Smittcamp Family Honors College

Happy New Year from the Smittcamp Family Honors College office! May this year bring everything that you have hoped for and more. We hope you are doing well, spending time with your loved ones, checking in on your friends, and finding the time to relax.Our office will reopen next week on January 4, 2020. We can not wait to see you all (virtually) during the spring semester!

This year has brought a lot of change. We have had to adapt and work with new technology to continue moving forwards, but we hope that you have discovered something new along the way, something that has helped you get through this year--a new hobby, or spending time with friends and family. With the New Year approaching, we want to hear about your hopes for the future. Tell us about them below. #Welcome2021!

The Hmong New Year Celebration is about cleansing yourself of all the bad that has happened in the current year and preparing for the new year to come. The celebration is filled with eating, dancing, and honoring Hmong culture. We wish you all happiness as we welcome the new year and all that it will bring! Photo by George Moua, taken from Northwest Folklife at https://www.nwfolklife.org/listen-learn-the-hmong-new-year/

Smittcamp Family Honors College wishes you a Merry Christmas! May the magic of Christmas bring peace, joy, and blessings to all!!

Happy Holidays! We hope you all have a relaxing break and wonderful holiday season!

The office will be closed starting on December 21, 2020 and will open virtually January 4, 2021. Have a wonderful and safe Winter Break, see you all next semester!

Good luck on your finals this week, scholars!! Dr. Attar, Stephanie, and Rocio are here to support you, so reach out if you need help with anything! We miss you all greatly and hope you have a fantastic winter break!

Tomorrow, December 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. PST is your last chance to submit your PHS application!! We will not be accepting any materials for applications past this point. Make sure your application packet includes all letters of recommendation, transcripts, essays, etc. Scan and submit your application package (not to exceed 10MB) on Fresno State's scholarship portal by that time! Thank you for your interest in our programwe look forward to reading your applications soon!

Planning applying for the President’s Honors Scholarship? Make sure you apply to Fresno State through Cal State Apply right away! Applications to Cal State Apply close on November 30th, but that’s only the first step of the process! You’ll need a Fresno State student ID number in order to fill out Fresno State’s general scholarship application and access the PHS application. Don’t delay!! The PHS application deadline is December 10, 2020. If you have any questions, contact our office by email at [email protected] or by phone at (559) 278-8160.

#TBT Did midterm season leave you feeling SPOOKED? Maybe it’s just witchful thinking, but we hope this throwback to past years’ Halloween parties will lift your spirits! What’s your favorite Halloween memory?

Today marks the beginning of the eight days of Hanukkah! Also called the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated to remember the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and the menorah candles that burned for eight nights. To those who are celebrating: Hanukkah sameach! For more information, visit https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah.

Carmina Faustino and Nicole Cloutier are two senior Smitties who are in their third semester of the nursing program at Fresno State. We reached out to them to ask how they have been adjusting to online learning and performing clinicals at hospitals. They were very honest in their responses, and we appreciate their willingness to share their experiences with us.

It's the final stretch before the deadline to submit your application to Fresno State for Fall 2021. I'll be hosting a few more workshops for both first-time fr...eshman & transfer students who just need a time and place to sit down and submit your applications! The DEC. 15th deadline is also including the Fresno State EOP application and Smittcamp Family Honors College. Zoom link registration: https://linktr.ee/outreachnai

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This month is about spreading awareness and celebrating the accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. Two Smittcamp scholars, Karlee and Harrison Hobbs, talk with their younger brother, Luke, about what it means to have Down Syndrome and about the volunteer work they’ve done at the National Down Syndrome Conference.

Last chance to attend a President’s Honors Scholarship webinar is October 29, 2020. If you have not been able to attend our previous webinars, this is the time! The director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, Dr. Saeed Attar, will be discussing the benefits of the program, qualifications, application process, and deadline. REGISTER HERE: https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_sXUzTGpPQI6MUDSSAUDhfQ

Dr. Stephen Rodemeyer (Oct. 2, 1940 - Oct. 16, 2019), was the Inaugural Director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College from 1999 to 2009an inspiration for us all. Gone, but never forgotten......and forever in our hearts.

The last day of instruction for the fall semester is Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The SFHC office will remain open during Consultation Days. Happy studying!

**IMPORTANT UPDATE** Due to the CSU-wide extension of the application deadline, the Smittcamp Family Honors College has decided to extend its Fall 2021 application submission deadline to December 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Please share this information with applicants you may know. We hope the extra time will be helpful, and we look forward to receiving your applications.

Sunny de Castro, a Smittcamp sophomore, recently launched her new podcast, The Honor Roll! In her podcast, Sunny chats with special guests about the college experience. Her hope is to brighten people’s days and let them feel a sense of community during a time where it’s hard to connect. You can go listen to her podcast now on Spotify, and follow @honorrollpodcast !

One week left before the PHS application deadline! Make sure to check that all your documents have been submitted (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.). Best of luck to everyone! We look forward to reviewing your applications! Contact our office at (559) 278-8160 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

Native American Heritage Day is officially recognized as November 27, 2020. This Thanksgiving break, keep this day in mind in light of the events that have affected the #NativeAmerican community this year. We wish you and your family safety and security during these times. Image: A photo of the monument Dignity: of Earth and Sky by sculptor Dale Lamphere. Image from the South Dakota Department of Tourism via https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-//dignity-earth-sky.

A group of our students who attended our annual Children Carnival that we organize for Children's Hospital.

Madison Firstman is a #SFHC scholar studying her third year of business administration degree Fresno State. She was born in Visalia, California and at an early age, learned that when you want something in life, sometimes, the road ahead may not be easy. She had to overcome many challenges, but Madison’s perseverance, grit, inner strengths, would push her to become one of the 50 #scholars from the 2018 cohort and the wonderful human being she is. Listen to her story and discover, that even when we face adversity or any challenge in life, you must push through, after all, resilience is built from adversity.

The SFHC office will be closed during the Thanksgiving break, November 25-27th. During these hard times, we hope you and your families are doing well. We are keeping those who have lost a job, a loved one, or are struggling to make ends meet in our thoughts. Have a safe and happy break, and we will see you next week for the final stretch of the semester!

Today is World Mental Health Day. We all have mental health challenges and if you are struggling right now, know that You Are Not Alone. #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #MIAW 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year... If you are a Fresno State student and need to talk to someone, call the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 559.278.2734. For more information about their services, visit their page at fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/health/counseling/index.html. Infographics and statistics provided by NAMI.

Let's all help our community!!!

If you were unable to attend our first webinar on October 5, there will be two more on October 12 and October 29, 2020. The director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, Dr. Saeed Attar, will be discussing the benefits of the President’s Honors Scholarship, qualifications, application process, and deadline. Registration must be completed in advance. REGISTER HERE: October 12, 2020:... https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_CV1NX67fTHi-3LXhNbUCdA October 29, 2020: https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_sXUzTGpPQI6MUDSSAUDhfQ

Nick Moore, a Smittcamp junior, is VP of Finance for Fresno State’s ASI. He shared with us all about his experience in ASI and how it can benefit our students at Fresno State!

Thank you to everyone who donated during D.O.G.! We are so grateful for your help in funding future SFHC scholars. Yesterday showed that your donation makes a difference - Smittcamp would not be what it currently is without all of the love and community support it receives. #WeLoveSmittcamp #FresnoStateDOG #SFHC

There is a lack of understanding surrounding people experiencing mental illness. That’s why NAMI is sharing some of the most misunderstood aspects of mental illness each day during MIAW. #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #MIAW Today, October 8, is National Depression Screening Day. We encourage you to take advantage of the free resources available to get insight into your own mental health. ... If you are a Fresno State student and need to talk to someone, call the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 559.278.2734. For more information about their services, visit their page at fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/health/counseling/index.html. Free screenings are offered at HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. Infographics provided by NAMI.

Thanks to everyone who helped the Smittcamp Family Honors College place 5th in terms of the number of unique donors (144) during the 2020 D.O.G. We appreciate your continued support of SFHC.

Colleen Busby, a recent graduate of the Smittcamp Family Honors College and Fresno State, was selected as an Honors Scholar at the USC Gould School of Law. Approximately twenty students in each class receive this distinction. Congratulations, Colleen! We are so proud of you! Read the article here: https://mylaw2.usc.edu/acad/degrees//financial-aid/honors/

Why donate to the Smittcamp Family Honors? All funds raised today will go towards funding a PHS scholarship, we are counting on your support. Visit our page https://bit.ly/3jUOHpQ and donate $20, 30, 40, or more, our scholars will be thrilled to know our Central Valley supports our #smitties. #WeloveSmittcamp #FresnoStateDOG

Day of Giving isn’t over yet! Help us support scholars like Robert by funding a President's Honors Scholarship during Fresno State's Day of Giving. Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/3jUOHpQ #FresnoStateDOG #WeLoveSmittcamp #GoDogs Fresno State's MCJ Department College of Social Sciences at Fresno State

We still have some time left, donate what you can...every dollar counts, our scholars need it to continue their education.

Today is Giving Tuesday! Be sure to donate to Fresno State and support amazing organizations around campus, including Smittcamp Family Honors College!! This sch...olarship has given me the opportunity to pursue a higher education without worrying about costs. #WeLoveSmittcamp Link: https://dayofgiving.fresnostate.edu//20008/department/21159 See more

Hear hear, please join us at 4 p.m. today during our virtual programming!! Help us fund a Smittcamp Family Honors College Scholarship #FresnoStateDOG Fresno State

Day of Giving is going on RIGHT now!! Hear what Julie Nguyen, an SFHC sophomore, has to say about the program: Becoming a Smittcamp scholar is definitely one of those milestones you look back on in the future. I never expected one decision to impact me and my future so greatly. From week one, I was launched into such a welcoming new family of scholars and faculty. They have become both my friends and mentors. During the times that I doubt my dreams, I reach out to my Smitt...camp family for support, perspective, and clarity. The Smitties have become my formidable allies in life. Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/3jUOHpQ #FresnoStateDOG #WeLoveSmittcamp #SFHC #Smitties

Share your favorite memory about Fresno State and Smittcamp Family Honors College...Tag us both FresnoState and @SmittcampFamilyHonorsCollege and use the #welovesmittcamp & #FresnoStateDOG

When you work with these amazing scholars, they become part of your family...help us fund a scholarship, they will give back a thousandfold, they are already do! #welovesmittcamp Fresno State #fresnostatedog Smittcamp Family Honors College thank you all for making me part of this amazing family! Donate now!

Consider donating to the Smittcamp Family Honors College TODAY during Fresno State’s Day of Giving! Pass on the news to your friends and family. Every dollar counts!! #FresnoStateDOG #SFHC #WeLoveSmittcamp Smittcamp Family Honors College Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/3jUOHpQ

Are YOU considering donating to the Smittcamp Family Honors College? Listen to what one of our current scholars, Sumanjit Gill, loves best about SFHC. #FresnoStateDOG #SFHC #Smitties #welovesmittcamp The Smittcamp Family Honors College feels like home. The sense of family and community among the Smittcamp cohorts is unlike any other. We support and uplift one another as we go down our paths to do amazing things. I met my closest friends through SFHC; our tight friendship rem...ains the one constant through every changing semester. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be by each other's sides for the rest of our lives. Along with the wonderful environment, Smittcamp enabled me to take part in research with faculty and become an ISA. These academic opportunities are extremely meaningful to my future career path. I will always cherish the Smittcamp experience and will be forever grateful to the Honors College. Donate HERE: https://bit.ly/3jUOHpQ

Tomorrow is Fresno State’s Day of Giving!!! #FresnoStateDOG #welovesmittcamp The Smittcamp Family Honors College and President’s Honors Scholarship help students achieve their educational goals. Sarah Maricle, an SFHC senior, is one example of how Smittcamp has financially helped students with their college plans. Donate tomorrow during D.O.G. to help fund one of the 200 President's Honors Scholarships. Every dollar counts!! And don’t forget to register for our zoom event at bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents to learn more about SFHC firsthand from our students and faculty! #SFHC #Smitties

Smittcamp scholar, Nick Tom, and his mother, Harriet Tom a Fresno State instructional technician, volunteered their time to create OVER 3,000 masks for the campus community during this pandemic. Follow this link to read our scholar's extraordinary story! #welovesmittcamp Don't forget Day of Giving is this Tuesday! Please donate to Smittcamp Family Honors College to support our amazing scholars, and join us for our zoom event by registering at: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1692/GID2/blank.aspx https://stories.fresnostate.edu/cutting-a-new-cloth

Fresno State's Day of Giving is quickly approaching! SFHC senior Caleigh Camara is here to talk about how Smittcamp has positively impacted her life, and why it's important to donate. Donate during D.O.G. on November 17th! Each dollar will help fund one of the 200 President's Honors Scholarships. Register for our zoom event at bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents and select SFHC. #SFHC #Smitties #GoDogs #welovesmittcamp

The Smittcamp Family Honors College wouldn’t be what it is today without the support, guidance, and teaching of our honors professors. What’s your favorite memory of a certain class or professor? #SFHC #Smitties #GoDogs #weloveamittcamp Don’t forget to register for our #FresnoStateDOG event on November 17th! Each dollar will help fund one of the 200 President's Honors Scholarships. Registration link: bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents (select SFHC)

Student Feature: Devon Lee! "The Smittcamp Family Honors College has been the best decision of my life. The academic opportunities the program has extended me have been nothing short of invaluable, the people I have met have been absolutely amazing, and my college experience has been priceless as a result. Smittcamp allowed me the financial flexibility to transition straight to a four-year university out of high school to immediately start on my academic and research career, and for that I am forever grateful. Support scholars like Devon during #FresnoStateDOG on November 17th! Register at bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents and select SFHC! #SFHC #Smitties #GoDogs #weloveamittcamp

Reminder that the SFHC office will be closed today (Wednesday, November 11, 2020) in observance of Veteran's Day. We will resume our normal online hours on Thursday, November 12. Have a safe and relaxing day!

Student Feature: Scout Whitaker I got into digital art during quarantine to strengthen my visual art background. I recently realized a passion to go into themed entertainment engineering, and thus wanted to strengthen my portfolio. I made the art + video to promote the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Fresno State Chapter meetings. I’m the K-12 Outreach Director of the chapter and a big focus for SWE this semester is growing our social media presence! Support scholars like Scout during #FresnoStateDOG! Register at bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents and select SFHC! #SFHC #Smitties #GoDogs

The SFHC office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in observance of Veteran's Day. We will resume our normal online hours on Thursday, November 12. Have a safe and relaxing day!

SAVE THE DATE! Fresno State’s Day of Giving is November 17, 2020 and the D.O.G. is hungry! Every donation made to the Smittcamp Family Honors College goes towards funding a future scholarship, which allows our scholars to not only pursue their dreams, but give back to the community as well! Be sure to register here: bit.ly/DOGVirtualEvents and select Smittcamp Family Honors College from 4:00-4:30 p.m. See you soon!

Lindsey Ryan, one of our sophomore scholars, has started a local resource for volunteer opportunities! See her statement below to learn more! "559 Volunteers | Helping Hands is a Facebook group and Instagram page serving as a resource for volunteer opportunities in Central California. Our mission statement is, "Together we can do great things." Helping Hands allows servant leaders to view and engage with in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities locally in the Fresno, Vis...alia, and Hanford areas. Currently, our Facebook group has over 222 members! Members can post and view service events, ask for help, and encourage members to get involved. As a Smittcamp Scholar, I understand the importance of civic engagement and bettering our communities. I wanted to provide a "helping hand" to get more people involved within their communities through service!" Instagram: @559helpinghands

#TBT For twenty years, Stephanie Roby (left) and Lisa Hardamon (right) were the first faces you would see when you walked into the SFHC office. They kept the office running with their hard work and love for our scholars. Do you remember the first time you met them? #SFHC

The President’s Honors Scholarship application is now open October 1 - December 10, 2020. Remember, you must complete the following three-step process to apply: 1. Apply to Fresno State 2. Submit Fresno State’s general scholarship application 3. Submit the President’s Honors Scholarship application... If you still have not registered for our first webinar October 5 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., register now! We will be covering questions about the PHS scholarship, application, and application process. Register here: https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_Sh-zol1FRM2GTk5-w49MTw

The director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, Dr. Saeed Attar, will be hosting three informational webinars about the President’s Honors Scholarship in the coming weeks. These webinars will highlight the benefits of the program, qualifications, application process, and deadline. Registration must be done in advance don’t delay! REGISTRATION LINKS: October 5, 2020:... https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_Sh-zol1FRM2GTk5-w49MTw October 12, 2020: https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_CV1NX67fTHi-3LXhNbUCdA October 29, 2020: https://fresnostate.zoom.us//reg/WN_sXUzTGpPQI6MUDSSAUDhfQ

Laiba Qamar is graduate of Clovis North Educational Center who will be pursuing a major in biology at Fresno State. During high school, she competed on academic teams like Science Olympiad and Robotics. She graduated as a Salutatorian of her class and an Academic Scholar of Distinction. She has volunteered at Saint Agnes Medical Center and the American Red Cross. Laiba’s aspirations are to lead a career in the medical field, be an active philanthropist, and advocate for unive...rsal equality. SFHC is excited to have her join us! #SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Born and raised in the Central Valley to Indian immigrants, Ajmeet Pama-Ghuman is driven to create small communities in the work she does. She graduated from Kingsburg High School in Kingsburg, CA as a valedictorian. As president of Key Club, Ajmeet volunteered over 200 hours, promoted inclusivity with Sikh Honors and Service Society (SHSS), juggled officer positions, and researched for The GLOBE Program. Ajmeet wants to pursue medical school with a bachelor's in biology in h...opes of researching diseases. SFHC is excited to welcome her to the 2020 SFHC Cohort! #SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Lily Hammerstrom graduated from Clovis High School in Clovis, CA. She is majoring in political science and Spanish in hopes of becoming an immigration defense attorney. She was the head drum major of the Golden Cougar Marching Band and Color Guard, and she played clarinet as well as sousaphone in the instrumental music program. Lily also enjoyed competing as a member of the varsity speech and debate team and as a closing attorney in Mock Trial. Welcome to Fresno State, Lily! ...#SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Alexandra Cota is a graduate of Clovis North Educational Center in Clovis, CA and proud to be a third-generation attendee of Fresno State. She has a deep love for the performing arts, and will be majoring in music as a liberal art with a focus on the vocal program. At Clovis North, Alexandra volunteered in the school’s drama program, and she intends to continue this practice at Fresno State. She hopes to begin a successful career in opera once she completes her education. S...FHC is excited to see where she goes! #SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Mary Topoozian graduated from Bullard High School in Fresno, CA, ranked number 1 in her class. She played varsity tennis for four years in addition to starting a local farmers market that raises money to provide sporting apparel to children locally and to a small village in Armenia. She was recognized nationally by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and was named a 2020 Coca-Cola Scholar. At Fresno State, Mary plans on majoring in biology. SFHC is excited to see where she goes...! #SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Ahsan Wahab graduated as the Valedictorian Summa Cum Laude of Kerman High School in Kerman, CA. At Kerman High, he took part in many extracurriculars such as cross country, track, the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Interact, Yearbook, and Block K a club for athletes, where he planned activities for the year and acted as the secretary for the Associate Student Body (ASB). He received the President's Volunteer Service Award for his contributions to his community. Ah...san plans to major in both psychology and business to open his own practice as a psychiatrist. SFHC is excited to have him join us at Fresno State! #SFHC #GoDogs #2020Cohort #bulldogborn Follow us on our other pages to learn more about our program and scholars! IG: @smittcampfamilyhonorscollege TW: @FresnoStateSFHC

Are you ready to apply to the Smittcamp Family Honors Program? Remember: The President's Honors Scholarship application opens next week, October 1, 2020. #bulldogborn #SFHC #futuresmitty