Obituary

Robert Kimball passed on August 13, 2023.

“He was passionate about golf, cars, reading mysteries, traveling, the Dodgers, the Rams, his family, and my [Betsy Kimball’s] cooking! I married him because of his wit and humor; he kept me, his family, and friends laughing for over fifty years.“

Samantha (Peel) Owens graduated in 2012. She majored in History and minored in Math. She was an History Outstanding Graduate, and the COSS Dean's Medalist. She completed her master’s degree at Fresno State and went on to receive a Math and Social Science Teaching Credential. She married Michael Owens, and they have a three-year-old daughter, Amy. They were both teaching middle school.

A few years ago, Sam was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. She passed on June 11, 2022 after developing pneumonia and meningitis.

Obituary

“Gene Estes, known affectionately as ‘Red,’ passed away on September 29, 2021 at the age of 84. He led an illustrious career at Fresno State as a cross-country coach and faculty in the Department of Kinesiology, where he later earned distinction as a professor emeritus. His dedication to both athletics and academics is among his many hallmarks to the University.

Estes went on to be inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2000 and later, the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.”

Obituary

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the members of the Smittcamp Family for the loss of Mr. Robert “Bob” Smittcamp, who passed away on March 4th at the age of 79. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob for many years and especially during the past 7 years of the SFHC Director. He was a staunch supporter, and critic, of the Honors College and considered it to be one of the Smittcamp Family’s finest legacies. I appreciated our respectful conversations even though we did not always agree on everything. I, and many other SFHC Scholars, last ‘saw’ him when he attended our virtual Honors Colloquium session on Oct. 12, 2020. May his soul rest in peace.” -Dr. Saeed Attar, Director of the SFHC

Obituary

Losing a valued member of the campus community

“Dear Honors College alumni: It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of Dr. Stephen Rodemeyer, SFHC's Director Emeritus (1999-2009). He passed away peacefully last night with his 2 daughters (Adine and Lanei) by his side. For me, he was a dear friend, mentor, and colleague for over 20 years. For SFHC and Fresno State, he was a supporter and benefactor until the end of his life, and touched the collective lives of all who knew him in a positive way. May his soul rest in peace.” -Dr. Saeed Attar, Director of the SFHC

Obituary

“HER SMILE, HER LAUGH, HER LOVE. Those who knew Risa were warmed by her smile, uplifted by her laugh and touched by her love. Risa and her husband Steve loved to travel and they have been to all seven continents, 22 countries, and 21 states together. Risa first exhibited physical signs of Alzheimers in 2010. It is a terrible disease, but one she bore with her usual grace and dignity.”

In her honor, Steve endowed the Risa Rodemeyer Global Culture Scholarship in 2017, allowing SFHC scholars the opportunity to study abroad.

Christopher passed away on May 18, 2016, surrounded by friends and family. Christopher was a member of the 2002 entering cohort. He graduated summa cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He then returned to Fresno State to get his Master of Science in Nursing and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. He graduated at the top of his class with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. He held positions at Kaweah Delta Hospital, Coalinga State Hospital, and VA Hospital Fresno. Christopher applied for and was selected as the Chief of Quality Management for VA Northern California, where he was doing great work. He dedicated the majority of his professional career to serving our veterans.

Christopher was a natural public speaker who enjoyed the spotlight. He was a leader who mentored others and volunteered his time and experience without hesitation. Throughout his career, he truly exemplified the image of nursing, demonstrating true care and compassion.

Obituary

Earl Smittcamp: philanthropist, entrepreneur, Bulldog

Earl Smittcamp, a prominent agribusiness leader, graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1939. Together, he and Muriel, also a Fresno State graduate, co-founded Smittcamp Family Businesses, which provides fresh fruit, fresh-frozen fruit products, and food ingredients for manufacturers throughout North and Central America. Earl Smittcamp and his family exemplify the leadership excellence, innovative thinking, and personal daring honors graduates strive to achieve.

As they have led the San Joaquin Valley and Central California in applying innovative approaches to the cultivation and processing of produce, they also have nurtured the creation of our innovative Honors College. The Smittcamps exemplify their belief in the principles that education is really dependent upon what one makes of it and that “excellence” is never accepting less than the best from yourself.

“Although both he and Muriel were very busy people, they always found ways to help the people in Fresno and its surrounding communities, in general, and Fresno State students, in particular. It was an honor and a privilege for me to have met the Smittcamps on many occasions. Earl and Muriel Smittcamp touched countless lives in the Valley and beyond and changed them forever in the most positive way. Today, as we remember them with fondness, we celebrate their lives and great contributions to the Smittcamp Family Honors College and to our community.” -Dr. Saeed Attar, Director of the SFHC

Obituary

Muriel Smittcamp dies at 92

“The hard part is to encapsulate the number of accomplishments of this amazing woman. She was an amazing woman and she touched so many people’s lives. She and her whole family are the epitome of the Fresno State ideal of giving back to the community. There are very few families who have had such an impact.” -Dr. Honora Chapman, Director Emeritus of the SFHC

“Muriel was honored in 2005 as ‘Woman of the Year’ for the 14th Senate District. The award is presented to distinguished women who exemplify strong leadership and dedication to their community. She also received the California State University Alumni Association's "Outstanding Alumni Award" and Saint Agnes Hospital's "Christ the Healer" award. She was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2001 and, in 2002 she and Earl were honored as ‘Clovis Living Legends’ by the Clovis Historical Society.

She provided insight and quiet strength to the many challenges that arose from the operation of the family businesses. She was beautiful, classy, stylish, compassionate and possessed a keen sense of humor. She was the care giver, not only for family, but neighbors, friends and community as well.”