Volume CXII, edition 7 since 1949 November 29, 2006 FCC’s retention How aware are students? rate high by Buen Moua
Rampage Reporter The semester is slowly coming to a close. Classrooms start to shrink. Some, that are enrolled or had fought to get into a course at the beginning of the semester seem to have disappeared from the class. At the beginning of this semester Fresno City College student John Thompson fought to try to get into the already fi lled classes. He was on waitlist and one of the classes was Philosophy. He said his friend was enrolled, but he sat in to see if he could add. Thompson did not get in. “The thing is,” said Thomp- son, “my friend was enrolled but lately hasn’t gone to class. I could have been sitting in one of those empty seats.” The population of stu- Photo by Michael Behlen dents at FCC was just over 21,000 International Awareness week kicks off with a parade of fl ags through the FCC campus Nov. 14. in spring of 2006, according to the State Center Community College District’s (SCCCD) 2006-2007 by Ife-Chudeni Oputa Gerry Bill, Bernard Navarro, and dealt with foreign relations and one “I think that a lot of our young students are extremely uninformed Fact Book. Rampage Reporter Dympna Ugwu-Oju made up the with current American pop culture. Continuing students [en- panel of faculty that that led the dis- Ninety percent of the students sur- when it comes to issues,” said Ber- rolled consecutively in two or more Ariel Sharon, Kofi Annan, cussion. The forum discussed why veyed were able to accurately answer nard Navarro, a Sociology and full terms] made up 81 percent of Brad Pitt, Tony Blair. “One of these students, and Americans in general, the question, “Who is Angelina Jolie American-Indian Studies Instructor the college population in spring things is not like the others. One of were so removed from international currently romantically linked to?” at Fresno City College, “I don’t think 2006, compared to 65 percent in these things just doesn’t belong. Can affairs. For the other questions, the results it stems from a lack of interest in in- fall 2005; the fl uctuation of con- you tell which thing is not like the oth- As a part of the forum, ASG were drastically different. Only 29% ternational affairs. I just think that if tinuing students at FCC according ers by the time I fi nish my song?” senator Ashley Harris presented the of students could answer the prompt, you look at the student life today, it’s to the Fact Book, occurring since On Wednesday, November results of a survey conducted by the “Name three current international pretty chaotic.” Navarro also faulted 2001 school year, spring always 15, the Associated Student Govern- Student Government. The survey conflicts,” which had the highest freedom for the nation’s complacency has a higher number of continuing ment held a forum as a part of Inter- was answered by 112 students, and percent of correct answers among the toward the rest of the world. “I think students than Fall. About ten per- national Week at Fresno City College. asked four questions. Three questions foreign relations questions. See International page 2 cent are former students returning, and the rest are fi rst time students and fi rst time transferring in FCC in spring of 2006. Alexisby Maylin Tu Khoury - A life in books According to an Associated of “learning.” For others, they County.” The fi rst infl uential book Press article in November of 2005 Rampage Reporter might be harmless fast-paced It was a match that both she remembers reading was “Jane in New York, college dropout rate For some people, books entertainment particularly handy sides of the family had diffi culty Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. became a concern to some educa- are tortures devised by sadistic at the airport. accepting, and one that ultimately “I think I identifi ed with her See Programs page 3 English teachers under the pretext For English instructor Alex- did not last. Khoury’s parents sense of injustice.” is Khoury, books are a passion. divorced when she was fi ve, and As an undergrad studying This is Khoury’s fi rst se- her father moved back to his na- English at NYU, Khoury decided Crimes of the Heart mester at FCC. For the past sixteen tive country. to transfer to SUNY Binghamton years, she taught at Reedley Col- Growing up in a hard neigh- to study with John Gardner after lege. Her husband teaches eco- borhood and a broken family, she reading an article about him and nomics at FCC, and that certainly found solace in books. his book “On moral Fiction.” Iron- played a part in the transfer, but it “I was really little when I ically, the article mocked Gardner was the commute from Fresno to found out about reading. I think for the very reasons Khoury chose Reedley that fi nally did it—that it was an escape for me… there to study under him. and the need for a change. was a lot of unhappiness and “It was one of the best deci- “It’s much busier here…I’m poverty.” sions I ever made.” really happy here...I’ve had a great Her love for reading natu- She graduated with a BA in semester. I love all the activity.” rally expressed itself in writing English with an emphasis in cre- Khoury was born in Yon- as well: ative writing and later received her kers, NY, 20 minutes outside of “When I was in second master’s from UMass-Amherst. New York City, to parents who grade I used to write stories and Although becoming an married outside of normal socio- put them in little books.” English teacher had always been cultural boundaries. Eventually, books became the plan, teaching at a community
Photo by Robin Vallentyne “My father was a Jordanian more than just an escape, but a college had not: The FCC Theatre will feature the play Crimes of the Heart (above), the Christian Arab and my mother way to relate her own experiences “I started teaching com- dance production Urban Living, and several concerts. See calendar, Page 2 was a Jewish girl from Putnam to those of other people. see Khoury, Page 3 Offi ce: (559) 442-8263 Business: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783 E-mail: [email protected] 2 Rampage News November 29, 2006 International: Media partly to blame continued from page 1 need to know about the rest of the that are significant or important.” This world.” was made evident by the results of the it has a lot to do with the fact that we “A historian by the name of ASG survey. have so many freedoms, which is a Howard Zinn said this and I’d like ASG President Tara Tobin Rampage Newsroom: (559) 442-8263 good thing,” said Navarro, “But at to quote him … ‘If you don’t know asked, “So, what do you do … to try Fresno City College Business: (559) 442-8262 (559) 265-5783 the same time it allows us to ignore your history, it’s like you were born to get your students to think and un- 1101 E. University Fax: E-mail: what’s happening in the world, which yesterday,’” quoted Gerry Bill, a derstand, even if you don’t move to try Ave. I think is unfortunate.” Sociology and American Studies Editor In Chief: and change the world somehow?” Fresno, CA 93741 rampage-editor@ As an immigrant of Nigeria, instructor at FCC, “If you were “Question everything,” said fresnocitycollege.edu Dympna Ugwu-Oju, who teaches born yesterday the people in power Navarro as he quoted Karl Marx. Editor in chief: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] Journalism at FCC, was able to can manipulate you into anything. The forum made it clear that being News Editor: Matthew T. Mendez Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson give a different perspective. “When That the danger in not knowing your Rampage business Office: informed can be uncomfortable, but Views Editor: David Witte rampage-business@ I came to the United States at age history.” it can also be liberating. Reviews Editor: David Witte fresnocitycollege.edu 18 … I was amazed at how little All three-faculty members “Did you guess which thing Photo Editor: Robin Vallentyne Americans knew about America,” agreed that Americans’ ignorance was not like the others? Did you Business Manager: Leah Edwards Advisor: dympna.ugwu-oju@ fresnocitycollege.edu said Ugwu-Oju, “But I understand is due in large part to the media and guess which thing just doesn’t be- Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju because I, too, have raised Ameri- the education system. “We’re sort of long? If you guessed [Brad Pitt] is Reporters can children, and I understand the educated about all the wrong things not like the others, then you’re abso- Rampage is an award-winning newspaper complacency. There’s no immediate and we’re not really taught the things lutely…right!” Matthew T. Mendez, Leah published biweekly by the Fresno City Edwards, Joseph Rios, Quinn College Journalism 4 & 5 program and is Robinson, David Witte, Eric a member of Journalism Association of Valdez, Christian Beltran, DC Community Colleges. Views expressed in Upcoming Theatre Arts Events Leavy, Chelsea Bieker, Carly The Rampage are those of the individual compiled by Eric Valdez help promote the holiday spirit. Location: Roger Rocka’s Music Hubbell, Efren Marquez, Johanna Tanori, Brian Noonan, Buen writers and do not necessarily reflect Following is a list of productions Admission: $8 general, $5 Stu- Hall those of Fresno City College, its students, by the music and theater depart- Moua, Ana Zavala, Ife-Chudeni dent/senior Description:Student jazz combos Oputa, Maylin Tu, Robin administration or the State Center Com- ments in the month of December. perform in an informal setting. Vallentyne, and Michael Williams munity College District. Saturday December 2 Friday December 1 Piano Recital Photography/ Letters to the editor and submissions to the Crimes of the Heart Time: 7:30 to: calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in Fall Student Recital #2 Time: 2 P.M. to: and 7:30 to: Location: Recital Hall Graphics person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday Time 1 P.M. to: Location: Studio 105 Robin Vallentyne, Michael and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, Location: Recital Hall MS 132 Description: See above Tuesday, December 5 Behlen, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to Description: Jazz musicians will Brass and Percussion Concert David Witte a maximum of 500 words along with contact present contemporary big band City Dances Fall Showcase Time: From: 7:30 P.M. to information. jazz music featuring compositions Time: 2 P.M. to: and 7:30 to: Location: Theater by band members. Location: Main stage theatre Admission:$10 general, $5 stu- Description: Contemporary danc- Art Exhibit: Bob Kizziar Thursday December 7 harmonic dent/senior citizens es show. Time: 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Crimes of the Heart Time: 8 P.M. (Saturday) and 2:30 Location: Art Space Gallery Time: 7:30 P.M. to P.M. (Sunday) Crimes of the Heart Sunday December 3 Description: A Play In Clay: The Location: Studio 105 Location:Saroyan Theater- Fresno Time: 7:30 P.M. to: Crimes of the heart Middle Years Description: See above Convention Center Location: Studio 105 Time: 2 P.M. to: Description: FCC and Fresno State Description: 1981 Pulitzer award Location: Studio 105 Wednesday December 6 Friday December 8 choirs perform with the Fresno winning play examining the plight Description: See above FCC Concert Band , Directed by Fall Student Recital #3 Philharmonic in a holiday tribute of the three Magrath sisters. Gary N. Deeter Time: 1 P.M. To: For more information, contact Admission: $10 general, $7 su- Fresno Community Concert Time: :7:30 to: Location: Recital Hall MS 132 the Fresno Philharmonic at (559) dent/senior Band Location:FCC Theater Description: FCC Music Students 261-0600 or visit the website at Time: 3 P.M. and 7P.M Description: The feature John perform chamber music from dif- fresnophil.org. Holiday Choral Concert, Directed Location: Tower Theater Hord playing Shostakovich Piano ferent time periods by Julie Dana Description: “A Christmas Rhap- Concerto #1 For more information on events in Time: 7:30 P.M. to: sody” Crimes of the Heart the music and theater department Location: Shrine of St. Therese Student Jazz Recital Time: 7:30 to: happening in December, contact the Church, Floradora and Wishon Monday December 4 Time: 1 P.M. to Location: Studio 105 Fresno City College Theater Box Description: FCC Choir presents FCC Jazz Composers-Orchestra, Location: MS 135 Description: See above Office at (559) 442-8221. their annual Christmas concert in Mike Dana Description: See above the beautiful St. Therese Church to Time: 8 P.M. To: Saturday, December 9 FCC Choirs with Fresno Phil- Dial-up Classifieds Internet Access The Transfer Center is here to help make your • Rates starting at $11.50 per month plans for the future! • Unlimited Access • Spam Filtering • Free Web Hosting Contact the Transfer • Technical Support Center at Student Ser- vices Bldg., 2nd floor or 2• Local Dial-in Numbers * call (559) 442-8290 monthsFREE! Holiday Help Wanted Great Pay, FT/PT, flexible schedules, no exp * Offer valid for new subscribers only. Must mention ad when calling to establish a new account. CVIP provides Internet access to students, educators, Fresno State Alumni, non-profits and local nec, customer sales/service, governments. Call now to see if you qualify. Proceeds benefit California State University, Fresno. All funds received are reinvested into instructional programs and technology upgrades. ages 18+, cond. apply, 222- 7527 559-278-1111 or toll-free 800-578-0905 or visit us online at www.cvip.net www.workforstudents.com November 29, 2006 News Rampage 3 Programs curb dropout rates Khoury: Is thankful for the chance to make a career out of her passion Continued from page 1 tors, which they turned their atten- do not come until later after first and we help them resolve some continued from Page 1 tion to helping students stay until two weeks,” Cummings said. of those issues,” said FCC Psy- munity college because I had to teaching is, you guessed it, the graduation. What appears to be a large chological Services Director and start working.” students. Former Princeton Presi- number of students at the begin- Psychologist Brian Olowude. However, necessity be- Her favorite author is dent and President of the Andrew ning of a semester is usually the “Quite often it curates difficulty came, as she says “serendipitous,” Shakespeare. Her favorite book is W. Mellon Foundation, William number of new students coming to with being successful in their as she found teaching at commu- Othello, and her favorite class to Bowen, was conducting a research learn about college life along with classes, when students come in nity college to be exactly what teach is, well, Shakespeare. Keep in detail who finishes college and returning students getting their for help.” she wanted to do. Why? The op- a look out for the class in spring graduates and who doesn’t, ac- books, socializing with friends, “The problems that our portunity to work with motivated of 2008. cording to the AP article “U.S. col- and going to counselors, Cum- students face are some that our students: Khoury’s passion for books lege Drop-rate sparks concern.” mings said. He continued that the community members face—it “Most of them choose to be and carpe diem philosophy have “The U.S. has always said parking and campus is clearing could be from simple relation- here. Many of them are making led to a career she has nothing but it believes in opportunity and up now because students begin ships to major illnesses such as sacrifices to be here, they’re not praise for: social mobility and fairness, but to come to school mainly to class schizophrenia or major depres- being put through by their parents “I walk around everyday if you find that the odds of get- [a routine], through the semester, sion, or eating disorders,” said who are making them go.” and I feel like the luckiest person ting through are very different and some students may decide they Olowude. She adds, “It’s really right in the world because I get to spend for different groups of people, do not want to come to class on “We’ve allowed for a for me.” my life talking about something that’s something you ought to be certain days. certain number of students to Her favorite thing about I love.” concerned about,” said Bowen in In relation to the smaller continue their academic career an interview with AP. number of students at the end of a by not needing to drop out,” said At FCC, the dropout rate semester, some students say they Olowude. “Our overall mission was 15 percent in Fall of 2001, have been procrastinating towards is to work with them on health 14 percent in Spring of 2001, and the end here at FCC, a common issues so that it doesn’t become around 12-13 percent consistently issue with many students. a barrier on their academic suc- each semester from 2002-2005 “I procrastinate all he way,” cess.” school year, and 13 percent in said FCC student Sisouda Xay- Dr. Olowude said that the Spring of 06, according to FCC avong. Xayavong said that stress services at FCC are free and are Vice President of Admissions John is what makes him get behind and confidential, and the Psychologi- Cummings. lack of motivation. cal Service [located in the Student “We retain about 85 percent Another FCC student Dong Center above the bookstore in of our students in Spring of 2006, Le, Electrical Engineer major said SC-216] is a part of the Psychol- and students who successfully that usually video games keep him ogy Postdoctoral and Internship completed that semester [with a from his schoolwork, but other Centers and is accredited by the passing A,B, or C grade in their than that he said he keeps up with American Psychological As- classes] is 61 percent,” said Cum- his work. sociation. mings. He added that in the Spring When some students were “The absence of strug- of 06,’ only 15 percent of students asked whether they procrastinate gle in life doesn’t really hap- photo by Maylin Tu had a withdrawal and 12 percent or lose interest in school near the pen…there’s always going to be Alexis Khoury failed the semester. end of the semester, they did not struggles,” said Dr. Olowude. He ‘Typically for every semes- want to comment because they said continued that the challenge is ter, because registration at FCC they did not feel like answering. having the correct support system 9-ball champion strikes again begins prior to the beginning of Some of the factors like in dealing with those problems. a semester, many financial aid personal problems outside of “I may have probably been Christopher Cruz took to compete in the Reno Open students who do not return in the school result in some students lagging just as my friend has with #44 on Dec. 1 through 4 at spring are still counted as enrolled dropping out of college or getting his Philosophy class,” said FCC his second win at the 9-Ball Tournament Championship the Sans Regency Hotel. We until the first week of the semester behind their schoolwork. student John Thompson. “I’m at Fresno City College wish starts when they are dropped and “Some students that come lagging in my other classes. I here at Fresno City College, and stands as the ‘Unde- our fellow student Christo- having to add students on waitlists, in to the Psychological Services think everyone does.” pher good luck! the actual number of student drops have a lot of issues with school feated Billiards Champion.’ Christopher’s next move is
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™ The University of Values 4 Rampage News November 29, 2006 E a r t h T a l k Holiday Gift Ideas Questions and Answers About our Christmas is on its way; here are some ideas to help make your shopping Environment from E/The Environmental experience easier. Magazine well worth the money.” by Brian Noonan For those looking for some- Rampage Reporter thing that might better fi t their price Dear EarthTalk: Where range, the department stores in the mall are always having holiday can I fi nd green-friendly gifts for With Thanksgiving over and December approaching, the holiday sales. Quality jewelry items or friends and family this holiday season is about to swing into full brand name perfume/cologne for season? - A.L. Burger, via e-mail effect. Traffi c will be a nightmare, under $100 makes a great gift for a shoppers will fill the malls, and signifi cant other. Most stores also Reconciling one’s green Christmas lights will illuminate offer a gift-wrap service to expedite values with the urge to shop has the streets. While the holidays are the shopping process for the cus- never been easy. Most environ- generally considered a time of joy, tomer. Other stores ideal for women mental groups today decry West- there does remain that predicament includes Victoria’s Secret and Bath ern consumer habits as wasteful of fi nding the perfect gift for every & Body Works. Fragrances, body and a major cause of ecological family member. The Rampage care, and makeup items are cur- degradation in a shrinking world. has your 2006 Holiday Shopping rently 25% off at Victoria’s Secret, while Bath & Body Works has a And many people, environmental Guide here. Although the biggest day 2 for $10 signature hair care item issues aside, believe that the ram- (the day after Thanksgiving) of sales sale. Items like these make great pant commercialism we’ve all and shopping has already passed, it’s stocking stuffers for the women in come to expect at holiday times important to get the shopping done the family. cheapens what should be a refl ec- as early as possible to avoid the For the men in the family, tive or sacred time of year. hectic last minute shopping traffi c. L.L. Bean has some great outdoor Our buying habits are not Most online stores also have ship- items that can be put to practical easy on the wallet, either. Ac- ping guarantees that promise to ship use rather than discarded or thrown cording to the Center for a New your products in time for holidays so in the back of the closet. These American Dream (CNAD), 60 long as the order is placed on time. include hand made sheepskin moc- million American families carry “I usually try to get all of my casins, warm fl annel shirts, and vests available in down or fl eece. Men an average credit card debt of over shopping done in the fi rst week of December,” said Fresno State senior tend to be a bit harder to shop for $7,000 and pay more than $1,000 Image courtesy of Getty Images Tyler Whitsett. “This way I’m right since they don’t always voice their a year in interest and fees. Further, in between the heavy traffi c times needs, so gift cards can sometimes says CNAD, “A record 1.6 mil- “A number of online merchants offer green-friendly items for the right after Thanksgiving and right make up for this by allowing them lion Americans declared personal holidays--from clothes, bed-and-bath and organic baby products, to before Christmas.” to choose how they want to spend bankruptcy last year.” food, the latest books and ‘gifts that give back’ such as tree planting Electronic gaming has be- the money. “I love gift cards because you For those who ply an ethic kits and ‘fair trade’ crafts that support economically disadvantaged come a multi-billion dollar industry and it seems the latest holiday craze can pick what you want,” said fresh- of moderation (for whatever rea- communities in developing countries.” son) but still have to show up at will boost sales even more. The man Alex Koop. Gifts for younger a half-dozen holiday parties with you as a customer can choose. CONTACTS: National X-Box 360, which retails at $299 children and infants or toddlers can something for under the tree, there Some other options include Green Pages Online, coopamerica. for the core system and $399 for be found at places like Kay-Bee Toys and Discovery.com/gifts. are now more green-friendly (and Consumer Reports’ Greenerchoic- org/pubs/greenpages; Alonovo, the core is probably the best value buy of the available platforms. It Kay-Bee Toys currently has sales affordable) options than ever be- es.org, which rates mainstream www.alonovo.com; Greener- will be available in higher quantities of 20% off on various Happy Feet fore. Steer your web browser to products from cars to electronics choices.org, www.greenerchoices. because it was released last year, and movie merchandise, Milton Bradley any number of online merchants based on environmental criteria, org; Responsible Shopper, www. is still comparable in performance games, My Little Pony items, and offering items from clothes, bed- and Co-op America’s Responsible coopamerica.org/programs/rs; to the higher priced Playstation 3. stuffed animals. One hot item from and-bath and organic baby prod- Shopper, which features detailed About.com’s 101 Great Gifts to The Nintendo Wii is a little more Discovery.com is the Discovery ucts to food, the latest books and reports on various companies Make, familycrafts.about.com/cs/ affordable, but will be in extremely Ann B. Dextrous Motor Developer. “gifts that give back,” such as that market “green” consumer giftgiving/a/120400a.htm. short supply because of the high Although it is $59.95, the toy will tree-planting kits and “fair trade” products. Of course, you need not GOT AN ENVIRONMEN- demand and limited amount of units provide educational value for infants crafts that support economically buy anything if you have a little TAL QUESTION? Send it to: available. and has progressive learning fea- disadvantaged communities in more time (and items to re-use EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environ- “I would go with the 360 tures to make it suitable for a baby from 4 months to 36 months. developing countries. A few popu- and recycle) on your hands than mental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, because now that it has been out for a year Microsoft has been able So whether you’re shopping lar sites include the Green Home money. Sherri Osborn, the family Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: to work out some of the problems for a newborn baby or a signifi- Environmental Store, Global crafts guide at About.com, offers www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/ they had at fi rst and it’s a lot more cant other, now is the time to take Exchange’s Fair Trade Online up a healthy listing of “101 Great thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@ affordable than the other systems,” advantage of all the holiday sales Store, The Eco-Store, Abundant Gifts to Make” for any season, emagazine.com. Read past col- said sophomore Ross Janzen. “I’ve and avoid the traffi c and shipping Earth, and Gaiam, among others. A complete with links to instructions umns at: www.emagazine.com/ had mine for a while now and it was problems. visit to Co-Op America’s National and materials needed. earthtalk/archives.php. Green Pages Online is one quick path to a treasure trove of such options. While these stores all spe- Get ready for Spring Semester 2007 cialize in decidedly “green” items, many environmentally concerned consumers simply want to buy Spring Semester fees now $20 a unit! from mainstream retailers but want to feel confi dent their money is Register now for best selection of courses! going to companies that are “good corporate citizens.” If you better fi t that category of consumer, pay a Three convenient ways to register: Important Dates: visit to Alonovo.com, which pro- Online December 1, 2006 vides information on companies’ With WebAdvisor at www.webadvisor.scccd.com social and environmental records Spring Parking Permits Available alongside thousands of products By Phone December 7, 2006 for sale in partnership with Ama- At 559-229-9833 or 1-877-246-7222 (touchtone only) zon.com. The website can also Fees Due (if you registered before November 10) simply be used as a research tool In Person to get the lowdown on companies December 21, 2006 At any college or center registration office, Fees Due (if you registered between November 10–December 21) before heading out to downtown but you don’t want to wait in line, do you? or the mall. Alonovo rates compa- nies in fi ve different areas: social January 3, 2007 responsibility, workplace fairness, Textbooks go on sale environmental issues, customer January 6, 2007 relations and overall business eth- Advanced Registration ends at 1:00 p.m. ics. If you do buy from the site, FRESNO CITY COLLEGE the company shares from 20 to 40 559 4428228 January 8, 2007 percent of its profi ts with environ- www.fresnocitycollege.edu Spring semester begins and registration continues mental and other nonprofi ts that November 29, 2006 News Rampage 5 Sal Mena Bids FCC farewell, says his tenure has been “ a wonderful journey.”
was hired to work in the EOPS program and continued his position By Leah Edwards with Fresno City College for the Rampage Reporter past thirty-three years. “And one month,” added Mena. Sal Mena is retiring af- Mena said the greatest ter thirty-three years of service reward isn’t the numerous plaques through the Extended Opportunity he’s received over the years. “My Program and Services. Those who greatest rewards are when former wish to extend their best wishes students come up to me and tell me are welcomed to attend the official about their life and what they are retirement party in the cafeteria on doing now,” said Mena. November 30, 2006 from 12 until His greatest treasures 3:00 p.m. are those business cards he’s been Mena has been a part given by these former students. He of EOPS which has been serving values the knowledge that he made students at Fresno City since 1970, a difference in the quality of their in response to various demonstra- lives and often the lives of their tions by students in 1968 and families. 1969 who were looking for equal “Their success is our suc- educational opportunities. cess, today’s students are tomor- “Students of color and rows future,” said Mena. low income began to protest at the Robert Singleton is just Governor’s mansion and junior one of many former students who city colleges statewide. These credits Mena with his current suc- students refused to go away and cess. had to be forcibly removed by “Mr. Mena helped me national guardsmen, but they overcome my fear,” said Single- continued to demand equal access ton. to an education, and it was out of Mr. Singleton was forty- these actions that this program was years old and afraid of going back developed,” said EOPS advisor, to school amongst kids half his Mark J. McNiff. age. He began and quit, and it took Sal Mena was one of the several semesters of academic first students of the EOPS pro- probation and encouragement from gram. He came from an agricul- Mena before Mr. Singleton could EOP&S Sal Mena Retiring after thirty-three years of dedicated service tural community and wanted to do make it through. something different with his life. ”Don’t ever say you the course of their lives. nothing, but it is what we do in Fresno City College.” He wasn’t sure what he wanted to can’t,” is still one of Mr. Mena’s As for his time7AIT *# # 2AMPAGE &