On Preview Day 2017, future Bulldogs stepped foot on campus to explore where they will spend the next chapter of their lives.
Approximately 3,500 incoming freshmen and transfer students visited Fresno State on Saturday to preview what to expect at the university. The event included meeting Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro.
“Preview Day is such an exciting day of the year for us because we get a chance to show the university to a whole new group of students,” Castro said.
Because many students have applied to other college campuses, Castro said, the event is a great way to showcase what Fresno State has to offer.
Nicolas Viorato, incoming freshman and Monterey native, said he enjoyed taking pictures with Victor E. Bulldog and exploring the campus, Viorato said he is excited to move into the campus residence hall this summer. “I’m already a Bulldog,” he said smiling.
Castro said it was a great day for students to meet current students, faculty, staff and clubs.
The advice Castro has for incoming students: take advantage of the different resources on campus.
“I want them to be bold in reaching high to achieve their dreams and just to enjoy their experience here,” Castro said. “He added, he enjoyed the dancing and meeting the students and the parents. “I can see their excitement in their eyes, and I remember that feeling.”
Castro said for the first-generation college students, it is important as a university to show them what a university environment is like and to “humanize” the experience and make sure the welcoming is “warm.”
Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, advised incoming students to “find the right fit for yourself to go to college — they are great years.”
Lamas suggested that students get involved and engaged on campus and to “belong to the campus that you pick. Go out there, do great things, find that major, the career that you want and then be a successful alum.”
Lamas said the event brought back memories of himself attending college for the first time.
“I remember going to college with my mom and dad, I was [a] first-generation Latino going. It was a big deal,” Lamas said.
Fast forward 30 years, Lamas said he continues to get goosebumps when he’s around students who are now experiencing what he once did. Lamas added, “It feels like I’m back to ‘Frank going to college’ again.”
Students and their families were able to take campus tours, talk with their future campus leaders and win university-themed apparel.
“I think it’s really interesting you learn a lot about the programs and all the clubs [Fresno State] has,” said Kassandra Cervantes incoming freshman who will be majoring in criminology with an emphasis in law enforcement.
Certaves said “it gives you the feeling of home” and also allowed her to explore the possibilities in for her future for the next four years.
Not only were students getting to know the educational aspect of the university, but they were able to enjoy campus-exclusive entertainment.
The university’s Mexican folkloric dance team, Los Danzantes de Aztlan, performed for a crowd of hundreds.
“I really want [students] to thrive and succeed. I look forward to being with them at the Save Mart Center to graduate,” Castro said.
