The Legacy Retires

“One of the Greats”
- Tim Truax, Graduate Assistant

“A Staple of the California Livestock Industry”
- Brad Mendes, Animal Science Lecturer and Livestock Judging Coach

“He Never Gave up on Me”
- Mackenzie Wood, Student

After 36 years of distinguished service at California State University, Fresno and significant contributions to the livestock industry, Professor John Cordeiro is set to hang up his teaching hat and retire this semester. His combination of a specialized teaching philosophy and enthusiasm on the farm and in the class has proven to be an asset to the school. A value uncompared.

Known for his ability to captivate students’ interests, the teaching legacy has shaped thousands of students' lives while finding ways to construct applicable lessons to fit current times.

Prior to joining the Fresno State faculty, Cordeiro was an acknowledged high school agriculture teacher at Corcoran High School. Initially, he planned on high school agricultural education as a stepping stone with hopes of teaching at the junior college level. After six years of cultivating an advocacy for agriculture for high schoolers, he received an offer from Fresno State. Little did he know he would become a key member of the Animal Science and Agricultural Education mission.

In 1984, Cordeiro joined the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. He started out as an animal science lecturer with the utmost emphasis on coaching the judging team. Cordeiro has taught an array of classes including Introduction to Animal Science, Introduction and Advanced Livestock, Meat and Dairy Evaluation and Sheep Production.

Cordeiro took to coaching the livestock judging teams like a moth to a flame. And his fixation was infectious. While winning was always on the team’s radar, its presence was not a driving factor to the many decades of success. Cordeiro had a coaching philosophy different than most. But this distinction is what has separated him from the rest.

Corderio said, “I get more pride in seeing how successful they’ve been in life. The trophies, we throw them away. It’s centered around those relationships I had with each judging team member that made it special.”

His outlook on judging has been one expressed similarly with teams across the country. But Cordeiro stands apart from the rest when it comes to his alumni relationships. One of the most rewarding parts he oversees is where his students end up in their career and in life. Many of his past students partner with him in industry in some way or even work alongside him at Fresno State. Some notable judging alum include current faculty members Brad Mendes, Dr. Steve Rocca, and both Dr. John and Judy Henson.

Cordeiro said, “Some of my kids that came out are now really good high school teachers. I’m really proud of them, and know they will go on to help the future of the industry. There’s something gratifying in that.”

Cordeiro has been one of the largest assets of the agriculture programs on campus. In 2012 the livestock judging program was in need of financial support. After many phone calls and proposed budgets, the team was renamed to honor Fresno State alumnus Marvin Meyers, who provided an endowment to the program. Cordeiro understood the demand of the livestock judging program in the Central Valley as well as the professional and personal impact it would have on generations to come.

If you were to tell John Cordeiro that 40 years ago that one of his most significant contributions to Fresno State was going to be his big-hearted influence on the sheep unit, he would have chuckled. Hard.

Corderio said, “When I first started, the hardest thing here at the sheep unit was that I was not a sheep person… but I really do like teaching sheep production now”

Since 1985 Cordeiro has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the unit and the students who work there. He has provided students with a hands-on experience on animal husbandry and a pride in their work. Cordeiro converted the sheep unit from purebreds to competitive wether sheep while bringing the first wether sires to Fresno State to enhance curriculum.

Over the years, he continually exhibited a fire in his teaching manner., and has left all of his students more prepared for the world and their field of contribution. As Cordeiro finishes his career, he will leave Fresno State not only as an influential role, but as a friend, to.

The name John Cordeiro will be forever coined “Legacy”.

500,000 hours 8,000 students. 36 judging teams. 29 Red Wave Classics. 1 legacy.

By Hayden Gray, Ag Publications Class