California State University, Fresno issued the following announcement.
Fresno City Council Vice President Paul Caprioglio broke the “no crying rule” at the beginning of the Dec. 10 Council meeting in downtown Fresno, when he was brought to tears
as Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro surprised him with the President’s Medal of Distinction.
Caprioglio, a Fresno State alumnus, represents District 4, which includes the Fresno State campus. He called Fresno State “the crown jewel of District 4.”
“Paul’s bold service has been instrumental in further strengthening ties between his alma mater and our surrounding neighborhoods within his district, and for that, we are
extraordinarily grateful,” Castro said. “I am pleased to bestow this honor on our longtime friend whose enlightened and compassionate leadership is a gift to our students, the
University and the entire City of Fresno.”
Following the Medal of Distinction presentation, councilmembers took turns honoring Castro, who will begin a new role next month as chancellor of the 23-campus California State
University system, the nation’s largest public university system with nearly half a million students.
“I also want to thank you and your wife, First Lady [Mary] Castro, for your service to the Fresno community,” said District 2 Councilmember Michael Karbassi. “I was [at Fresno
State] in Dr. Welty’s time and it’s amazing how much the campus has changed and you’ve taken us to a whole new level. Being the first Californian to lead the CSU system is very
fitting. It’s the largest system of higher education, but we love you in Fresno and you’re still a Fresnan, and we’re never going to forget about you and you always have a home here
and I mean that.”
Karbassi then presented Castro with a small stuffed Bulldog.
“I’ve had that since I was a student,” Karbassi said. “He has been through a lot. I never thought I’d be able to take him to City Hall with me. And I’ve been so blessed to do that. I
want you to take him to the CSU chancellor’s office so he can keep moving up, if you don’t mind, as a very small token of our gratitude. But never forget, we’re definitely a part of
your roots and we appreciate your service to our community.”
Established in 1993, the President’s Medal of Distinction is the highest non-degree award presented by Fresno State. It is given to citizens of the region, state or nation whose
contributions in the area of professional achievements or public service are of national or international significance.
Caprioglio graduated from Fresno State in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned his juris doctorate from University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law.
He began his professional career in the California State Attorney General’s Office, going on to prosecute murder cases for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. He later
established a private law practice.
A Fresno native, Caprioglio and his wife, Rhonda, have lived in the district he represents for more than 40 years.
He was sworn in as a member of the Fresno City Council in January 2013 and has served two terms as the Council president — in 2016 and 2019. During his time on the City
Council, Caprioglio has focused on public safety and safer neighborhoods. He became trained in repairing streetlights and now spends time nearly every week repairing or
replacing damaged streetlights.
“It has been an honor to work with Councilman Caprioglio,” said Larry Salinas, executive director of government relations for Fresno State. “He has been a tireless advocate for not
only Fresno State but for all of District 4. He truly embodies the spirit of this award.”
Previous recipients of the President’s Medal of Distinction have included Virginia Eaton and Joan Eaton (2020), Jon Parish Peede and John E. Horstmann (2019), Fred Ruiz (2018), Fran Pavley (2016), Ray Steele Jr. (2015), Justice Armando Rodriguez (2015), Justice Marvin Baxter (2014), John “Phil” Larsen (2014), Jim Nielsen (2012), Richard D.
Hovannisian (2012), Satoshi “Fibber” Hirayama (2009), Ulises Ruiz Ortiz (2006), His Holiness Karekin II (2005), Robert E. Coyle (2003), M. Victoria Kazan (1998), Kenneth L.
Maddy (1998), Meline Kalfayan (1998), Joe Williams (1994) and George Kauffman (1994).
Original source can be found here.
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