Top Dog Alumni Awards
2024 Honorees
The Top Dog Alumni Awards honors alumni and friends who embrace the Bulldog spirit through dedication to their field and practice commitment to the community.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Nicole Linder (1998)
College of Arts and Humanities
Nicole Linder (1998), CEO, Marjaree Mason Center. Linder, a community leader and advocate against domestic violence, manages one of the largest domestic violence services agencies in California, offering a variety of client services including safe housing, counseling, legal services, training and education. Under her leadership, she has enhanced the Marjaree Mason Center service delivery system, improved resources for clients, and participated in statewide policy advocacy to create change for survivors of domestic violence. Linder has also led a $20 million fundraising campaign to build the organization’s new Community Resource Center.
Arthur Safstrom Service Award
Gary Peacock (1977)
College of Social Sciences
Gary Peacock (1977), retired vice president of sales, KLA-Tencor
Marlene Peacock (1977)
College of Health and Human Servicesstrong>
Marlene Peacock (1977), retired manufacturing program manager, Cisco Systems, Inc.
The Peacocks retired in 2006 after successful careers in the Bay Area's technology industry. Since then they have poured themselves into community advocacy and volunteering. The Peacocks are passionate about supporting Fresno State student success through scholarships and mentoring. Additionally, they have been champions of new projects aimed at advancing Fresno State to the forefront of agricultural technology in the region and have invested in future Bulldogs through a $7 million commitment through their estate plans to fund additional scholarships from their endowment.
Outstanding Alumni Awards
Jim Boren (1972)
Jim Boren (1972), executive director, Institute for Media and Public Trust at Fresno State. Boren is an award-winning journalist who is widely recognized for his expertise in newsroom management. With a career spanning four decades of newspaper experience, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the national news scene. He has covered national politics and served as executive editor and senior vice president of The Fresno Bee until his retirement in 2018.
Carol E. Scott (1972, '76)
Carol E. Scott (1973, ’76), owner, Carol Scott Consulting. Scott is a prominent leader in the children's museum profession. Scott has been instrumental in the development of several museums and nonprofit groups across the country, including the Children’s Museum of the Upstate South Carolina and most recently the Modesto Children's Museum.
Tami Lundberg (1987)
Tami Lundberg (1987), chief technology officer, Fresno Unified School District. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Lundberg has an extensive background in information technology and product development. In her current role, she serves 74,000 students, 11,000 staff and 106 schools in the Central Valley. She has a passion for engaging students with rich technology experiences, and for providing students with equitable technology resources.
Lee Brand (1973)
Lee Brand (1973), former mayor, City of Fresno. Brand, a successful businessman and former Fresno mayor, has a long history of public service. During his tenure as mayor, the City of Fresno achieved its lowest unemployment rate and also established its highest reserve in history. Brand ended his political career leaving his legacy by donating almost $400,000 from his campaign account to support student scholarships advocating the importance of higher education.
Allysunn Walker (2008)
Allysunn Walker (2008), president and CEO, Southwest Fresno Development Corporation. Walker is a prominent figure in the community economic development field, focusing her career on creating wealth-building opportunities for communities of color. As CEO, she has implemented strategies to transform communities and empower residents of Southwest Fresno. Additionally, Walker is a consultant, small business owner, investor and author.
Sandi Taylor (1982, '88)
Sandi Taylor (1982, ’88), retired athletics director, Bakersfield College. Taylor is a highly respected coach and leader in the realm of college athletics. During the course of her 30-year career at Bakersfield College, she oversaw multiple facilities projects and secured numerous Western State Conference championships across the 20 sports under her purview. She solidified her reputation as a leader in women’s athletics and enhanced opportunities for student-athletes during her tenure in higher education.
Lloyd Fagundes (1979), Ralph Fagundes (Alumnus), Fred Fagundes (1986)
Lloyd Fagundes (1979), Ralph Fagundes (Alumnus) and Fred Fagundes (1986), owners and partners, Fagundes Brothers Dairy. The Fagundes brothers are third-generation farmers, businessmen and entrepreneurs. Their network of six independent dairy farms is the largest producer of milk for Horizon Organic Milk, a Danone company. They also own and farm more than 10,000 acres of almonds that are sold domestically and exported internationally to Europe, Japan, India and China. Their philanthropic reach and community involvement are extensive and diverse.
Phouangmala Diane Phakonekham (2005, ’11)
Phouangmala Diane Phakonekham (2005, ‘11), president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California. Phakonekham is a passionate advocate for children in the Central Valley. She encourages collaboration and shared resources within local nonprofits. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programming to serve more than 1,000 children in four counties and has built its high school program to provide services to 19 school sites.
Tony Akel (1983, '85)
Tony Akel (1983, ‘85), president, Akel Engineering Group, Inc. With 38 years of professional experience, Akel has led more than 300 system master planning and special study projects throughout California and the United States. His firm is an industry leader in digital water engineering, offering expertise in creating integrated infrastructure master plans for water, sewer and storm systems.