Officials turn dirt on the Marjaree Mason Center's future home in Fresno. Linder is fourth from the right. Photo contributed

Nicole Linder, a community leader and advocate against domestic violence, is among this year’s Top Dog Alumni Award honorees.

The Top Dog Alumni Awards recognize a select group of Fresno State alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have enriched the legacy of excellence at Fresno State.

This year’s Top Dog Alumni Award honorees will be celebrated on Oct. 24 at the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union at Fresno State.

Linder, CEO of the Marjaree Mason Center, will receive the Distinguished Alumna Award — the highest honor bestowed by the Fresno State Alumni Association. She is recognized for her work to empower adults and children affected by domestic violence in Fresno County. The Marjaree Mason Center is 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.

A Fresno native and Fresno State graduate, she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism in 1998. Throughout her career, Linder has driven philanthropy to support community organizations such as Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation and Fresno Pacific University. 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. She has also led a $20 million fundraising campaign to build the organization’s new Community Resource Center.

Each year at Fresno State individuals who have completed a minimum of 30 units of coursework can be nominated and considered to receive a Top Dog Outstanding Alumni Award. One honoree is selected from each of the university’s eight academic schools and colleges, plus the Department of Athletics. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes Fresno State alumni for exceptional achievements in their fields.

The Arthur Safstrom Service Award honors alumni and friends of the university who have made a significant impact through the dedication of time, talent, and/or treasure. The 2024 Arthur Safstrom Service Award recipients are Gary and Marlene Peacock. 

Bulldog sweethearts, the Peacocks met at Fresno State as students in the 1970s and were married just days after graduation. Now, 46 years later, after successful careers in the Bay Area’s technology industry, the Peacocks passionately support student success through scholarships and mentoring. Together, they have spent countless hours building strong relationships with students and fostering lasting connections. 

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.

Fresno State’s 2024 Top Dog honorees:

Distinguished Alumna: Nicole Linder (1998), CEO, Marjaree Mason Center

Arthur Safstrom Service Award: Gary Peacock (1977), retired vice president of sales, KLA-Tencor and Marlene Peacock (1977),  retired manufacturing program manager, Cisco Systems, Inc.

 Outstanding Alumni by college or division:

College of Arts and Humanities: 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.

College of Health and Human Services: 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.

College of Science and Mathematics: 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.

College of Social Sciences: 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. 

Craig School of Business: 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.

Department of Athletics: 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.

Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology: 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.

Kremen School of Education and Human Development: 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.

Lyles College of Engineering: 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.

“The Top Dog Alumni Awards is an inspiring event that recognizes the achievements of our most accomplished alumni,” said Jacquelyn Glasener, executive director of the Fresno State Alumni Association. “This year’s class of honorees represent what it truly means to be a Bulldog. We are excited to celebrate their achievements and to inspire others through their impactful stories.”

For more information, or to nominate your Top Dog, please, visit fresnostatealumni.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Peter Robertson at probertson@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.4669.