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McDonald is retiring as Madden Library dean

Curator Jill Moffatt, left, and retiring Fresno State Dean of Library Services Peter McDonald, right, pose with two large posters featuring Olympic discus medal winner Sim Inness, left, and Olympic decathalon champion Bob Mathias, right, during a 2013 exhibition at the Henry Madden Library.
Curator Jill Moffatt, left, and retiring Fresno State Dean of Library Services Peter McDonald, right, pose with two large posters featuring Olympic discus medal winner Sim Inness, left, and Olympic decathalon champion Bob Mathias, right, during a 2013 exhibition at the Henry Madden Library. Fresno Bee Staff Photo/2013

This Saturday, I officially step down as dean of the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State. Ten years ago, when I arrived, the new building was a hole in the ground. Today, with 1.5 million students through our doors each year, we are the true heart of the campus, and one of the most dynamic centers of cultural enrichment in the Valley.

Nowhere can you experience such exceptional exhibitions, poetry readings, lectures, programs of every stripe, or noontime concerts, as here.

I have served under two fine presidents and five provosts. All have been a joy to work with. President Joseph I. Castro is arguably one of the most caring, committed and visionary university leaders in the nation. From his free food pantry initiative to our college athletes now attaining the highest GPAs in university history, President Castro has been a trailblazer of distinction.

I wish to thank the citizens of our Valley, my fine faculty and staff, and all of Fresno State for making the Madden Library such a shining example of regional excellence. Your support in sustaining this exceptional institution has been crucial to every success we have had. May our Valley prosper. Go ’Dogs!

Peter McDonald, Dean of Library Services, Fresno State

This story was originally published May 18, 2017 at 1:09 PM with the headline "McDonald is retiring as Madden Library dean."

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