The Smittcamp Family Honors College
Director's Corner - Summer 2026
Dear alumni, families, and friends of the Smittcamp Family Honors College (SFHC),
Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue of Honorable Times, the semi-annual SFHC Newsletter!
The SFHC’s Mission Statement reads as follows: “The Smittcamp Family Honors College is dedicated to identifying, creating, and cultivating learning opportunities for academically accomplished and highly motivated students, who are encouraged to apply to Fresno State and receive the President’s Honors Scholarship. Its mission is to raise the level of educational opportunity at California State University, Fresno and to develop in its graduates the intellectual excellence, leadership skills, civic engagement, and global and cultural awareness on which our future depends. The motto of the Honors College is “Honor Your Future.”
In order to “raise the level of educational opportunity,” an Honors College has to be more than a collection of challenging courses; rather, it has to be a place where possibility becomes tangible. From its inception in 1998, the SFHC has strived to introduce its scholars to ideas, experiences, and opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves, expanding their sense of what they can achieve and who they can become. By bringing together curious minds, dedicated faculty, and a culture that values creativity, inquiry, and collaboration, the SFHC has encouraged its scholars to ask bold questions, pursue ambitious research, engage with both on- and off-campus communities, and test innovative solutions to complex problems (e.g. internships). In doing so, the scholars gain not only knowledge, but also the confidence and vision to transform their aspirations into reality.
The three “Featured” persons in this issue of the Honorable Times are remarkable examples of the positive outcome of the “elevated educational opportunities” that the SFHC strives to create: Mr. Caleb Bahne (Featured Scholar), Dr. Brooke Findley (Featured Alumna), and Mr. Michael Ruiz (Featured Donor).
Thank you for your continued support of SFHC—one of the greatest treasures at Fresno State and the Valley.
With gratitude,
Saeed Attar, Ph.D.
Professor & Director
Articles featured in this newsletter:
Honors College Highlights - Summer 2026