STAR Day
Workshops
Wellness Walk and Campus Tour
Luz Mendoza | REGISTER
The Wellness Walk and Campus Tour is a 50-minute interactive presentation designed to familiarize participants with the campus while highlighting key academic buildings and tranquil spaces for relaxation and reflection. Attendees will explore various serene areas, promoting mental well-being and encouraging them to find their own spots for peace and mindfulness amidst their workday. Meet in front of the Fresno Stae Library.
A Short Introduction to Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance)
Lori "Zilvia" Pardi | REGISTER
Come out and enjoy a fun short, introduction workshop about Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance). This class will provide a brief outline of Raqs Sharqi including fundamentals of posture and a few basic dance moves set to Middle Eastern music.
Make Data Make Sense: Searching for Meaningful Program Impact Measurements
Tony Losongco | REGISTER
We believe our programs make a difference, but how should we measure that impact when grades and passing rates don't seem to capture the characteristics, motives, and goals of our students? The presenter will discuss his program’s attempts to quantitatively and qualitatively measure impact.
Leading with Impact: Cultivating Collaboration, Courage, and Innovation
This workshop focuses on empowering aspiring leaders by exploring the principles of collaborative leadership, psychological safety, and vulnerability, drawing from real-world experiences in both academic and student affairs. Participants will gain practical insights and strategies for fostering creativity, trust, and innovation within their teams and organizations.
Elevating your Photography
Cary Edmondson | REGISTER
This workshop will help break down different techniques that Cary uses to help capture the best image possible when taking photos on assignment. The class will also analyze various photos and discuss what makes one image stand out over the next.
Victor E. Was Working Like A Bulldog!
Laura Kossey| REGISTER
Learn about Fresno State’s commitment to sustainability through the partnership with the Bulldog Infrastructure Group (BIG). The Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) project aims to modernize and maintain Fresno State’s infrastructure system with new boiler and chiller plant equipment, renewable energy generation, and the installation of a cost-effective mix of building energy efficiency measures.
Practical AI for You: A Hands-On Introduction to Generative AI with ChatGPT
Max Tsai, Esuri Peiris and Student Interns I REGISTER
Explore the rise of artificial intelligence as a foundational digital literacy skill—much like the internet was in its early days—essential for navigating today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. This workshop empowers you to build practical AI fluency through hands-on experience with ChatGPT, preparing you to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an AI-integrated world.
Handled(ish): Productivity for the Imperfect
Betsy Hays I REGISTER
Enjoy a practical and humorous look at productivity, how to get things done well, and how to accept that a lot of things will just get “done enough” — and that’s ok.
"Everyone Can Paint"
David Hembree | REGISTER
Teaching basic painting techniques and some ways to relax and immerse in the practice of painting.
Fresno State Library 101
Heather Parish & Maria Jurado | REGISTER
Discover all the ways the Fresno State Library can support you! Join us for **Fresno
State Library 101**, a relaxed and informative workshop where you'll learn about the
special perks, resources, and services available to university staff—because the library
is here for you!
ScholarShare 529: The California Way to Save for Higher Education
This workshop will educate employees about the importance of saving for higher education for their loved one's future college plans with ScholarShare 529, California's official 529 college savings plan. The workshop will cover all the topics of what is a 529, how it works, benefits of a 529, ways to maximize 529 savings, and raising awareness about the cost of college and being prepared.
IRL Goals: Setting Goals That Align With You
Esuri Peiris and Marisa Mata| REGISTER
An interactive session about goal setting and navigating the workplace as a Gen Z professional.
Behind the Scoops: A Tour of the Fresno State Creamery
Daniel Avila | REGISTER
Get a behind-the-scenes look at where Fresno State’s famous ice cream is made! This
guided tour of the campus creamery offers a glimpse into the production process. All
attendees must wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Space is limited.
Yoga
Relax the body and mind. Yoga combines slow movements, deep breathing, and meditation to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility, promoting harmony between body and mind through controlled motions and stretches.
From Principles to Practice: Reframing DEI with FAIR
Varselles Cummings I REGISTER
Learn how to apply Fresno State’s Principles of Community alongside the FAIR Framework (Fair, Accessible, Inclusive, Representative) to lead inclusive, equity-minded work in today’s evolving climate. This session will explore values-based strategies to support DEI efforts, defuse backlash, and build buy-in. Participants will leave with tools to reframe challenges, align their work with Fresno State’s mission, and sustain belonging across campus.
VIP Reception
Open to service award recipients only I REGISTER
In honor of reaching an important milestone in your Fresno State career, the STAR Day committee and members of the Cabinet invite all service award recipients to attend a private reception. Celebrate with staff, participate in photo opportunities and share with fellow honorees memories and accomplishments over the years.
DEI Bells and Whistles
This workshop is designed to engage the audience in a brief diversity self-assessment intended to result in a consensus DEI definition that will engender a performative approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. On January 20, 2025 the White House put in place efforts primarily focused on outward appearances or catchy tactics about DEI rather than genuine systemic change and meaningful impact. Therein lies the purpose of this workshop; a prompt to equip the audience to focus on addressing the root causes of inequality and ensuring that the initiatives are actually effective, based on Equal Opportunity Laws.
Get to Know Your Retirement Plan
Jon Lee I REGISTER
Everyone needs a path to financial wellness, and it can start with your workplace savings plan. Learn about the investment options and how to contribute so you start saving for your future.
Career Co-Pilot: How AI Can Help You Navigate Your Future
Learn how AI can assist you or your students in making informed career decisions and develop a plan for achieving career success.
A Short Introduction to Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance)
Lori "Zilvia" Pardi I REGISTER
Come out and enjoy a fun short, introduction workshop about Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance). This class will provide a brief outline of Raqs Sharqi including fundamentals of posture and a few basic dance moves set to Middle Eastern music.
Pilates
Pilates incorporates body weight and light weight exercises to tone and define the body through building strength and improving mobility.
Bingo with the Bulldogs
Cap off a day of learning, recognition, and connection with our Closing Ceremony—an unforgettable celebration designed to bring our campus community together. This high-energy sendoff is more than just fun—it’s an opportunity to unwind, connect with colleagues in a celebratory atmosphere, and recognize the heart and effort that makes Fresno State thrive.
Enjoy live jazz from the Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr. Trio—featuring Fresno State’s own Director of Jazz Studies—while you sip on refreshing mocktails, mingle with peers, and play Bingo with your fellow Bulldogs that brings even more chances to win.
Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day, but the Closing Ceremony is where the grand prizes take center stage—nearly $1,500 worth of giveaways including a private wine tasting for eight with a full flight of wine and appetizers at Moravia’s, a $350 Big Fresno Fair package with concert tickets, a family four-pack to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, an annual family membership to the Shinzen Friendship Garden, a one month float spa membership, climbing classes with day passes to MetalMark Climbing—and more!
This celebration is not just about the prizes—it’s about recharging together, recognizing our value, and walking away with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
Come for the prizes. Stay for the people. Leave with a full heart and a Full House of Bulldog Pride.
Schedule | Agenda | Awardees
*Workshops Schedule and Map PDF
* Note: the workshops PDF is for printing only.