President of Fresno State holds first State of the University address

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

For the first time, Fresno State president Joseph Castro held a State of the University address Tuesday.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the first time, Fresno State president Joseph Castro held a State of the University address Tuesday. The goal was to bring local alumni and community leaders together with the hope of getting them more involved at Fresno State.

President Castro cheerfully addressed a room full of Central Valley agency leaders, many who are also alumni, in the first State of the University address for Fresno State. He told us later the event Tuesday calls on community members to create deeper connections with the university. "The purpose of today was really about the community bringing our alumni and friends together so we could share what's happening and get them more involved-- if they haven't been in the past we get them more involved," said Castro.

Castro highlighted the university's growing graduation rate and how officials are focusing on providing better support for those students who are close to graduation. He also spoke about growing applicants and how Fresno State had to turn away 5,000 prospective students this year. A proud moment for Castro when he excitedly told the audience about his plan to bring back wrestling and women's water polo. He told reporters later the hiring process for both coaches is going on right now. "We believe strongly that Fresno State athletics enrich the student experience and the vitality of our area."

With Governor Jerry Brown's recent budget proposal for no tuition increase for CSU's, President Castro said it's crucial now more than ever to get the community involved in Fresno State. "Even if public support increases it won't be enough to have that really high quality that everybody wants us to have, and that's where our friends come in."

More than 400 people attended Tuesday morning's paid breakfast event. All proceeds go towards Fresno State's discovery tablet program, which President Castro said had also been a highlight on campus-- helping cut textbook costs and introduce new technology in the classrooms.