Former Fresno State Basketball Player Started His Own Company!

Former Fresno State basketball player Scott Graham came to Fresno State this week with a message of inspiration and hope for students as this fall’s Entrepreneur in Residence.

Graham, 29, a Fresno State graduate, is the CEO of XPACS (Xtreme Personal Assistant Concierge Services), a business that provides concierge services to different target markets including professional athletes, entertainers, celebrities, as well as various corporations.

With a love for inspiring people this young business man came to Fresno State to tell students about his life experiences and the journey he went through to get to where he is today.

“When I was coming up and growing up sat in the chair where those students are sitting, the people that inspired me… their message resonated in me and affected my life. So I try to do the same to them (students), give back to them what I’ve learned,” said Graham.

Graham hopes that he can give the students better clarity or insight for their visions and goals, and that maybe he can help them avoid the mistakes that he made along the way.

He also wants to send out a message of inspiration, hope and determination. Graham quotes his mother: “Don’t let anyone stay in your head, reign free.”

He explains that someone’s always going to try and tell you what you can and cannot do, or that you need to do this or that, but it’s important to believe in yourself.

He said: “If what you’re trying to do makes sense, do it with all your might, with all your passion.”

Graham’s originally from Newport Beach, California, and came to Fresno State because it wasn’t too far from home, but more importantly, because of the business program.

“I was very impressed,” he said, “I’d went to a couple of other schools prior to Fresno State and none of the business programs compare to Fresno State’s. It’s very vigorous and very challenging.”

While at Fresno State Graham played basketball and although he had aspirations of playing at the next level, a career in business was always his primary goal.

He said: “I had a bigger purpose as far as why I was in school, it wasn’t to go to the big league, it was really first and foremost to get my education and excel.”

And while he was in his senior year, he started thinking about the business idea that was to become XPACS. “I realised I wasn’t going to the NBA so I figured I might as well use the brain to make some money some how,” he smiled.

Graham realised that a lot of entertainers, athletes and people in general needed assistance with getting the day-to-day tasks done but they didn’t know how to, and so he came up with the concept of a personal concierge idea. He makes it sound simple by saying ‘there was a need and I provided a solution.’

And now almost ten years later the company’s a success and has even gone global with clients from countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Europe and Mexico.

Graham admits that at times it was a real struggle and things didn’t always go smoothly. But he says it’s how you respond and react to these obstacles, trials and tribulations that determines a lot about you as an individual. That if you can overcome these problems and keep going, then you can overcome a lot.

One of the main reasons for Graham’s success is the fact that he never once doubted himself, he always knew he’d be successful. He’s very confident, determined and competitive in what he does.

He said: “I really view myself of a different breed, I don’t think I’m human. Really, some of the stuff I do, just in terms of the passion and the drive.

“I always tell people if it’s me and someone else in a room and you have to place a bet, you better not place it on them cause you’re going to lose your money,”

Graham is extremely sure of himself, however not cocky, he has a way of speaking so that just listening to him inspires you and makes you want to pursue your own goals nonstop until you achieve them.

Currently Graham is involved in a few other companies and is starting his own internet venture, however, he has two main goals in life. Firstly, to own his own sports team, but more importantly, to be a billionaire.

Unlike the majority of people Graham does not want to be a billionaire for himself, but so he can help other people. He’s very passionate about many causes like homelessness, aids in Africa, and poverty in general, and there are a lot of things that he could do for these causes if he had the money.

He wants to be able to challenge other people who are wealthy to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ or even challenge them to invest in a cause if they are not doing so already.

“For me social entrepreneurship is very important. Not just making money for yourself, but making money so that you can give back to those that are less fortunate,” he said.

“I think this is the sole purpose of why I work so hard and try and achieve all of my goals.”

Fresno State PR students Raise Money for the Mass Communications and Journalism Department

A class of Fresno State Public Relation students hosted the MCJ Alumni Hall of Fame Induction to raise money and renovate the MCJ computer labs last night.

It was the MCJ 159 class, consisting of 11 PR students, which planned the first MCJ Alumni Hall of Fame Induction.

The event was organised to honor Ray Steele Jr, a 1968 graduate from Fresno State, for his successful journalism career, and to thank him for his generous donation of $50,000 to the MCJ department. With this donation 20 new i-mac computers were purchased.

"Being able to take part on an event with such great calibre was incredible," said Joann Mercado, a senior public relations major.

The students only had two months to organize and execute the event by themselves, which they hoped would raise enough money to make additional upgrades to the computer labs, so that facilities are up-to-date and the students can learn to the best of their abilities.

Jan Edwards, lecturer for MCJ 159 said: “The students have limited time to fulfil a task so they need to have equipment that is going to be reliable.

“Also we need to continually upgrade and have the programs to be able to do the job of mass communications that we are teaching.”

Before the night even began a total of $4200 had been received in donations. These proceedings will be used for new furniture, window coverings and carpeting, along with other necessary technologies.

The PR class is very excited about this and already sees the event as being a success, even before the donations received during the evening have been counted.

There was also a personal benefit for each student involved in the organization of the event.

With a small group of 11, each student had to take a key role in the planning

and execution of the event, meaning they were able to better themselves and learn new skills in a real life environment.

“You don’t really think that in a classroom you’re going to get this kind of practice,” said Rebecca Hellwig, one of the CEOs in class 159. “That’s one of the really cool things about it, fantastic experience.”

Edwards thinks that letting her students put on events such as this is the best way for them to learn. She said: “I think the best lesson is often through experience.”

She says that this way the students can not only learn from what they have done right, but also from their mistakes.

Overall the MCJ 159 class were just so appreciative of all the support they’d received, both from the school and the local community in Fresno.

“It’s a great opportunity to allow coverage for the MCJ department because we work so hard to do what we do,” said Mercado, “Fresno State has done so much for us so it’s our turn for the 159 class to give something back.”

Donations from the night are still being calculated but will be revealed soon.

The Most Dangerous Street in Lancashire

Clubbers are unaware that they spend their nights on the most dangerous street in Preston and Lancashire.

Church Street, once known as psycho alley, is the most dangerous street in Preston at night.

From April 2006 to March 2007, figures showed 233 incidents of violent crime and 638 reports of anti-social behaviour, making Church Street more hazardous than any other street in Lancashire.

Out of 20 people interviewed in Preston city centre, only one was aware of this. Keith Trickett, 29, of Garstang said: “I saw it covered in the news.

“My sister goes out all the time and when I pick her up it’s just chaos. It’s horrendous, it’s really bad.”

The majority of people were oblivious. Student Emily Manning, 18, of Bodmin Road, Preston said: “I didn’t know that about this street but I can imagine it.

“Once I was out and walked past a large group of very drunk men who started shouting at me. This was also early on in the night, around 9pm, so I can imagine it getting worse later on.”

Now that she is more aware, Lauren Clarkson, 18, of Chorely said: “I don’t feel safe walking about on my own,”

Victoria Slinger, 26, of Clitheroe said: “I do feel safe, maybe I shouldn’t.”

The problem was clear when three quarters of people interviewed admitted that they go out with the intension to get drunk every time.

Drink promotions such as 80p a drink in clubs like So Bar, of Avenham Street, Preston, encourage this.

Katie Wood, 18, of Chorley said: “I go out to get drunk and spend around £30 per night on spirits.”

Manyana’s door supervisor, Musa Owolabi, 18, said: “There are violent people that just come in, they don’t actually come in to have a good time, they come in to cause trouble.

“Most of them are younger men and when they’re too drunk they decide to act silly”

Manyana’s bar have eight to ten door supervisors on each night and police are always visibly seen patrolling the streets.

Catherine Wood, 19, of Fulwood, said that she feels safe on a night out because the bouncers and police do a good job.

However, most people in Preston think they need to do more. Aaron Seed, 20, of Exton said: “There needs to be more police and bouncers on the street. Fights are stopped but hardly any are stopped soon enough.”

Sir Tom Finney

Sir Tom Finney is not your stereotypical footballer. Preston born and bred, at 86 years old, this local football hero still shows great loyalty to his old football club, Preston North End.

A contrast to many of the footballers today, this quietly spoken, down to earth and modest man, played football for the love of the sport and for Preston itself. The fame and possibility of money and material items did not interest him.

He proved this in 1952 when the Italian club, Palermo, made him an offer of £10,000 along with a villa and a car. Showing no interest at all, Finney signed with Preston North End once again.

He explained: “I always wanted to play with Preston North End from being a boy. I achieved my ambition at a very early age and never had any real reason to leave them.”

Sir Tom was born in Preston, April 5, 1922, on a street next to Deepdale Stadium. He always had a passion for football and looked up to famous players at the time such as Alex James.

“I watched him at a very early age and thought I’d model myself on him,” Sir Tom remembers.

Finney always had great support from his family, particularly his father and brother, John. But when first approached by Preston North End, aged 14, he had to say no.

Sir Tom said: “My father insisted on me having an apprenticeship rather than joining Preston North End as a Professional.” This lead to the nickname of ‘the Preston Plumber’.

The Second World War delayed the start of Finney’s career. It wasn’t until August 31, 1946, that the dream of playing for Preston North End came true for Finney.

Aged 24, his first match was a success with Finney scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 victory against Leeds.

He went on to score 210 goals in 473 games. He also played for England 76 times, scoring a total of 30 goals. Modest as ever, Sir Tom said: “I thought it was a great honour to play for your country.”

When Finney got his first England cap his team mate, Sir Stanley Matthews, originally had Finney’s position on the right wing. On Finney’s arrival, he was moved to centre forward.

There was instant talk of a rivalry between Sir Stanley Matthews and Sir Tom, but Finney stated: “I think Sir Stanley Matthews was the greatest player I ever saw in English Football.

“He was an accomplished professional when I got my first England cap. I always got on very well with him and found him an extremely nice fellow and a very, very helpful person.”

The first time they played together they destroyed Portugal’s defences with a win of 10-0, both players scoring. In 1948 they also beat the World Champions, Italy, 4-0 with Finney scoring twice.

Performances such as this won Finney the Footballer of the Year award, once in 1954 and again in 1959.

But in 1960, with injuries worsening, Sir Tom decided to hang up his boots at the age of 38.

After retirement Finney went back to where he left off, his trade as a plumber. He also did even more for Preston by serving as a magistrate for over 20 years and helping with local causes, such as supporting stabbed teenager, Jessica Knight, in the ‘Jessica Fund’.

Preston have not over looked anything that Finney has done for them. In 1998 he was knighted in the New Year’s Honours list, Finney said: “I always felt that it was a great honour for football and myself.”

He’s also been inducted into the Footballers Hall of Fame, given the Key to Preston, and in 2004 the Splash was unveiled. This £200,000 statue stands in front the National Football museum.

It was inspired by the 1956 Sports Photograph of the Year which featured Finney beating two defenders at a waterlogged Stamford Bridge when he played against Chelsea.

Sir Tom said: “I’m very honoured about it and I think that when the photograph was taken that it brought an awful lot of credit to me and to football generally.”

With plans to create a ‘Sir Tom Finney Day’ in March 2009 there seems no end to the respect and honour that Preston want to give Sir Tom.

And here he is today, as Club President, just as involved as ever. Only now he sits in an office, smartly dressed in a suit, with his little white terrier curled up at his feet.

Fresno State take on the Tulare Triathlon

Fresno State Triathlon Club were on top form when they competed at the Tulare Sprint Triathlon last weekend.

On October 11^th Tulare hosted their first ever olympic and sprint distance triathlons. A team of seven from the California State University, Fresno, attended the sprint event.

A total of 103 men and women took part in the sprint distance which consists of a 400 yard swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run.

The women’s results were posted today with Victoria Larkin, 19, from Northern Ireland coming in 3^rd place with a time of 1:19:59. Not far behind was Laruen Brown, 21, of Visalia, who came in at 4^th place in 1:21:18.

Quick to follow were Meagan Friedrich, 21, of Fresno in 1:28:51 and Jennell Haggmark, 31, of Paso Robles in 1:33:36.

The Fresno State men performed well too with Kristopher Kubota, 18 of Fresno finishing in a time of 1:18:34.

Brandon Dorman, 25, of Fresno had a bit of trouble when he was misdirected on the bike course and therefore, finished in 1:24:50. Christian Gonzalez, 19, of Fresno finished in 1:33:36.

Fire at Bulldog Appartments

A fire has severely damaged an apartment at Bulldog Village Student Apartments in Fresno today.

The fire was reported around 6pm when thick black smoke and flames where seen coming out of the three bedroom apartment's window on the ground floor.

The Fresno Fire Department quickly arrived at the scene along with the police and were able to get the fire under control.

There were no injuries or fatalities but two apartments have been damaged, one severely, and five residents have been moved to temporary accommodation by the staff at Bulldog.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Fresno State Education

Most international students coming from Europe to Fresno State claim the education system is easier but also more practical.

The way of teaching and learning at Fresno State is very different to most European universities.

In countries like Germany, Sweden and the UK most classes aren’t mandatory to attend and instead of many exams, presentations and papers, there is just one final exam to determine your grade.

Marko Djordjevic, 22, an exchange student from Germany said: “Here you have much more stuff during the semester, homeworks, exams, papers. At Passau University we just have one final exam.

“It’s easy here to get better grades because you have to learn every week and in Passau I don’t learn the first month, just the last month.”

Another student, Supreet Prasad, 23, from India prefers the education here. He said: “I think the education is better and harder. It has helped me gain more practical knowledge.”

This ties in with what Tatyana Ryabora, the Program Administrator for the International Business Program, thinks. It’s her job to help exchange students select their courses and make sure there is a program for them at Fresno.

She said. “The education system over here has a more practical approach with the real business environment.”

Andres De León, 25, who has studied in both Columbia and Sweden is now at Fresno doing his masters in marketing and finance. He said: “The education’s very good, in my case it’s a little bit different from Europe and Columbia, but it’s been very interactive, more practice, more real cases and more practical.”

Originally from Siberia Ryabora explained: “In Russia education’s the same as Europe. It’s very theory based, you have a big room, maybe 100 students in one room, and there is a lecture just being given by the professors.

“Over here the classroom size is much smaller so there is more interaction, so you can feel free to ask questions and get some feedback from your professors. International students are saying that American professors are more approachable and they like this interaction”

But still there are some international students who feel that the more casual environment will not prepare them for school back home. Students like Jonathan McManus, 19, from England, worry about having to go back to what he sees as a tougher education system.

“It’s more strict back home, they really do push you with the grades,” said McManus, “At the moment the assessments that I’ve got back I’ve hardly put any effort into it, and I’m getting good grades. Which is unlike in England where I try really hard and get not so good grades.”

Fresno State track and field athlete Rosie Sanchez, 20, from Mexico, has heard this before. Last year she had a roommate from Germany who seemed to spend more time travelling around California than studying in her room.

“She was always comparing the American education to the European education. She was always saying that it was way easier over here, that over there it’s harder,” said Sanchez.

The majority of international students who come to Fresno State do achieve highly in their classes. “From the past 5 or 6 years I think the majority are A and B students,” said Ryabora.

International Students In Fresno

Around 120 international students from around the world have come to Fresno State to study this year.

They travel from places such as Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to experience a culture and way of life that is completely different to their own.

Each student has their own reasons for wanting to study abroad. Jonathan McManus, 19, a mass communications major from England said: “I thought I could learn more about myself by going into a complete alien country, getting out of my trend of friends and moving out of my comfortable environment.”

Another student, Marko Djordjevic, 22, a business major from Serbia said: “I’m hoping to improve a little bit my english and to learn the culture in America.”

But for Andres De León, 25, a marketing and finance major from Columbia, it is not his first time studying abroad. He has come to Fresno from the Jönköping International Business School in Sweden and said: “It’s a good opportunity to get to know people, culture, also new courses and new environment.”

For many international students when they are accepted to Fresno State, Tatyana Ryabora, the Program Administrator for the International Business Program, is their first point of contact.

Tatyana is employed to help the international students select their courses and make sure that Fresno has the right program for them.

Originally from Russia, she was once an international student at Fresno State herself, so she knows first hand what international students are going through.

She said: “When I came to the United States I didn’t speak any English, I learnt the alphabet in the aeroplane! It was a hard adjustment for me at first, it’s a different culture and language, so I know how they feel because I’ve been in their shoes.”

One of the main problems at first for most international students is the language. “I think in the beginning it’s kind of hard for them because when they come to my office they still speak their native language to each other,” said Tatyana.

“So I try to really encourage them to go out there and don’t be shy, to introduce themselves to American students. I know it’s kind of uncomfortable for them but this way they’re going to learn about American culture and try to adapt to the different environment.”

Now, half way through the semester, most international students are adjusting to the American way of life and the culture.

It seems the majority of international students have found adapting to the American culture fairly easy. “Everybody’s friendly and yeah, it’s a little different than Europe but you get used to it,” said Marko.

“People are a little more open minded here. And there is a big mixture of culture, different people from different countries, different races. In Germany people are all white.”

Toby Schmidt, 21, a business major from Germany said: “There’s some rules and laws, like clubs are closing at 1am in the morning and that restaurants are closing at, I don’t know, 9.30. That’s kind of strange, it’s very different to where I come from. But I didn’t find it very difficult to adapt to.”

When comparing America to the pure culture in Sweden, Andres doesn’t think there’s an identifiable culture to adapt to.

He said: “I don’t think in this country they really have their own culture because there’s so many people, so many immigrants, it’s not like a unified culture.

But for other students it’s not so easy. “It’s been fairly difficult, harder than I imagined actually,” said Jonathan, “I’m not used to the full embracement of people I guess.

“People are very in your face and that’s something I’m not very used to. I don’t feel that I’ve blended in too much but hopefully I can sort of adjust.”

International students aren’t the only ones to benefit from the study abroad program. Fresno State track and field athlete Rosie Sanchez, 20, had a roommate from Germany last year.

Being around Philine Sander, Rosie was able to experience and learn about many things from the German culture. She saw the way Philine transformed her room into a European kind of style and the way she organised herself. She tried European foods and dishes.

“They teach you new stuff that you wouldn’t realise would exist,” said Rosie, “you have a lot of fun learning, you know, it’s never boring to be around an international student.”

Tatyana thinks that having internationals come to Fresno brings great benefits. She is also in charge of American Students going abroad and said: “American people, especially Fresno people, are very focused locally, they are not international.

“So by seeing international students I think that it encourages them to go to different countries and learn more.”

This is something that Rosie can relate to herself. “Philine really influenced us as an international student. She opened our minds and our eyes to see that maybe we can explore beyond Fresno State. My other roommate, Nancy, next semester she’s going to Spain, because of Philine’s influence.

“Now that I have my major, I think that it would be a really nice experience to go to Spain to improve on my Spanish skills. It’s really motivational to see how far they travel just to be here, it’s cool.”

Fresno State NORML Club

For the third year running the Fresno State marijuana club is fighting for the legalisation of marijuana.

The club is part of NORML, the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a non-profit organisation that provides a voice for Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition.

Fresno is just one out of 136 campuses throughout the country to have a NORML group. With eight or ten core members, they can sometimes be seen on campus in the free speech area, handing out information about marijuana.

The president, Jack Welter, 20, a junior criminology major said: “We think that the more people know about this issue, the more likely they are to support it.

“Sometimes people walk by and frown and we’ve had people approach us with arguments. But the more opposed a person is to marijuana generally the less they know about it.”

The club would like marijuana to be legalized for medical, industrial and recreational use, however its main reason for the legalization of marijuana is for its medical use.

“Marijuana is unique in its ability to address nerve pain with very little side effects,” said Welter.

A good number of the members have severe medical conditions that the drug can treat. One member, a former taekwondo champion of Californian highschools, was crippled by Graves' Disease.

Welter said: “He couldn’t conduct his life because he was living under a haze of pharmaceuticals.

“He was able to slowly ease off this pharmaceutical coma and depend entirely on marijuana to address his medical ailments. Now he’s a student and a productive member of society.

“Stories like that are really what the heart of this medical movement are about. It’s people recovering their lives.”

Currently 11 states throughout the country recognise medical marijuana. However, it is a scheduled one drug on the Control Substance Act of 1970 and therefore, has no medical use recognised by the federal government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, puts marijuana as a high priority for enforcement. This is because they see it as having a high potential for abuse, and do not accept its medical use for treatment in the United States.

According to NORML the availability of marijuana for medical patients is a problem throughout California.

Dispensaries are often struggling because of the conflicts they have with federal law and are shut down on a regular basis.

Welter said: “Many patients are forced to obtain it through going to an unfit neighbourhood and talking to people that they’d rather not associate with.”

Because of this there are a lot of problems with impure marijuana that has been laced with other drugs. “I know a woman who went completely insane,” said Welter. “She smoked some DMT (Dimethyltryptamine, a powerful hallucinogen) and PCPR marijuana without knowing it.”

Inspired by Martin Luther King when he said: “If you perceive and evil and do nothing you are damned to hell,” Welter is determined to do all he can for the reform of marijuana laws.

He said: “I think that because I can change what I see as an evil I have the obligation to do so.”

As well as tabling in the free speech area, the club also holds a meeting once every two weeks to discuss marijuana issues and make plans for the future.

“Marijuana legalization is a pretty rapidly moving effort,” said Welter. “It’s interesting to see all these different people bringing together their information about what’s going on.”

They would also like to get Snoop Dog out to the campus. Welter said: “It may very well happen. He’s got a good reputation for helping with the legalization of marijuana.”

The next big group event is the 2008 NORML Conference in Berkeley on October 17^th. This political conference focuses on the latest marijuana policy developments at both the state and federal levels.

There will also be an array of the leading NORML activists and cannabis law reform organizers from across the country speaking about the cause.

Fresno Reel Pride

For the 19^th year running the Fresno Reel Pride film festival has opened eyes and raised awareness for the gay community in Fresno.

The five day festival kicked off on Wednesday September 17^th, showing 68 of the best gay and lesbian films produced this year.

The popular event attracted thousands of people from across the country to its screenings and parties, not only to celebrate great film, but to try and increase acceptance and understanding for the gay community.

One of the founders of Reel Pride, Peter Robertson, 45, said: “Different arts and cultures broaden the base of Fresno and the community. The film festival helps to build acceptance for all diverse cultures in Fresno.”

Located in the Tower Theatre at Fresno, Reel Pride is considered one of the premiere cultural events in central California.

Chris Dodd, 26, a member of the host committee said: “It’s a big success and it grows every year. The festival gets the community together for five days to just forget about everything else and just have a good time.”

Tom Purcell, 37, from Fresno agrees: “It’s a good way for the community to get together and find out who we are. A lot of the films are personal stories. We all see ourselves in the characters on screen.”

But is the festival really helping create a more open minded Fresno? Anna Morilez, from Fresno, thinks it does. She said: “I don’t see a lot of prejudice in Fresno. I’ve been other places like the East Coast and Fresno is a lot more open.”

However Dodd is more hesitant. He said: “It’s slowly changing. For a long time I felt it was like two separate communities. Now people are starting to accept the gay community more, but it’s a slow process.”

Jeremy Hager, 29, employee of Kaiser Permanente, a Reel Pride Sponsor, agrees: “I think it’s still a work in progress. More and more people are open to it but we’re not up to the big city level yet.”

But then New York actor Simon Miller, 29, starring in the movie ‘Between Love and Goodbye’ made a more important point.

He said: “Being accepted isn’t the point. You have to have people do things. You can’t just sit around and wait to be accepted, you stand up and you insist!

“And that’s what this festival does for Fresno.”