Richman named College of Social Sciences Undergraduate Dean's Medalist

FRESNO, Calif. - Leading into commencement ceremonies earlier this month, Fresno State senior golfer Danielle Richman was named the Class of 2020 College of Social Sciences Undergraduate Dean's Medalist. This honor recognized Richman as the most outstanding student among her undergraduate peers in her discipline.

"I am incredibly honored to be recognized as an outstanding student," said Richman on receiving the honor. "I have so much respect and pride in the [College of Social Sciences] and am just overwhelmingly humbled to represent the best college on campus!"

Richman is one of nine Undergraduate Dean's Medalists. Fresno State's eight schools and colleges, along with the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, select the outstanding students to honor each spring. The deans selected an undergraduate and graduate medalist based on academic excellence, community involvement and other achievements.

"I have really enjoyed getting to know Danielle," said Michelle Denbeste, Dean of the College of Social Sciences. "She is the epitome of a student-athlete. She's an amazing student who managed to combine outstanding grades and a wonderful work ethic with athleticism and grace under pressure. I'm so proud to have Danielle represent us both on the golf course and in her many academic pursuits."

The Manhattan Beach, Calif. native was also honored as the Outstanding History Undergraduate Award recipient.

"My choice to study political science in college originated with an interest in diplomacy and government during high school, and the political events of 2016 propelled my infatuation," said Richman. "Then, during my second semester as a freshman, I took Dr. Vermote's History 12 class, and subsequently, fell in love with history! The two majors pair extremely well together, as possessing a historical context to current issues produces better-informed opinions."

Richman has a decorated academic portfolio as a double major in political science and history while also working towards a certificate in legal studies, and being a four-year member of the women's golf team. Not only has she loaded up her course work and extracurricular activities, Richman has done so as a Smittcamp Honors Scholar. The Smittcamp Family Honors College is recognized as one of the top programs of its kind in the Western United States and has prepared Richman for success outside of her collegiate endeavors.

The 2019-20 school year was a successful one for the senior Bulldog as she served as the Mountain West and Fresno State Student-Athlete Advisory Council president. As the SAAC president for the conference and the Bulldog athletics department, Richman helps advocate for an inclusive athletic environment that values the welfare of each student-athlete. She was also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, a group that recognizes seniors who rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

Head women's golf coach Emily Loftin said, "Danielle has proven to be relentless in her pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life as a student-athlete. Her drive for academic success is once again recognized with her honor as the 2020 College of Social Sciences Dean's Medalist, in addition to her numerous other achievements including being selected as a 2019 Rhodes Scholar Finalist. Our program will cherish and continue to be impacted by Danielle's outstanding accomplishments as her pursuit of excellence has left a legacy for the future of Bulldog Golf!"

In late November, Richman became Fresno State's first-ever Rhodes Scholarship finalist, and the third to come from a California State University school. The scholarship is considered as one of the most elite and prestigious honors in higher education, and is the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award in the world.

"It was such an honor to be considered, I was elated," said Richman on getting to go through the application process and being a finalist. "It was incredible, but tough."

Richman was also recognized as a President's Honors Scholar and a President's List selection in 2020. This success does not come easy, it takes hard work, dedication and focus to accomplish all that Richman has in her time as a Bulldog.

"One of the most challenging obstacles I had to overcome as a student was time management," said Richman. "A full-time student athlete double-majoring in two intensive reading and writing majors does not particularly lend itself to much procrastination. I learned early on that organization and prioritization are the roads to success."

Richman's story of success, and the paths that she took to get there should serve as an encouragement to any student that faces roadblocks during their academic or athletic careers. She is an inspiration to many and has paved a path for the future of the College of Social Sciences and the women's golf program at Fresno State.

Her immediate goals include studying for her master's degree in philosophy at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge in hopes of pursuing a career in international diplomacy and law.

Read the full Q&A with Richman by the College of Social Sciences here.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley ''– The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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Richman named College of Social Sciences Undergraduate Dean's Medalist

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