Former editor earns posthumous degree

By Kirstie Hettinga
The Collegian

Former Collegian editor-in-chief Nathan Hathaway was awarded his bachelor’s degree in mass communication posthumously Thursday in front of family, friends and faculty.

Hathaway died in November 2005. Though he participated in the May 2005 graduation ceremony, Hathaway was in his final semester when he died.

In November it was determined that Hathaway would receive his degree though he had not completed his courses.

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Paul Oliaro said the degree was not a gift but something Hathaway had earned.

At the ceremony, which was officiated by Fresno State President John Welty, Oliaro and Provost Jeronima Echeverria, friends and Hathaway’s former professors recognized his life and legacy.

Hathaway was an essential factor in the passing of The Collegian fee referendum that made the paper independent from student government, said Greg Lewis, adviser to The Collegian.

“By leading us in winning the referendum he ensured our growth and freedom of the press,” Maurice Ndole, editor-in-chief of The Collegian said.

“He has left a legacy for us,” Vida Samiian, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said.

Hathaway’s parents, Brian and Cindi attended the ceremony with Hathaway’s siblings and niece.

Hathaway was remembered as a friend, Collegian staff member, brother and son.

Mary Husain, who had Hathaway as a student said, “he embodied what would be my goal for every student.”

James Tucker, one of Hathaway’s professors, said he had no doubt Hathaway would have been influential in the field of journalism.

A mass communication and journalism scholarship has been established in Hathaway’s name.

Welty, who presented the degree to Hathaway’s mother said, “Nathan touched me with his enthusiasm, strength of character and depth.”

Hathaway’s mother Cindi spoke of how her son loved attending Fresno State.

Welty officially announced Hathaway as a graduate of Fresno State and said, “he will live on forever with all of us.”

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