Profiles
Wildcat Conversations, Episode 1: 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.
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.
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.
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 and Sierra Nevada Brewery Quality Manager Kimberly Bacigalupo
Chemistry alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo is diversifying the brewing industry from the inside out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Broad Horizons Ahead for Master’s Candidate in Legal Psychology
Arley Saldana enriches her life by trying new things—and brings this joyful approach to her research and work as a grad student en route to great things.
Business Student Brainstorms to Build Bigger Market for Tribal Equestrian Park
Business administration major and Mechoopda Tribal member John Vigil found a way to blend his studies with his vision for an equestrian park as an expanding venture of the Tribe.
Journalism Alum Leads DEI Efforts at Groundbreaking Agency
Cheyenne Cameron-Pruitt has put the valuable experience she gained in Chico State's journalism program to practice at FleishmanHillard (FH), a leading-edge public relations firm.
Influential Ag Alum Pays Tribute to Chico State
President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Natalie Collins says her journey began as Chico State.
Celebrating 75 Years of History, Impact in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology
Founded in 1948, the CMSD program has a long history of providing the North State with high quality professionals and critical speech, language and hearing services.
Class Notes: Fall 2023
The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2023.
Community Support Drives Camp Fire Survivor and Anthropology Major to Give Back
Artist, anthropology major, and Camp Fire survivor Kate Minderhoud credits two scholarships for helping make her college dreams come true. Next step: grad school.
Ultramarathon Alum Leans on Wildcat Crew
A one-pound iced lemon loaf is not an obvious snack for someone running a 100-mile endurance race, but you can't argue with Anthony Costales' results. The Chico State distance running alum relied on those calories and his Wildcats crew to finish 3rd at this year's Western States 100.
AI: The Business of Change
Three alumni working in different areas of the AI space share their stories of change that led to careers at the edge of a new frontier.
Solving Grassroots Medical Issues With AI
Alumnus Pratik Mehta, head of artificial intelligence at CloudMedx, is constantly asking what will meaningfully impact as many lives as possible.
Driving Automotive Technology Into the Future
Hear the story of Gabriel Flores, an enterprise engineering manager, developing hands-free, eyes-off driving technology.
Celebrated Journalist and Producer Writes a Chapter with Groundbreaking AI Tech
Alumna Liane Thompson cofounded an award-winning environmental tech firm that is combatting climate change and making waterways more resilient.
A Place to Call Home
To address student homelessness, Chico State’s Rapid Re-housing Program is breaking down barriers and stigmas that stand in the way of student success.
Now Introducing: Steve Perez
Chico State’s 13th president is not only our “Cheerleader in Chief"—he foxtrots, loves coaching, and brings a deep family connection to education into a role he’s been building toward since the sixth grade.
’Cats Get Cookin’ with Mike Buich
The owner of California's oldest continuously run restaurant reflects on lessons from the last 50 years, and shares a special recipe.
From Adversity to Achievement: A Student’s Remarkable Journey in Chico State’s College of Business
Cherie Higgs overcame a rough upbringing to become a powerhouse within Chico State's College of Business.
To Serve and Protect Our State’s Natural Resources
Jennifer Ikemoto, assistant chief for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, uses her biology degree and position to protect California's habitats and wildlife.
Preparing the next generation of CDCR leaders through the Executive Leadership Institute
Developed in 2017, ELI prepares state corrections executives to be decisive, effective, visionary leaders, and champions of change.
Supporting Others Through Self-Discovery
Talitha MacDonald's desire for change led her to Chico State and a career helping others through the Clinic for Communication Disorders.
United States National Rugby Team Starter and Former Chico State Star Hangs Up Her Cleats
Megan Foster, whose rugby career began at Chico State and took her all the way to the United States National Team, recently retired.
Taking Bold Leaps Toward a Dream
Emmy Award winning alumnus Cassandra Schaeg shares insight from her long road to personal and business success in the beverage industry.
Thorpe Leads Throng of Chico State Alumni Caring for Community Youth in Crisis
Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.
Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose
Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.
Fond Farewell: Criminal Justice Major Lizbeth Ceja Torres
Tenacious yet kind, hardworking and independent Lizbeth Ceja made an impression on everyone she met for her big heart and passion to succeed.