Class Notes (What's this?) Welcome to Class Notes. Find out what your fellow alumni are up to these days. Share your news and events by submitting a note. Recent Class Notes Jean Bancroft (1958) Jean Bancroft (1958) passed away on October 18, 2009 at the Hospice Center in Kirkland. Jean was born on September 1, 1939 in Salinas, CA. She was raised in Salinas but moved to Fresno her senior year in high school. At Fresno State College, she met and married Ed Bancroft on July 23, 1960. Jean and Ed had two children, Lori Loranger of Arlington, WA and Mike Brancroft of Aptos, CA. They have 3 grandchildren, Amanda Bancroft of San Jose, CA, Jacob Bancroft of Apos, CA and Megan Loranger of Arlington, WA. She was a great wife, loving mom and treasured grandma. Her older sister Janet Tranah of Missouri also survives Jean. She was a medical secretary for 39 years in Palo Alto, CA. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church for 11 years. Her hobbies included gardening, stain glass and sewing. She also enjoyed walking along the ocean collection rocks and seashells. Reading and taking pictures were also interests of hers. She enjoyed traveling in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. The last 2 years she was fighting cancer. A memorial serviec will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research in Seattle are welcome.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Aris Janigian (1700) Aris Janigian authored Riverbig, a broad-shouldered work of fiction—the follow-up to Bloodvine, her acclaimed first novel—continues the tale of Andy Demerjian.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Karen Lee Smith Maroot (1992) Karen Lee Smith Maroot (1992) has been named executive director (interim) of Tree Fresno. The organization has planted more than 35,000 trees in the greater Fresno area since it was founded in 1985.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Eric Rawn (2001) Eric Rawn (2001) is CEO and President of BCT Consulting, which was featured in an article entitled "Named Among 'Best Companies to Work for in Central California.'"   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Robin McGehee (1998) Robin McGehee (1998) was written about in an article entitled "People of the Year: The Advocate kicks of its People of the Year issue with National Equality March organizer Robin McGehee." Sassy, straight-talking, and passionate, McGehee, a 36-year-old professor of human communications at the College of the Sequoias in central California and mother of a young son and daughter, became a rising star in the gay rights movement in 2009. She did so by insisting that grassroots activists have a seat at the table next to established power brokers like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Thomas Carmichael (1982) Thomas Carmichael (1982) passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2009, after a sudden battle with cancer at the age of 58 years. Tom began a career in real estate after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business from California State University, Fresno. Tom was a real estate agent and broker, and eventually went into commercial real estate development with 25+ years of service for 7-Eleven, Inc. and Circle K Stores, Inc. During this time, Tom obtained his Master's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. Tom and Susan eventually relocated to Southern California, where Tom continued as Director of Real Estate until retirement in March 2009. Tom was always secretly a kid at heart, and loved collectible items, from toys to trains. More recently, Tom was able to buy his very own Ford Mustang GT, a car he dreamt of buying throughout his entire life. But Tom's greatest love of all was in his family. To the very end, Tom "took care of his girls." Tom, a loving husband and steadfast father, is survived by his wife Susan; and daughter, Sally Russell. Tom is also survived by his "Girls", Princess, Penny, and Pepper. Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Friday, November 13, 2009, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to give appreciation to Nancy Hinds Hospice for their excellent care and wonderful services. Remembrances may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Suite B-6 Fresno, Ca. Remembrances may also be made to Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, 4201 Eucalyptus Ave., Chino, Ca. 91710 with care to Jesus Films-Staffieri. The Calvary Chapel Jesus Films Outreach is a Christian Ministry held close to Tom's heart. The Jesus Film Ministry's mission is to ensure that everyone has at least one chance to see the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ through films developed in each country's native languages. The Ministry echoes the daily ministry Tom led in his own personal life. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 North Teilman Avenue Fresno, California (559)268-9292 "   Submitted on Nov 13 2009. Michael Robinson (1973) I graduated from FSU in '73 and '76 in Agricultural Science. I became interested in the medical field and received a BSN from the University of Portland in '86 and an MS in nurse anesthesia from Texas Wesleyan/US Army in '91. I've been doing anesthesia 19 years now and still attribute the excellent education From FSU that formed a foundation in my future endeavors.   Submitted on Nov 6 2009. Devin Nugent (1993) Devin Nugent (1993) has held positions of increasing responsibility across both the private and public sectors for over 14 years. His focus has been in the areas of finance, accounting and corporate real estate disposition. From the U.S. Small Business Administration to Oracle Corporation, Mr. Nugent has demonstrated a sustained record of success and major contributions including enhanced efficiencies, innovation and leadership. Mr. Nugent's most recent tenure was with Longs Drug Stores, a Fortune 500 company with annual sales exceeding $5 billion. While at Longs Drug Stores, he directed all real estate finance and accounting functions. Mr. Nugent's duties included evaluation and implementation of real estate management software solutions, complex lease negotiations and management of the lease audit program across a portfolio of over 500 stores. Mr. Nugent remains active in charitable activities to enhance the lives and well-being of needy residents of central California. Mr. Nugent graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Fresno receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in finance.   Submitted on Nov 5 2009. Richard Ford (1952) Richard Ford (1952) graduated from CSUF in 1952 with a B.A. in Social Studies. He then graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law with a law degree in 1958. He is currently a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of the Federal Bankruptcy Courts serving in Fresno, Sacramento and Bakersfield.   Submitted on Nov 3 2009. Thomas Sparks (1973) Thomas Sparks, Ph.D. (1973), Dow AgroSciences researcher has been named "Scientist of the Year" by R&D Magazine. Sparks will be honored on Nov. 12 at R&D Magazine's 47th Annual R&D 100 Awards Banquet in Orlando, Florida. A resident of Greenfield, Indiana, Sparks, 58, has worked at Dow AgroSciences since the company was established in 1989. Sparks is the author of numerous articles in leading journals and holds two patents, with eight additional patents pending. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in entomology from University of California, Riverside.   Submitted on Nov 3 2009. > Read all Class Notes Career News Aris Janigian (1700) Aris Janigian authored Riverbig, a broad-shouldered work of fiction—the follow-up to Bloodvine, her acclaimed first novel—continues the tale of Andy Demerjian.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Karen Lee Smith Maroot (1992) Karen Lee Smith Maroot (1992) has been named executive director (interim) of Tree Fresno. The organization has planted more than 35,000 trees in the greater Fresno area since it was founded in 1985.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. > Read more Career News Births & Adoptions Jennifer (Lucero) Heintz (2002) Jennifer (Lucero) Heintz (2002) and Bryan Heintz are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Brady Neal. He was born on May 15, 2009 in Clovis, CA , and weighed 6 lb., 9 oz..   Submitted on Oct 16 2009. Colby Linder (1999) Colby Linder (1999) and Nicole (DiBuduo) Linder (1998) are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Lucas Natale Linder. He was born on March 18, 2009 and weighed 7 lb., 3 oz. and 21 1/4 inches. Lucas joins sister Sophia, 4. Colby is a Biology instructor at Fresno City College and Nicole is the Director of annual giving at Fresno Pacific University.   Submitted on May 4 2009. > Read more Births & Adoptions Marriages & Commitments Elke (Philpott) Axtell (1996) Elke Philpott (1996) and Malcolm Axtell are happy to announce their marriage on May 24, 2009 in Stockton. They currently reside in Sunnyvale. The bride is the daughter of Myra and Donald Philpott of Cerritos. She graduated from Richard Gahr High School in 1992, California State University, Fresno in 1996 and National University in 2005. She is a special education teacher. The groom is the son of Katherine and Douglas Axtell of Pine Grove. He graduated from Argonaut High School in 1998 and San Joaquin Delta College in 2004. He is a paraeducator. The ceremony was performed by Rabbi Miriam Senturia. The bride was given away by Myra and Donald Philpott. Mary Mueller was the maid of honor, and Amy Philpott and Karen Munday were the bridesmaids. The best man was Shannon Axtell, and Brandt Muller and Christopher Robertson were the groomsmen. Camille Cosato was the flower girl and Ari Cosato was the ring bearer. The reception took place at the Brookside Country Club in Stockton. The couple's wedding trip was to Seattle for an Alaskan cruise.   Submitted on Oct 22 2009. Jennifer (Lucero) Heintz (2002) Jennifer (Lucero) Heintz (2002) and Bryan Heintz are happy to announce their marriage on September 19, 2009 in Carmel, CA . They currently reside in Fresno, CA .   Submitted on Oct 16 2009. > Read more Marriages & Commitments Catching Up Robin McGehee (1998) Robin McGehee (1998) was written about in an article entitled "People of the Year: The Advocate kicks of its People of the Year issue with National Equality March organizer Robin McGehee." Sassy, straight-talking, and passionate, McGehee, a 36-year-old professor of human communications at the College of the Sequoias in central California and mother of a young son and daughter, became a rising star in the gay rights movement in 2009. She did so by insisting that grassroots activists have a seat at the table next to established power brokers like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Richard Ford (1952) Richard Ford (1952) graduated from CSUF in 1952 with a B.A. in Social Studies. He then graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law with a law degree in 1958. He is currently a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of the Federal Bankruptcy Courts serving in Fresno, Sacramento and Bakersfield.   Submitted on Nov 3 2009. > Read more Catching Up Educational News Suzanne Dieriex (2000) Suzanne Dieriex (2000) received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Chapman University on January 30, 2008.   Submitted on Feb 18 2009. Nathan Jordon (2004) Nate Jordon (2004) received a MFA in Writing & Poetics from Naropa University in May 2008. "He was awarded the Jack Kerouac Scholarship for 2008."   Submitted on Jan 23 2009. > Read more Educational News General Tim Anderson () Tim Anderson wrote an article entitled "Appreciates bus service" about his positive experience with the FAX bus service especially in times of financial stress.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Brandin Hamilton () Brandin Hamilton starred as Hal Carter in the production of "Picnic" at California State University, Fresno. The play is a staple of college and community theater productions since William Inge wrote it in 1953.   Submitted on Oct 27 2009. > Read more General In Memoriam Jean Bancroft (1958) Jean Bancroft (1958) passed away on October 18, 2009 at the Hospice Center in Kirkland. Jean was born on September 1, 1939 in Salinas, CA. She was raised in Salinas but moved to Fresno her senior year in high school. At Fresno State College, she met and married Ed Bancroft on July 23, 1960. Jean and Ed had two children, Lori Loranger of Arlington, WA and Mike Brancroft of Aptos, CA. They have 3 grandchildren, Amanda Bancroft of San Jose, CA, Jacob Bancroft of Apos, CA and Megan Loranger of Arlington, WA. She was a great wife, loving mom and treasured grandma. Her older sister Janet Tranah of Missouri also survives Jean. She was a medical secretary for 39 years in Palo Alto, CA. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church for 11 years. Her hobbies included gardening, stain glass and sewing. She also enjoyed walking along the ocean collection rocks and seashells. Reading and taking pictures were also interests of hers. She enjoyed traveling in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. The last 2 years she was fighting cancer. A memorial serviec will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research in Seattle are welcome.   Submitted on Nov 19 2009. Thomas Carmichael (1982) Thomas Carmichael (1982) passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2009, after a sudden battle with cancer at the age of 58 years. Tom began a career in real estate after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business from California State University, Fresno. Tom was a real estate agent and broker, and eventually went into commercial real estate development with 25+ years of service for 7-Eleven, Inc. and Circle K Stores, Inc. During this time, Tom obtained his Master's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. Tom and Susan eventually relocated to Southern California, where Tom continued as Director of Real Estate until retirement in March 2009. Tom was always secretly a kid at heart, and loved collectible items, from toys to trains. More recently, Tom was able to buy his very own Ford Mustang GT, a car he dreamt of buying throughout his entire life. But Tom's greatest love of all was in his family. To the very end, Tom "took care of his girls." Tom, a loving husband and steadfast father, is survived by his wife Susan; and daughter, Sally Russell. Tom is also survived by his "Girls", Princess, Penny, and Pepper. Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Friday, November 13, 2009, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to give appreciation to Nancy Hinds Hospice for their excellent care and wonderful services. Remembrances may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Suite B-6 Fresno, Ca. Remembrances may also be made to Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, 4201 Eucalyptus Ave., Chino, Ca. 91710 with care to Jesus Films-Staffieri. The Calvary Chapel Jesus Films Outreach is a Christian Ministry held close to Tom's heart. The Jesus Film Ministry's mission is to ensure that everyone has at least one chance to see the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ through films developed in each country's native languages. The Ministry echoes the daily ministry Tom led in his own personal life. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 North Teilman Avenue Fresno, California (559)268-9292 "   Submitted on Nov 13 2009. > Read more In Memoriam Email questions and comments regarding Class Notes to kajohnson@csufresno.edu.