The Fresno City Council presented Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro on Thursday with a proclamation naming him District 4’s first “Man of the Year.”

The announcement was apparently a surprise. Castro was joined by wife and Fresno State First Lady Mary Castro as well as several other people as Councilman Paul Caprioglio presented the proclamation.

The Collegian obtained a copy of the proclamation, where the city council highlights several recent achievements by Castro.

“Not only has Castro made improvements to the graduation rate, but he has reached out to the communities in central California to recruit,” part of the proclamation states.

The city council also declared Thursday “Dr. Joseph Castro Day.”

Fresno State spokeswoman Patti Waid released a statement from Castro on Thursday’s proclamation, where Castro thanked Caprioglio and Fresno Mayor Lee Brand for the recognition.

“I am as much honored as I am surprised by the City of Fresno’s award,” Castro said. “It’s a great honor to receive such acknowledgment from our elected officials with whom we have a strong and collaborative partnership.”