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We see President Steve Perez addressing a crowd during the California College Guidance Initiative workshop.

Strengthening North State Student Pathways

President Perez unveils the California College Guidance Initiative and Impact Day, two initiatives that strengthen our position as the university of choice for students in the North State.

A graphic headshot of Luisa Garza set against a gray background.

Groundsworker Emerita Luisa Garza Honored for Impact on Campus, Community

Luisa Garza's passion for sustainable methods and knowledge of horticulture implemented widespread change across campus.

An illustration of Kendall Hall at Chico State, with the words 'Wildcat Conversations' written in whimsical letters above it.

Wildcat Conversations: Campus, Community Leaders on What’s Working to Address Student Housing Insecurity

In a new episode of Wildcat Conversations, we talk with leaders at the University's Basic Need’s Rapid Re-housing Program, a leader in the CSU for its comprehensive support of students who need safe housing.

Claudia Ruiz wears a two-piece burgundy suit and pink blouse as she is photographed in the School of Nursing's state-of-the-art simulation center on campus.

Healing the Gap: Alumna Aims to Empower Latinx Community

As a physician dedicated to helping the Latino community, Claudia Ruiz is the role model she wished she had growing up.

Terri Davis

Professor Emerita Transformed Special Education at Chico State and Beyond

During 25 years at Chico State, Teresa Davis influenced special education at the local and international level, with strong influence on teacher training.

Jim Postma

Chemistry Professor Emeritus Honored for Scholarly Contributions, Impact on Campus

Jim Postma was a strong advocate for K-12 education, improved guidelines for community college transfers to the CSU, and was a scholar and research chemist.

Joe Crotts

Librarian Emeritus Honored for Contributions to University’s Cartography Collection, Library

Cartography expert Joe Crotts helped Chico State build one of the most comprehensive map collections in the CSU system.

Wearing a green sweater and black pants, Kirsten Welch rests her arm on a rail while she poses for a photo outdoors.

Graduating Seniors Share Their Stories: Undeterred by Rejection, Engineering Major Finds Success

Kirsten Welch's perseverance and hands-on experience landed her the internship of her dreams at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

A summer night sky above a lit-up academic building

Fond Farewell: Retired Facilities Employee Steven Blackman

Remembered for his hearty laugh, retired facilities employee Steven Blackman was a lifelong music lover, adventure seeker, and taught himself to play guitar.

Dan Ostrander in his home office, surrounded by books, framed artifacts and photos, and autographed memarobilia.

Get A Close Look at the Lives of Former Presidents of the United States on May 3 

As an orator, educator, and historian, Dan Ostrander has worked closely with nine US presidents, some of whom became his friends. On Friday, May 3, he'll share his experiences with a presentation titled: The Presidency: A Close Look at the Lives of Former Presidents of the United States.

Dave Ferguson

Visionary Staff Member Honored for Leadership of Programs for Historically Underserved Students

Transforming Upward Bound into TRIO, Dave Ferguson created one of the most robust social mobility programs in the nation.

An illustration of Kendall Hall at Chico State, with the words 'Wildcat Conversations' written in whimsical letters above it.

Wildcat Conversations: Wine Industry Experts on Inclusion, Gen Z Marketing, and Sustainability

In a new episode of Wildcat Conversations, we learn how consumers can play a role in advancing equity, hear about the latest trends, and learn some new varietals you might want to try.    

Gary McMahon

Ardent Advocate for Historically Underserved Students Honored for Innovation, Contributions

Gary McMahon was impassioned about supporting low-income and first-generation college students with advising, peer mentoring, and a place for community.

Portrait of Guadalupe Carolina Vasquez, posing on the grounds of a preschool in a white jacket.

Graduating Seniors Share Their Stories: Finding Support, Community, and Calling in BSS

Through the Camp Fire and then the pandemic, graduating senior Guadalupe Carolina Vazquez has tapped into positive influences to create her own vision for the future.

Chico State baseball fan John Brownell pictured in his regular spot at Nettleton Stadium, at the bottom of Section 201.

Much More Than A Super Fan

The bond between John Brownell and the Chico State baseball team is one of the great stories in collegiate athletics.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Construction Management Major Sam Engel

Sam Engel was an enthusiastic and bright-eyed participant in all his classes, no matter the subject, and brought a similar joy to all his relationships.

An illustration of Kendall Hall at Chico State, with the words 'Wildcat Conversations' written in whimsical letters above it.

Wildcat Conversations, Episode 1: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

To help us learn more about where AI is going, why it’s moving so fast, and how we can think about it with more optimism than dread, we looked to three alums working at the forefront of this technological evolution.

The sun sets behind an academic building with grass and oak trees in the foreground and puffy clouds in the sky

Fond Farewell: Professor Emerita Margaret Mary Bierly

Colleagues recall Professor Emerita Margaret Bierly as a force of positivity on campus, building strong friendships with fellow faculty members and collaborating well with colleagues across departments.

Students Angela Arguelles (left), Christian Hutson (right), representing Women of Excellence and Men of Chico, hold up signs in support of Giving Day 2024 at Chico State.

President’s Column: Thank You, Wildcats

This year, on March 6, more than 3,900 University students, staff, faculty, friends, alumni, and supporters came together to raise more than $1.2 million for Chico State—in just one day!

Portraits of Madison Gillen, Rafael Fogo, and Millie Kinnamont.

Worth Sharing: Speech and Debate Team Take Center Stage at Pi Kappa Delta Nationals

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

A graphic showing President Perez in overalls and milking a cow, with the headline "How to Milk a Cow."

How to with President Perez: Milk a Cow

In this latest episode, President Perez heads to the University Farm to join up with the Organic Dairy Unit (and Franny) to find out all about our dairy production program.

A red banner with the words '2024 Distinguished Alumni' written in white text.

Celebrating Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Not only do the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees reflect our longstanding University values, but they have led exceptional lives and made a profound impact through their careers.

Jon Krabbenschmidt

Distinguished Alumnus and Business Professional Jon Krabbenschmidt

After 30 years working in the tax, accounting, and affordable housing industries, Jon Krabbenschmidt manages a real estate and development business.

A black and white headshot of Tom Carter with the words, '2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree' written in white text across a red banner.

Educator, Record-Setting Goalkeeper, and Distinguished Alumni Tom Carter 

Following his passion for math, physical education, and sports, Tom Carter is making a significant impact at Chico State and in the surrounding community.

Distinguished Alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo

Distinguished Alumna and Sierra Nevada Brewery Quality Manager Kimberly Bacigalupo

Chemistry alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo is diversifying the brewing industry from the inside out.

An athlete in a Chico State track uniform prepares to throw a javelin.

Josie Peterson Takes Aim at Chico State’s Record Books

Josie Peterson, a former standout in multiple sports, launched the fifth-longest javelin throw in Chico State's history, igniting a fantastic season and setting her sights on further goals.

Distinguished Alum and and Vice President of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group Cristina Chavez

Distinguished Alumna and Vice President of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group Cristina Chavez

Cristina Chavez's confidence grew during her time at Chico State. The 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree's charm, wisdom, and humility has lifted her to the top of the music industry.

President's Perez sits with his back to the camera, wearing a red jacket with 'Chico State' written in bold white letters.

President’s Column: Chico State is Strong and Resilient

President Perez discusses Chico State's bright future and how our campus community is doing to ensure it. 

Black and white photo illustration of Norman Tu with the words: 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum, Entrepreneur, and CEO Norman Tu

In 1982, a motivational seminar inspired Norman Tu to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Today, his company employs over 350 people and has facilities in several states.

Black and white photo illustration of Stuart Casillas with the words: 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alumni and Corporate Partner Stuart Casillas

Lean into classes, reflect on what's important, absorb the wisdom around you. University Foundation Board member Stuart Casillas delivers his insight.

Taylor Anderson Rawlins Award winner

A Second Chance: Mathematics Alumna Calculates Her Own Path to Success

For recent graduate and future high school math teacher Taylor Anderson, the journey is the destination.

Black and white photo illustration of Alycia Anderson with the words: 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alumna, Motivational Speaker, and CEO Alycia Anderson

Alycia Anderson believes disability needs to be an important part of the DEI conversation. An international TEDx speaker and advocate, she works with global companies to expand what inclusion means in the workplace.

Student India Starr smiles as she looks away from the camera and poses with her arms crossed in a black button-up blouse against a beige studio background.

Former Basketball Player Finds New Team in the Classroom

Basketball brought India Starr to Chico State, but the support she found here made the communication studies major want to stay.

Distinguished Alum and California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass

Distinguished Alumna and California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass

The organization’s first woman President is driven to succeed by those who blazed trails for her and those who will follow.

Student Olicia Johnson smiles as she looks away from the camera while she's wearing a blue blouse in front of a beige studio background.

Passion Leads Chico Native to Find Path in Computer Science

A love of coding and her hometown led Olivia Johnson to pursue her degree at Chico State. "I have finally found my path..." she said.

Jackson Webster dips a sampling container into Butte Creek.

Research in the Aftermath of the Camp Fire Reveals the Threat of Wildfires on Water Quality

Critical research by faculty at Chico State, UC Boulder, and USGS aims to identify preventative insight during future wildfires.

Jorge Munguia Ramos poses for a photo wearing a blue shirt with a small white pattern.

Perseverance and Push from Professors Propel Future History Teacher

Tempted to return home during his first week at Chico State, Jorge Munguia Ramos not only stayed, but he found community and encouragement that helped him thrive.

Valene. L Smith stands in front of the Museum bearing her name.

Fond Farewell: Anthropology Professor Emerita and Museum Benefactor Valene L. Smith

Valene L. Smith was a world traveler, internationally renowned tourism expert, beloved professor, and esteemed benefactor and champion for the campus anthropology museum that today bears her name.

Storm clouds hover over a college campus

Fond Farewell: Retired Assistant Librarian Doris Mann

Doris Mann, who worked as an assistant librarian at Chico State for 27 years before her retirement in 1995 passed away on November 25.

Carter Lindstrom smiles while seated on a stool in a dark-colored suit.

Vision Beyond Sight: College of Business Student’s Inspiring Journey

Despite being legally blind, Rawlins award winner Carter Lindstrom carries a 3.92 GPA and is a leader in many Chico State College of Business clubs.