Tomorrow Transformed

Together, we turned $106.6 million into infinite possibilities. Together, we transformed tomorrow.

In 2012, the University began reaching out to some of its most trusted and dedicated benefactors to seek their support of a bold new vision.

A rumble started growing, and gifts started rolling in from those eager to be on the ground floor of a movement at Chico State. A culture of philanthropy was taking root, growing with each and every gift, and inspiring not only other donors but our students, as they witnessed the incredible power of giving back. Seven years later, Chico State went public with Transform Tomorrow | The Campaign for Chico State, and President Gayle Hutchinson issued a call to action for our supporters to come together like never before.

Over the next 24 months, the momentum accelerated. By the time the campaign ended, 58,282 donors had made 269,717 gifts, and their generosity was transforming classrooms, labs, and lives across campus and beyond.

The success of this campaign was driven by the kindness and commitment of the alumni, parents, students, employees, and friends who believe in the University’s power to tackle the world’s biggest challenges through transformative education, remarkable creativity and innovation, and ground-breaking research.

Here’s a snapshot of the indelible impact of this campaign on our campus:

Empower Student Success

• Sponsored hundreds of students at state and national conferences and competitions. They then made a name for themselves and Chico State through their success. With donor support, the College of Agriculture students placed third at the North American International Livestock Competition.
• Readied students with all that they need to make a great impression at internships and during job interviews. The Professional Attire Fund has outfitted 148 students with suits, button-down shirts, blazers, slacks, ties, and more—ensuring they are dressed for success.
• Provided scholarship and awards to more than 11,000 students. Many recipients are the first in their family to graduate from college. The Richard Merritt Duncan Advocacy Award has recognized three deserving students who are working to effect social change and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Ensured students have critical resources for practical application of their studies before graduating. The Teacher Candidate Assistance Fund has provided tuition assistance, living expenses, and gas gift cards to 60 aspiring teachers so they can complete their placements at high-need, rural schools in the North State.

Build Cutting-Edge Facilities

• Provided state-of-the-art research spaces. Support from industry partners and a global technology giant have made the Concrete Industry Management lab and the Omron mechatronics lab some of the most advanced of their kind in the nation—preparing students to be the next-generation workforce.
• Put science on display in the new Science Building. The Dan Kennedy Collection and Fred Ousey Collection offer students and visitors a look at the geological sciences, inspiring new majors and offering a look into rare
  and remarkable specimens.
• Celebrated faculty legacies while supporting tomorrow’s leaders. The Jack Windsor Ceramics Studio honors the founder of our ceramics program who taught on campus for 38 years and provides a state-of-the-art space for creativity.
• Renovated learning spaces to accelerate real-world experiences. The state-of-the-art Fintech Lab will open in spring 2022 to offer cutting-edge software, educational programs for algorithmic trading and cryptocurrencies, and Bloomberg Terminals for real-time trading observation.

Support People and Programs

• Made Chico State a global leader in solving the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century. More than $3.6 million in gifts to the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems has furthered its capacity to promote regenerative farming practices and address global food and water insecurity.
• Enhanced research, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. With support from the University Foundation Governors Awards, nearly $135,000 supported more than 100 programs and projects, from developing a student-run water quality lab to textbook scholarships for undocumented students.
• Supported our colleges’ strategic initiatives to attract and retain expert faculty. The Thomas Family Fellow in Business supports two new faculty positions within the College of Business, and the Dennis Murphy Hayden Homes Professorship supports a position within Construction Management for those who exemplify excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Recognized academic excellence and career promise in deserving students. The Bell Family Presidential Scholarship Endowment now provides funds in perpetuity to support exceptional agriculture majors, with 33 students receiving scholarships to date.

Dreams are always possible. Donors make them happen.

Thank you for your generous support of Chico State.