves photography, traveling, and watching movies (any La La Land fans?). Outside of the classroom, Harmanpreet volunteered at different hospitals and spent time in various departments. She also spent time volunteering at the local library, the Salvation Army, and a hospice facility. She looks forward to spending more time volunteering and participating in different kinds of research during her time at Fresno State. This fall, she will be majoring in psychology with the goal to attend medical school and become a physician. Welcome to Smittcamp, Harmanpreet!

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Jacqueline Rocha is an incoming freshman from Fowler High School in Fowler, CA. Throughout high school, she competed on Fowler High’s varsity soccer and golf teams while holding office as Associated Student Body Secretary her senior year. For seven years, Jacqueline has competed in the Science Fair with a project focused on the methanogenic process of landfills. She has competed at both the State and International levels and has had the opportunity to present at various community events, sharing her experience through the years. After seven years in the Science Fair, Jacqueline gained a strong passion for STEM education. She will be majoring in nursing at Fresno State in hopes of later working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Welcome to Smittcamp, Jacqueline!

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Jaskaran Singh Badesha is a graduate of Sanger High School in Sanger, CA. He is majoring in Public Health because he is passionate about making a difference and working with others. Jaskaran aspires to have a career that allows him to impact community well-being positively and help others. Outside of academics, he volunteered as an assistant coach for martial arts teaching younger kids the art of Gatka, which he also practices himself. Jaskaran enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, where he finds peace and inspiration.

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Kaitlyn Mundello attended Pitman High School in Turlock, CA and completed a few dual enrollment classes at Modesto Junior College. She is majoring in pre-health to pursue her dream of becoming a Sports Physical Therapist. Kaitlyn has been playing soccer for about 14 years! She also enjoys going to the beach, going on hikes, cooking, watching movies, and going to the gym. Welcome, Kaitlyn!

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Mya Correa is from Golden West High School in Visalia, CA. She plans on majoring in business administration with an emphasis in international business. She might also pursue a minor in advertising/public relations. Mya dreams of traveling the world and working in foreign countries by learning to incorporate entertainment, artificial intelligence, and culture into media. She is a massive music enthusiast, having a special interest in K-Pop. Not only that—she adores animals and she has three cats of her own! Welcome to the SFHC, Mya!

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Manroop Singh is a proud Sanger High School alumnus. He has shown his dedication to his school as a dedicated AP student, ASB officer, club member, and Certified Nursing Assistant student. In addition to his involvement in school activities, Manroop is also highly involved in volunteering for the youth of his community at the local Sikh Gurdwara. Manroop is a very social person who always looks to make conversation in any situation. This fall, he will be majoring in Political Science. He looks forward to furthering his education; making his community, friends, and family proud; and making new friends at Fresno State!

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Meet Anessa Sarieddine! Anessa attended Clovis North High School in Fresno, CA. Anessa is very passionate about the field of law. She dedicated numerous hours to her school’s mock trial team, winning the county competition this past year. Outside of school, Anessa finds joy in going to the gym, learning about astrology, and singing. At Fresno State, Anessa plans on getting a degree in business and pursuing a career in law.

⭐ Introducing the ⭐

Meet Delyssa Garcia, a Fowler High School graduate from Fowler, CA. She appreciates a good book and is always up for a feel-good movie. At Fowler, she participated in the young writers club, AVID club, and leadership in addition to competing on the varsity volleyball and softball teams. One of her most memorable achievements was in junior year when her softball team won the D3 Valley Championship! Now, as an incoming Bulldog, she will pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Biology to further her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She feels blessed to be a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors Program and is extremely excited to see what her future holds!

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Ben Bylsma is a graduate from Turlock Christian High School in Turlock, CA. During his time in high school, Ben was highly involved in FFA and served as his school’s Chapter President and sectional president, in addition to earning his CA FFA State Degree and competing in various FFA competitions. He was also active in athletics and was captain for the varsity basketball team. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing sports, working out, and being outdoors. He plans on majoring in agricultural business in the hopes of one day pursuing a career within the agricultural industry.

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Julia Yang is a Clovis North High School graduate from Fresno, CA. In school, Julia was an active member of Key Club and held a division leadership position as the Technology Chair. She was also on her school’s Varsity Badminton Team throughout her sophomore and junior years. Outside of school, Julia volunteered her time in a rehabilitation center, accompanying patients suffering from brain and spinal cord injuries. In her free time, Julia loves shopping, hanging out with her friends, and painting. She plans on majoring in Biology in hopes of pursuing her career as an optometrist. We are excited for Julia to join the SFHC family!

HUGE congratulations to recent alumna Keyara Piri!

She is one of six people nationwide to receive the prestigious Marcus L. Urann Fellowship from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, which provides $20,000 to first-year graduate students pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees across all academic disciplines.

Smittcamp alumna one of six nationwide to receive fellowship - Fresno State News Keyara Piri recently drove cross-country from California to Maryland to get settled in for the […]

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Alyiah Imperial attended Sierra Pacific High School in Hanford, CA. Throughout high school, she was heavily involved in extracurriculars around campus such as ASB, Future Medical Professional Club, and CSF. She also played Varsity volleyball and learned not only perseverance, but how to push herself and others. Outside of school, Alyiah loves serving her community through local events and through her church. She is outgoing and loves to spend time with family and friends. Her favorite pastimes are baking, watching the sunset, hanging out at the beach, and going shopping. Starting this fall, Alyiah will be majoring in nursing with hopes to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is excited for this new journey awaiting her and can’t wait to meet everyone in the SFHC family!"

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Meet Luis Alonso Figueroa Hernández, a graduate of Kerman High School. Luis plans on majoring in biology with the goal of attending medical school and becoming a physician. In high school, Luis played basketball and tennis and participated in multiple clubs such as Spanish Club and Sikh Student Association. His favorite meals to eat are baleadas and samosa chaat. Welcome, Luis!

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Meet Harjap Singh! Harjap graduated from Clovis East High School as a valedictorian. He received the California Scholarship Federation lifetime membership award and the seal of bi-literacy award. During his time at Clovis East, he had the opportunity to be the vice president of Punjabi club. Other than school co-curricular activities, he does seva (selfless service) at his local Sikh temple and is always ready to help someone out with a huge smile on his face. Harjap plans to major in mathematics for teaching to give back to the community. He has a bright future ahead of him. Welcome to Smittcamp, Harjap!

⭐ Introducing the ⭐

Genesis Garcia attended Parlier High School in Parlier, CA. During high school, she was involved in various clubs like Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, Leo Club, and Child Welfare and Attendance. She is grateful to have been a manager for Parlier High School’s first men’s volleyball team. Outside of school, Genesis likes to spend time with her family: playing soccer, trying new foods, and traveling. At Fresno State, she will be majoring in biology to pursue her career in the dental field! Genesis is excited for this new chapter with the SFHC!

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Adilene Gomez is an incoming freshman from Orange Cove High School. As she grew and connected with the campus community, she strengthened her academics and involvement by taking on the leadership roles of Associated Student Body Secretary and Student Board Representative for Kings Canyon Unified School District. Outside of the classroom, Adilene enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with those around her. As she continues her education at Fresno State, she is set on majoring in nursing with the dream to one day become a Registered Nurse. Welcome to the SFHC family, Adilene!

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Meet Bryson Brandon! Bryson was born and raised in Kingsburg, CA and graduated from Kingsburg High. He will be majoring in early childhood education and plans on obtaining both his multi-subject credential and special education credential in hopes of becoming a special education teacher. Bryson’s biggest extracurricular activity is gymnastics! He has participated in competitive men’s gymnastics for 12 years. Recently, he competed in finals for the Junior Olympic Nationals, placing 39th in All Around and 20th on High Bar! Bryson is excited to continue his future at Fresno State and see what opportunities arise!

⭐ Introducing the ⭐

Taleen Alkhayyat graduated from Madera High School in Madera, CA. During her high school years, she was involved in soccer, swim, and multiple community service clubs such as Interact, CSF, Block M, Link Crew, and Blue Crew. Taleen has grown her leadership skills through her ASB class at Madera High and through helping to initiate the Madera Teens Art Council. Outside of school, she likes to travel, go to the beach, work out, grab coffee/eat out, and enjoy all things outdoors. At Fresno State, Taleen will be majoring in biology on the pre-dental track to pursue a career in orthodontics in hopes of alleviating the financial burden of dental health for individuals with special needs.

⭐️ Introducing the ⭐

Victoria Edwards is an incoming freshman from Clovis High School in Clovis, CA. She is majoring in business administration with a focus on finance. Outside the classroom, Victoria loves to serve her community and school. She was involved with student council in high school and often volunteered in the community. Victoria plans on perusing a career in finance as an investment banker. Welcome to Smittcamp, Victoria!

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Johnathan Andrade-Antonio is from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, CA. He was involved in Leo’s Club, Lions Clubs International, Science Olympiad, Student Council, Link Crew, and Cancer Awareness. Johnathan has participated in Science Olympiad and placed third in a chemical lab event and fourth in a building event. He enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and watching horror movies in his spare time. Johnathan is interested in chemistry and physics, and starting this fall, he will major in physics with a minor in mathematics.

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Kevin Vang is an incoming freshman from Sunnyside High School in Fresno, CA. He has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities such as California Scholarship Federation, Student Government, and Career Technical Education programs like Teacher Academy and Video Production Academy. Outside of school, Kevin enjoys taking videos and pictures with friends and exploring new music. He plans on majoring in film and aims to become a cinematographer and director in hopes of directing his own movie one day.

⭐️Introducing the ⭐
This is Maxine Ramirez, a Clovis North High School graduate from Clovis, CA. She welcomes anyone to call her "Max" and loves to meet new people. Besides keeping her nose in a book, Max usually spends her free time hanging out with friends, babysitting, and watching movies/shows with her family. During her high school career, Max was the social media manager of multiple clubs at her home school, played Varsity Girls Badminton, and enjoyed volunteering. In the fall, Max will be majoring in biology following the pre-med route. Ultimately, she hopes to become a pediatric anesthesiologist to help children in need and give back to underserved communities. She discovered this goal through her extensive encounters with children in need and volunteering at nursing facilities. Maxine feels especially grateful and excited to have been chosen to join the SFHC family, and can't wait to see what opportunities will come her way as a new Smitty!