FRESNO STATE — With the sun rising on the next chapter of Fresno State Athletics, the pride and tradition of the Bulldogs is, and always will be, rooted in the Central Valley.
Over the course of the next trip around the closest star, Fresno State Athletics will show why the Bulldogs compete “For The V” – an iconic symbol which represents the Central Valley and has been integrated into the Bulldogs’ primary logo as a green V on a dog tag and used as a standalone mark on Fresno State’s athletic uniform over the years. The mark also inspired the name of Fresno State’s live mascot, Victor E. Bulldog.
Frank Pucher.
“Three years ago, we introduced the ‘Pride of the Valley’ campaign with much success. But with an incredibly important year approaching for our athletics programs, the time is now to take that pride and put it into action,” said Frank Pucher, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations. “One of our goals is to reinvent ourselves externally while also continually defining our commitment to, and impact on, the Valley. It’s truly what sets us apart from any other peer institution in the nation. We have millions of people, right in the heart of California, with a true affinity for the ‘Dogs. There’s unique power in that, and Fresno State Athletics, through our robust national platform, takes great pride in our ability to shine a bright light on the Valley and what makes it such a special place to live, work, and – perhaps most importantly – invest in as we move forward as a community.”
California’s Central Valley.
To tell this story, Fresno State Athletics will spotlight how Bulldog Athletics, Fresno State, and residents of the Central Valley live and work in tandem to create one of the most unique and productive regions in California and beyond.
Elements of the campaign will include production and distribution of dynamic content across Fresno State’s multimedia platforms, merchandise programs, and additional fan engagement and fundraising initiatives which will be announced at a later date.
The Front Porch of the University Often serving as the front porch of the University, Fresno State Athletics is steeped in tradition and draws tens of thousands of alumni and community members to campus each year.
Image by Adele Payman.
Some important facts:
- With over 260,000 proud alumni, 66 percent are first generation to graduate from college.
- 88 percent of Fresno State students are from the Valley.
- 80 percent of Fresno State graduates stay in the Central Valley to become the region’s next generation of leaders.
- Fresno State volunteers provide approximately 1.23 million hours of community service annually to the Central Valley and beyond, with those volunteer hours generating an economic impact of more than $40 million.
- 60% of administrators across the region are alumni leading our schools.
- Nationally televised athletic events showcase the Valley to millions of viewers across the country.
Image by
Moritz Knöringer.
Facts about the Central Valley from the United States Geological Survey.
- More than 250 different crops are grown in the Central Valley with an estimated value of $17 billion per year.
- Approximately 75% of the irrigated land in California and 17% of the nation’s irrigated land is in the Central Valley.
- Using fewer than 1% of U.S. farmland, the Central Valley supplies 8% of American agricultural output (by value) and produces 1/4 of the Nation’s food, including 40% of the Nation’s fruits, nuts, and other table foods.
- The predominate crop types are cereal grains, hay, cotton, tomatoes, vegetables, citrus, tree fruits, nuts, table grapes, and wine grapes.
- About 20% of the Nation’s groundwater demand is supplied from pumping Central Valley aquifers, making it the second-most-pumped aquifer system in the United States.
For The V: The Central Valley
Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the “Green V” to show their pride in representing the Central Valley.
Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the “Green V” will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV.
To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join “The Green V Society,” please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
