Bryan Felix / University Communications
A peaceful melody by the University High School choir opened a ceremony Tuesday morning to honor two distinguished visionaries who formulated the idea of a high school on a college campus. The event was held in the new stainless steel building next to the Alumni House.
The diverse crowd gathered around the newly built courtyard honored Dean Luis Costa and Fresno State President John D. Welty, the two people responsible for creating the two-acre land high school.
Costa died four years ago. However, his wife, Wendy Costa, spoke on his behalf. As she stepped to the podium, those sitting rose to their feet in respect of Costa’s memory.
Wendy Costa was also the first project director of the University High School.
“What Luis would have said if he could have been here, he would be absolutely speechless,” Costa said.
Welty was the last to be recognized. His wife, Sharon Brown-Welty, said Dr. Welty believes in a seamless pre-kindergarten through college education.
“This was a way for him to start to see that dream finally come true,” Brown-Welty said.
The new building is being leased by Fresno State. A UHS brochure map states the plot of land is small for a high school campus. Although the new building has 22 rooms, it does not have a cafeteria or large performance hall.
However, it will continue to use the college campus facilities for these purposes.
The building was built through state bond money, half of which UHS must repay.
The creation of a high school took a long time. Many individuals participated in turning the concept into reality.
Vida Samiian, dean of the college of arts and humanities, introduced the honoree. She worked along with Luis Costa and knew him very well.
“When he retired five years ago in 2005, I asked him what was he most proud of,” Samiian said. “He talked about it and said, University High School.”
Luis Costa was the dean of the college of arts and humanities for 14 years.
Students were also recognized for their effort during the event.
The campus high school was selected from many high schools in California as the High School of the Year. The campus also won the Governor’s Fitness Challenge 2009.
The competition consisted of a completion of specific levels of exercising for three months. The distinction gave the school a fitness room.
Following the event, the fitness room was unveiled for the first time. Students, parents and faculty had the opportunity to visit the room.
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin was among the special guests in attendance.
“It’s remarkable. It’s truly a showcase and an incredible school,” Swearengin said. “I’m so proud that Fresno is playing a tremendous role in the education of our students.”
University High’s periods were shortened for the event. Following the event, students had an extended lunch period where they got to visit their newly built gymnasium.
The high school is home to more than 475 students. Since its opening back in the fall of 2000, it has served more than 1,000 students.
UHS has a unique emphasis on art and music. Part of the music aspect is choir.
Daniel Hiebert, a student in his last year at UHS, was the head of the choir. Hiebert and his class had been practicing the melody that was sung at the event for a while.
“The song was one of my favorites,” Hiebert said. “It talks about peace and how we hope it comes to the world.”