RESOLUTION NO. ____________
A Resolution of the City of Fresno, California Honoring Fresno State Athletics and Urging Admission to a Power Five Conference
WHEREAS, California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a top- ranked public university. US News & World Report has, for the past five years, named Fresno State third among national public universities for graduation-rate performance. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked Fresno State among the nation’s best universities. In 2022, it ranked Fresno State the nation’s 36th best university – top among the California State University system; and
WHEREAS, Fresno State offers a world-class education that spans various fields, including business, engineering, agriculture, and nursing . These programs have made Fresno State a social mobility leader among four -year public universities. Furthermore, Fresno State’s world- class education positively promotes the economic vitality of Central California and is fundamental to the future of food-security in our country and world; and
WHEREAS, the university has a distinguished athletic program that has produced national championships in baseball (2008) and softball (1998), as well as numerous Mountain West Conference championships in various sports; and
WHEREAS, Fresno State football has a strong history of success, including 29 conference championships and 16 bowl game victories. In 2022, the Fresno State football team – led by coach Jeff Tedford – achieved the greatest in-season turnaround in major college football history, finishing with 10 wins after a 1-4 start. The Bulldogs finished the season by winning the Mountain West Conference championship and then posting a decisive 29-6 Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl victory over the Pac-12’s Washington State, making them the only California university to win their bowl game; and
WHEREAS, Fresno State has an impressive athletic alumni class that currently includes the following professional players: Derek Carr, Davante Adams, Paul George, and Aaron Judge.
These athletes are the latest champions to achieve success at the professional level and through their exceptional accomplishments have brought national recognition to the Fresno region and Fresno State; and
WHEREAS, The Fresno State Bulldogs are the region’s undisputed team, as they have a devoted an enthusiastic fan base that regularly fills not only Valley Children's Stadium – the school’s home venue – but away-game stadiums as well; and
WHEREAS, The City of Fresno is a proud Fresno State athletics and academics partner.
The City recognizes and values the positive impact that Fresno State has on the culture and economy of our entire region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer and the Fresno City Council, do hereby:
1. Recognize the Fresno State Bulldogs for their outstanding 2022 football season, as well as Fresno State’s overall achievements in athletics and academics.
2. Urge the Pac -12 and Big 12 conferences – in recognition of Fresno State's overall excellence, contributions to intercollegiate athletics and higher education, and future potential – to open serious discussions with the university to join one of their conferences.
3. Declare this resolution effective upon final approval.