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‘Be Bold.’ See sights from the late Joseph I. Castro’s life and time in Fresno

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Joseph Castro served as Fresno State president and CSU chancellor before his death.
  • Castro emphasized student connection and returned in 2021 to confer COVID-delayed degrees.
  • Castro’s legacy includes deep Valley roots and leadership during pivotal CSU moments.

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Joseph I. Castro, former Fresno State president and CSU chancellor who died this week at age 58 after a battle with cancer, left his mark in the Central Valley as a larger-than-life figure.

“His story from Hanford to Stanford and back to serve the Valley inspired and resonated with many,” said Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, president of Fresno State.

The Fresno Bee and Vida en el Valle chronicled the Hanford native’s career through photos and videos over the years.

One of those moments includes Castro’s return to Fresno State to confer the degrees of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s 109th/110th Commencement after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 in-person ceremonies.

“So excited to be back here at Fresno State. You know, this is my home area and it’s an honor to help confer the degrees with the president Jímenez-Sandoval,” said Castro after the May 15 morning ceremony in 2021. “And I love seeing all the graduates and their families. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

During that visit, Castro shared that he missed the in-person interaction with students.

“As chancellor, I try to connect with students as often as I can through Zoom and there’s a group of all the student body presidents, and what I’ve said to them is ‘you’re my students, you’re the group that’s going to help me stay in touch with all the students,” said Castro in May 2021 while in Fresno.

Here are some selected examples that help tell his story:

CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro returned to Fresno State to confer the degrees of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s 109th/110th Commencement. 
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro returned to Fresno State to confer the degrees of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s 109th/110th Commencement.  María G. Ortiz-Briones mortizbriones@vidaenelvalle.com
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro (right) with Fresno State Interim President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval during the university’s 109th/110th Commencement for the College of Social Sciences during their Saturday morning ceremony on May 15, 2021.
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro (right) with Fresno State Interim President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval during the university’s 109th/110th Commencement for the College of Social Sciences during their Saturday morning ceremony on May 15, 2021. María G. Ortiz-Briones mortizbriones@vidaenelvalle.com
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro was awarded the Othli Award by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2016. Mexican Cónsul Vicente Sánchez Ventura presents a framed proclamation to Castro.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro was awarded the Othli Award by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2016. Mexican Cónsul Vicente Sánchez Ventura presents a framed proclamation to Castro. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Hanford High School Principal Scott Pickle and recently-appointed president at California State University, Fresno Joseph Castro enter the stadium at Hanford High School before the commencement ceremony in Hanford on June 3, 2013. Castro is alumni of Hanford High School.
Hanford High School Principal Scott Pickle and recently-appointed president at California State University, Fresno Joseph Castro enter the stadium at Hanford High School before the commencement ceremony in Hanford on June 3, 2013. Castro is alumni of Hanford High School. Daniel Casarez Vida Staff Photo
Dr. Joseph I. Castro wants more state funds so that Fresno State can accept more students.
Dr. Joseph I. Castro wants more state funds so that Fresno State can accept more students. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Dr. Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, from left, Congressman Jim Costa, Fresno State President Joseph Castro and his son Jess, 10, help carry a large image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while leading marchers toward the Veterans Memorial Auditorium during the MLK march and commemoration in downtown Fresno on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019.
Dr. Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, from left, Congressman Jim Costa, Fresno State President Joseph Castro and his son Jess, 10, help carry a large image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while leading marchers toward the Veterans Memorial Auditorium during the MLK march and commemoration in downtown Fresno on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro read 'Chato's Kitchen' to children at the fourth annual Feria de la Educación activities Oct. 20 at Fresno State.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro read 'Chato's Kitchen' to children at the fourth annual Feria de la Educación activities Oct. 20 at Fresno State. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
About 7500 students were expected for the second annual Feria de Educación (Education Fair) at Fresno State on Saturday. Fresno State president Joseph I. Castro in Oct. 22, 2016 cuts the red ribbon with help from (left to right) Mi Familia Vota executive director Ben Monterroso, Fresno County Superintendent Jim Yovino, CSU Chancellor's Office representative MaryAnn Jackmon, Fresno Mexican Cónsul David Preciado, and Univisión Community Empowerment director JoAnn Rullan.
About 7500 students were expected for the second annual Feria de Educación (Education Fair) at Fresno State on Saturday. Fresno State president Joseph I. Castro in Oct. 22, 2016 cuts the red ribbon with help from (left to right) Mi Familia Vota executive director Ben Monterroso, Fresno County Superintendent Jim Yovino, CSU Chancellor's Office representative MaryAnn Jackmon, Fresno Mexican Cónsul David Preciado, and Univisión Community Empowerment director JoAnn Rullan. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Dr. José Sergio Barrales Domínguez, rector (president) of Chipango University near México City visited Fresno State where he toured the university farm in September of 2015 before signing a agreement with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro for an exchange of ag teachers and students.
Dr. José Sergio Barrales Domínguez, rector (president) of Chipango University near México City visited Fresno State where he toured the university farm in September of 2015 before signing a agreement with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro for an exchange of ag teachers and students. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Fresno State honored U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera in October of 2015 with tributes, gifts and folkloric dancing at the Satellite Student Union. Herrera is the first Latino to hold that position. Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro offered Herrera office space at the university.
Fresno State honored U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera in October of 2015 with tributes, gifts and folkloric dancing at the Satellite Student Union. Herrera is the first Latino to hold that position. Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro offered Herrera office space at the university. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro walks past the display of flags during the 42nd annual Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration May 19, 2018, at the Save Mart Center.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro walks past the display of flags during the 42nd annual Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration May 19, 2018, at the Save Mart Center. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro gave welcoming remarks at the third annual Fería de Educación on Oct. 07-, 2017.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro gave welcoming remarks at the third annual Fería de Educación on Oct. 07-, 2017. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
New Fresno State University President Dr. Joseph I. Castro was welcomed during a reception hosted by Arte Américas and various other Latino organizations Aug. 14, 2013.
New Fresno State University President Dr. Joseph I. Castro was welcomed during a reception hosted by Arte Américas and various other Latino organizations Aug. 14, 2013. Juan Esparza Loera Vida en el Valle
Arte Américas celebrated Mother's Day in 2014 with a brunch and ceremony that fused Mexican and Portuguese culture on Sunday. Dr. Joseph I. Castro and his wife Mary, honored Mary Castro with a rebozo.
Arte Américas celebrated Mother's Day in 2014 with a brunch and ceremony that fused Mexican and Portuguese culture on Sunday. Dr. Joseph I. Castro and his wife Mary, honored Mary Castro with a rebozo. Juan Esparza Loera Vida en el Valle
Fresno State president Dr. Joseph I. Castro received the Achievement in Education award by the California Latino Legislative Caucus in Sacramento on May 17, 2017.
Fresno State president Dr. Joseph I. Castro received the Achievement in Education award by the California Latino Legislative Caucus in Sacramento on May 17, 2017. DANIEL CASAREZ
Scenes from the 103rd commencement ceremony for Fresno State University in 2014. About 1,300 graduates took part in the ceremony in front of 10,235 specatators. 4,675 bachelor's, 890 master's and 69 doctorates. 37 students achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs. Dr. Joseph I. Castro, Fresno State president, walks during his first graduation ceremony at the university.
Scenes from the 103rd commencement ceremony for Fresno State University in 2014. About 1,300 graduates took part in the ceremony in front of 10,235 specatators. 4,675 bachelor's, 890 master's and 69 doctorates. 37 students achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs. Dr. Joseph I. Castro, Fresno State president, walks during his first graduation ceremony at the university. Juan Esparza Loera Vida en el Valle
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro return to Fresno State to confer the degrees of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s 109th/110th Commencement on May 15, 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 in-person ceremonies.
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph I. Castro return to Fresno State to confer the degrees of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s 109th/110th Commencement on May 15, 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 in-person ceremonies. María G. Ortiz-Briones mortizbriones@vidaenelvalle.com
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro will begin his duties as the eighth chancellor on Jan. 4. Castro was recognized in Hanford in 2020.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro will begin his duties as the eighth chancellor on Jan. 4. Castro was recognized in Hanford in 2020. María G. Ortiz-Briones mortizbriones@vidaenelvalle.com
Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro and Valley Children’s President Todd Suntrapak in 2015. Valley Children’s teamed with the Fresno State for new autism center.
Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro and Valley Children’s President Todd Suntrapak in 2015. Valley Children’s teamed with the Fresno State for new autism center. María G. Ortiz-Briones mortizbriones@vidaenelvalle.com
New Fresno State University President Dr. Joseph I. Castro was welcomed in 2013 during a reception hosted by Arte Américas and various other Latino organizations. Castro holds up a sculpture of a farmworker designed by Richard Arenas.
New Fresno State University President Dr. Joseph I. Castro was welcomed in 2013 during a reception hosted by Arte Américas and various other Latino organizations. Castro holds up a sculpture of a farmworker designed by Richard Arenas. Juan Esparza Loera Vida en el Valle
Fresno State University President Joe Castro and his wife were the grand marshals of the annual Chinese New Year parade in 2014 held at Fresno's Chinatown on Saturday.
Fresno State University President Joe Castro and his wife were the grand marshals of the annual Chinese New Year parade in 2014 held at Fresno's Chinatown on Saturday. Juan Esparza Loera Vida en el Valle
Larry Salinas snaps a photo of Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro and a student and her family during Aug. 19, 2018 barbecue for dorm residents.
Larry Salinas snaps a photo of Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro and a student and her family during Aug. 19, 2018 barbecue for dorm residents. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
State Center Community College District Chancellor Paul Parnell and Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro participated in the 2019 commencement at the Madera Community College Center.
State Center Community College District Chancellor Paul Parnell and Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro participated in the 2019 commencement at the Madera Community College Center. JUAN ESPARZA LOERA Fresno
Paul Chávez, professor Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor and Fresno State President Joseph Castro at the ceremony in 2016.
Paul Chávez, professor Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor and Fresno State President Joseph Castro at the ceremony in 2016. DANIEL CASAREZ

This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 11:53 AM with the headline "‘Be Bold.’ See sights from the late Joseph I. Castro’s life and time in Fresno."

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María G. Ortiz-Briones is a reporter and photographer for McClatchy’s Vida en el Valle publication and the Fresno Bee. She covers issues that impact the Latino community in the Central Valley. She is a regular contributor to La Abeja, The Bee’s free weekly newsletter on Latino issues. | María G. Ortiz-Briones es reportera y fotógrafa de la publicación Vida en el Valle de McClatchy y el Fresno Bee. Ella cubre temas que impactan a la comunidad latina en el Valle Central. Es colaboradora habitual de La Abeja, el boletín semanal gratuito de The Bee sobre temas latinos. Support my work with a digital subscription
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