The Top Dog Talks, held Friday, showcased alumni who honored for accomplishments in their fields and commitment to service in the community.
The talks coincided with the The Top Dog Alumni Award gala and both are hosted by the Fresno State Alumni Association event in which alumni are honored for their accomplishments, commitment and service in the Valley.
“These individuals are distinguished in their field, have made a difference in the community and serve as an inspiration to Fresno State students,” said Jenny Toste, the event’s host.
Armen Bacon, Marvin A. Meyers, Robert Aguilar and Mark Anthony Scott were the four honorees who spoke about their life achievements.
Meyers was recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. He was awarded for being a pioneer in agriculture and water conservation.
Meyers is not only a businessman, but also a community leader who founded California’s only privately owned water banking facility.
Armen Bacon, a Distinguished Alumna, was awarded for her commitment in education, her local community service and as a successfully published author of two books.
“I never imagined being a Top Dog,” Bacon said.
Nor did she imagine she would write a book about the worst day of her life, she added.
In her book, “My name is Armen,” she details two life-changing accounts. One, being on an airplane while it was hijacked and two, being in ‘no-man’s land’ while receiving a phone call telling her that her son Alex had passed away from a drug overdose.
“I had to decide if and how I was going to continue living, I did the only thing I knew how to do, I started writing,” the author said.
Dr. Robert Aguilar, was honored as an Outstanding Alumnus for the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Aguilar, was specifically recognized for his work for more than 50 years in education, his leadership in diverse school systems and his active engagement in the Kremen School.
Mark Anthony Scott, the Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Arts and Humanities, was recognized for his continued engagement with professors and mentorship of Fresno State students.
“We’re hard workers,” Scott said. “We’re people that have been touched by life. We’re people that continue to reach back and touch other lives.”
The full list of 2015 alumni award recipients include: Armen Bacon, Robert Monke, Marvin Meyers, Mark Anthony Scott, R. Elaine Mason, Kyle T. Stephenson, Robert Aguilar, Diana Gomez, Robin Johnston McGehee, Stuart R. Katzman, Geraldine A. Tahajian, Scott Barton, Diana S. Dooley and Ryan Jacobsen.
