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Happy 100th Birthday, Fresno State

California State University, Fresno began its year-long Centennial Celebration April 16, 2010, looking back on its first 100 years of growth, accomplishment and excellence in education. Throughout the upcoming year, we also will be looking ahead to continue our tradition of quality academic programs; outstanding opportunities provided to our students; service to our community; and our transformative impact on our region and state.

We will celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, staff and faculty, and admire the foresight of our founders in creating an institution of higher learning that has evolved to become a leader in education, research, innovation and service.

Throughout this evolution, the university has established itself as an integral part of the region. Fresno State has prepared thousands of individuals for careers, leadership and community service, and forged community bonds that have helped conquer a broad spectrum of challenges, led innovative change and encourage positive thinking as the foundation for accomplishment.

We invite you to join us as we come together as a community to celebrate our Centennial and as we look forward to our second hundred years of success.September 11, 1911: Founding of Fresno State Normal School by Charles Laurie McLane

1912: Members of the first graduating class are handed their diplomas.

1916: First separate academic departments were created, including agriculture.

1913: Groundbreaking for the campus at Van Ness and University Avenues, having moved from its original campus at Fresno High School.

1921: The Fresno Morning Republican first referred to Fresno State as “Bulldogs.”

1921: The Fresno State Normal School becomes the Fresno Teachers College.

1921: Student government is formed.

1922: Start of the Collegian Newspaper.

1934: Renamed Fresno State College and adopted its official fight song, “Fight Varsity!”

1944: Classes in camouflage, radio work and aeronautics were held as part of military training during WWII.

1949: The first graduate degrees in English and in education were granted.

1946-1947: Farmland was purchased for the college in the vicinity of Cedar and Shaw Avenues.

1948: The student government raised $5,000 to build a memorial honoring the deceased Fresno State students who served in World War II.

1950: Land for the new campus was officially dedicated and “operation Big Shift” began.

1956: Fresno State formally moved its campus to the present location.

1961: Fresno State College became a charter institution of the California State University system.

1964: A vote concerning women wearing pants to class took place. Associated Women’s President Heather Cairris was involved.

1966: The Student Body Government of men and the Student Body Government of women combined to represent both men and women. Ernie Kinney became the first President of the combined Student Body Government.

1968: The University Student Union opens its doors and serves as a hub for student life. Student Government moved its offices from the bookstore to the new University Student Union.

1972: Fresno State College becomes California State University, Fresno.

1978: The campus is officially designated as an arboretum and now boasts more than 4,000 trees.

1997: Fresno State becomes the first university in the U.S. to have a winery fully licensed to produce, bottle and sell wine.

1998: Fresno State’s softball team wins our first NCAA Championship.

2002: In conjunction with several outside sponsors, ASI funded the Speakers Platform to promote free speech around the Fresno State campus.

2003: The Save Mart Center opens its doors and is home to our volleyball and basketball teams.

2007: Fresno State Educational Leadership Doctorate becomes the first stand-alone doctoral program in the 23-campus CSU system.

2009: Opening of the Henry Madden Library, housing more than 1,000,000 books.

2009: The campaign for Fresno State sets $200 million fundraising goal.

2010: ASI made the first contribution to the Centennial Scholars Fund in the amount of $25,000. This first contribution was the start to what will hopefully grow into a million dollar endowment.