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Bulldog statue unveiled
Members of the Bulldog Foundation, the nation’s top fund-raising organization of its kind, got a chance Tuesday night to see what the Save Mart Center has to offer. Hundreds of Foundation members, many wearing red polo shirts, got a chance to tour the arena and watch the unveiling of a 2,800-pound bronze statue of the Bulldog mascot in the Shehadey Lobby during the event, which started at about 7 p.m. Vern Pletz, former chairman of the Bulldog Foundation, signaled the unveiling of the 10-foot-tall Bulldog statue. “ We believe that this bronze bulldog will not only symbolize … our aspirations, but also the social and cultural health of this Valley,” he said. “After all, we are all Bulldogs.” The black tarp covering the statue was pulled away as members watched on television screens hanging overhead on the $1 million scoreboard. Including its base, the Bulldog Statue weighs two tons. The base also carries nine time capsules that will be opened in 50 years, and the capsules contain cards from various members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff and administration. Those in attendance Tuesday night also contributed messages to the time capsule, which will be closed at the front with a plaque naming the artist, Joe Garcia, and the names of those who created it at Everything Metal Imaginable in Visalia. Maria Mitchell, a Foundation member, said that the statue looked mean on screen, but described it as “loveable in person.” Al Matteucci, also a foundation member, said it was great. “ I’ve never seen anything as extravagant,” he said. Matteucci said he has two children who have graduated from Fresno State. Athletic Director Scott Johnson and University President John Welty thanked the members for their support of the arena before the statue was unveiled. Johnson credited Welty for making the Save Mart Center a reality. Welty credited Deborah Adishian-Astone, Save Mart Center project coordinator, for the arena. He also credited Foundation members. “ I could not feel any better than to see people sitting at the Save Mart Center,” Welty said. “Tonight, you now have the facility that is No. 1 in the country, and thank you, thank you, thank you for what you’ve done.” Bulldog Foundation fund raising is the university’s primary source for athletic scholarships and recruiting. Johnson also thanked Foundation members for their donations to the center. “ On behalf of the athletic department, I would like to thank you all. You set the pace for fund raising,” he said. “Your support will be rewarded. We are committed to bring this program to a high level, and this will be the first step… I hope you enjoy it for many years.” |
