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 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. Lorrie Chisholm (1700) Lorrie Chisholm passed away October 6, 2009. While Lorrie attended Fresno State University she met Gary Preciado of Madera, who she married and settled with in Madera. She worked at the Madera Community Hospital. She and her children eventually moved to Oakhurst where she worked after receiving her Registered Dental Assistant License. She became an in-home caregiver. Lorrie was a down-to-earth, fun loving person who made many friends along her way in life. She was a devout Christian who loved her Lord, her family, and the mountains, espcially all aspects of nature from the smallest flower to the tallest tree. Donations in Lorrie's memory may be made to Manna House 50407 Hangtree Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644 or K-LOVE radio, PO Box 2098, Omaha, NE, 68172-9625. A private family memorial service was held.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Theron Hill () Theron Hill passed away October 7, 2009, in the presence of his wife Marilyn and family members. He fought a hard, courageous battle, and was finally taken from us too soon. After graduating from high school he began a career in automotive services. He eventually established his own automotive repair shop known by all as Hill's Automotive. For the 42 years he owned and operated this shop, his reputation for excellent service and quality work was known by all throughout the valley. In his free time, he liked to hunt, fish, go for abalone, tree mushrooms in the winter, and drive his car. He was an avid Republican and patriot. He had love for all, loved to talk, and was willing to help those in need. His wife helped him in his business, and cared for him through all of his surgeries. He had three daughters for which he had deep love. In addition there are nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have cards which contain fond memories of his friends and him. Please send them to Marilyn at 2335 E. Peralta Way, Fresno, CA 93703.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Donald Armas () Donald Armas passed away on October 11, 2009. He received his engineering degree from Fresno State. A man of God, Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1961. After completion of his military service he went to work for the State of California and remained there until his recent retirement. Remembrances may be made to Nazareth House 2121 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93703. Source: The Fresno Bee   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Koula Skofis () Koula Skofis passed away October 9, 2009. She was a real estate broker for 45 years. A funeral service was held October 16, 2009. Remembrances may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard St., Fresno, CA 93703.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Charles Jacobsen (1700) Charles Jacobsen passed away. He was a retired police specialist from 1954-1983. A private service was held.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Dennis Wilson (1972) Dennis Wilson (1972) passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1972. He attended Fresno City College where he received an Associate of Arts degree along with completing the Basic Police Academy training course. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Fresno. He joined the Fresno City Police Force in 1972 and worked until 1992. While working with the Police Department, he received letters of accommodation and achieved numerous training certificates. After retiring from the Police department he completed the training program and received his teaching credentials through the Fresno County Office of Education and became a substitute teacher for the Fresno Juveile School program. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to spend his free time in the mountains hunting and looking for treasures. A memorial service was held October 22, 2009. Source: The Fresno Bee   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. > Read all Class Notes Career News 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. > 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 (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 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. Robert Halseth (1970) Robert Halseth (1970) writes, "Since 1993, Dr. Robert Halseth has been on the music faculty at California State University, Sacramento, where he serves as Director of Wind Studies and Professor of Conducting. He leads the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, teaches conducting at undergraduate and graduate levels, and is the founder and co-clinician of the Sacramento Summer Wind Conducting Workshop, now in its 16th year. He earned two music degrees from California State University, Fresno, studying with Arthur Barnes and James H. Winter (music), and Robert Mathers (philosophy), and did further study with Eugene Corporon (conducting) and Buddy Baker (trombone) at the University of Northern Colorado, completing his Doctor of Arts degree (wind conducting/brass pedagogy) in 1987. He began his teaching career with elementary, junior high and high school bands in Oceanside, California, and has conducted at all levels, elementary through professional. Since 1981, he has taught at the college/university level, serving on music faculties in Wisconsin (Carroll College) and Stockton (UOP) prior to coming to Sacramento in 1993. He has led ensembles in Canada, England, Singapore, Australia, Guam, Hawaii, Colorado, Carnegie Hall, Atherton Auditorium and the Mondavi Center, at conferences of the College Band Directors National Association, California Band Directors Association, California Music Educators Association, Colorado Music Educators Association, and International Trombone Association. An accomplished trombonist, his 40-year professional career includes the National Repertory Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, San Francisco Bay Bones, and countless bands and orchestras. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, CBDA, and WASBE, and is past president of the Western Division of the College Band Directors National Association. He has four children, three grandchildren, and happily added two lovely step-daughters to his family when he married their mother, Helen Kilpatrick (now Kilpatrick-Halseth), in their home in Gold River, on September 5, 2009."   Submitted on Oct 29 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 Lorrie Chisholm (1700) Lorrie Chisholm passed away October 6, 2009. While Lorrie attended Fresno State University she met Gary Preciado of Madera, who she married and settled with in Madera. She worked at the Madera Community Hospital. She and her children eventually moved to Oakhurst where she worked after receiving her Registered Dental Assistant License. She became an in-home caregiver. Lorrie was a down-to-earth, fun loving person who made many friends along her way in life. She was a devout Christian who loved her Lord, her family, and the mountains, espcially all aspects of nature from the smallest flower to the tallest tree. Donations in Lorrie's memory may be made to Manna House 50407 Hangtree Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644 or K-LOVE radio, PO Box 2098, Omaha, NE, 68172-9625. A private family memorial service was held.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. Theron Hill () Theron Hill passed away October 7, 2009, in the presence of his wife Marilyn and family members. He fought a hard, courageous battle, and was finally taken from us too soon. After graduating from high school he began a career in automotive services. He eventually established his own automotive repair shop known by all as Hill's Automotive. For the 42 years he owned and operated this shop, his reputation for excellent service and quality work was known by all throughout the valley. In his free time, he liked to hunt, fish, go for abalone, tree mushrooms in the winter, and drive his car. He was an avid Republican and patriot. He had love for all, loved to talk, and was willing to help those in need. His wife helped him in his business, and cared for him through all of his surgeries. He had three daughters for which he had deep love. In addition there are nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have cards which contain fond memories of his friends and him. Please send them to Marilyn at 2335 E. Peralta Way, Fresno, CA 93703.   Submitted on Oct 29 2009. > Read more In Memoriam Email questions and comments regarding Class Notes to kajohnson@csufresno.edu.