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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.

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.

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.

A portrait of Michele Thorpe taken in the offices of the North Valley Community Foundation.

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.

Three searchers crouch through the warped frame of a mobile home.

Alumni of Human Identification Lab Attest to Its Influence

Alumni of the Human Identification Laboratory have added their voices to the refrain asking legislators to ensure a line item for a new facility makes its way to the final budget.

Football Alumni Raise Funds for Athletics Scholarships

The Wildcat Football Alumni Board plans to award five scholarships during its annual summer gathering and fundraiser.

Karsten Kaufmann poses for a photo in front of his home workstation.

Three Imaginative Media Arts Alumni Making Exciting Moves

Karsten Kaufmann’s dance moves became a viral sensation in 2015. Find out where he and collaborating media arts majors Sophie McGuirk and Michael Connell are today. Hint: They're still making amazing content!

Distinguished Alumni Thomas Butler, Marti Sutton, Kimate Richards, Haley Willis, Rick Callender, Armando Ibarra Jr., Melanie Mello, and Roy Beck (left to right) take a group photo on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Chico, Calif.

Celebrating Our 2023 Distinguished Alumni

From working on cancer treatments to advocating for farmworkers to teaching human kindness through language, the 2023 Distinguished Alumni have chosen to "Do and Dare" in a big way.

Fall colors of red and gold in the downtown street trees brighten Broadway Street in downtown Chico.

Alumni-Owners of Downtown Chico Businesses Share Their Stories

Whether they opened their store shortly after graduation, took over a longstanding business, or brought something new to the area mid-career, the owners of four downtown businesses share what makes the Chico State connections special to them.

A Chico State Rugby player carries the ball while opposing players attempt to tackle her.

Alumni Establish Endowment for Men’s and Women’s Rugby Programs

Chico State alumni have established an endowment to support the men's and women's rugby programs.

Trinity Roses

Fond Farewell: Former Director of Alumni Allen Sherwood

Remembered as friendly, funny, and wise, Allen Sherwood directed alumni relations at Chico State for two decades.

Tracy Butts, Douglas Leiker, Angela Trethewey, Rashell Brobst, David Hassenzahl, Monica Soderstrom, Eddie Vela, Kathleen Grave, Terence Lau, Bill Dodd, Blake Wentz, Dan Wheeler, and President Gayle Hutchinson

Celebrating Our 2022 Distinguished Alumni

Through their work and their service, our 2022 Distinguished Alumni are an inspiration to us all, but especially our students as they, too, hope to transform tomorrow.

A woman and man pose and smile outside a medical building.

Alumni Lead Push for State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment Locally

Enloe Cancer Center proudly boasts one of the only cancer-fighting machines of its kind in the state—and four Chico State alumni are to thank for bringing such technology to our community.

Erin O'Donnell and Steve Vargas stand in a rice field.

Alumni Secure First US Rice Export to China

Alumni Erin O'Donnell and Steve Vargas made US agricultural history in their roles at Sun Valley Rice Company.

Miliah Haslerig types on a laptop at the Career Fair.

With Alumni Donations, Business Students Dress the Part

Dressing to impress can be a struggle for qualified but cash-strapped business students seeking jobs. That's where the Professional Attire Fund comes in.

Samia Yaqub smiles in her office at Buttee College.

Distinguished Alumni Share Words of Wisdom

2018 Distinguished Alumni share their advice for graduating seniors and young alums.

Alumni of the Chico State football team pose next to the old scoreboard.

Alumni Protect Wildcat Football’s Future by Honoring Its Past 

It’s been 20 years since the final whistle blew for the Chico State football program. The mission of a growing and increasingly organized group of Wildcat football alumni is simple: to preserve the dignity, history, and—they dare say it—hope for the program.  

Alumni Pic’d in Annual Photo Contest

Three Chico State alumni have been recognized in a national photography contest—placing in the top 10 percent of more than 10,000 submissions.

group of alumni pictured with scholarship recipients, smiling and looking proud

Alumni Back Today’s Scholars

As recipients of the California Iota Sigma Phi Epsilon President’s Scholarship, freshman Brian Harris and junior Daniel Phelan each carry not one, but two Wildcat legacies: their family’s and that of Chico State’s earliest and proudest Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni.

Graduates smile in their caps and gowns.

Payscale Ranks Chico State in Nation’s Top 100 Public Schools For Return on Investment

Recognizing the earning potential of its graduates, Chico State was ranked No. 93 among public universities—placing it in the top 10 percent in the nation.

Streamers fall over a large group of college graduates during a commencement ceremony.

Chico State Named One of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine

Once again, Chico State has landed a spot in Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 with 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars.

A family with a bike filled with summer adventure gear.

Your Best Summer Ever—The Wildcat Way

With summer approaching fast, we asked 20 alumni experts—from safari leaders to librarians—for tips and tricks to make this the BEST SUMMER EVER!

Let's Play Wildcat Trivia

Wildcat Trivia: Sustainability

Test your knowledge of sustainability at Chico State and why we're known for our green thumb.

The sky above Trinity Hall is illuminated by the Northern Lights, creating a dramatic pinkish hue.

Class Notes: Spring 2024

The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for spring 2024.

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

Wildcat Conversations: Ultramarathoners on Living Life with the Long Run In Mind

Alumni and ultramarathoners Tim Tollefson, Jimmy Elam, and Anthony Costales—three of the fastest in the world—share how they stay disciplined and dedicated to their craft.

A collage of photos arranged in a scrapbook design show off a range of clubs at Chico State.

Somewhere to Belong: Celebrating Student Clubs at Chico State

Student clubs have helped Wildcats find their place on campus for generations—and they’re as impactful as ever.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Chico State mascot, "Willie," holds a Giving Day sign and waves to the camera.

Chico State’s Annual Giving Day Returns on March 6

Chico State's annual 24-hour fundraising event, Giving Day, is scheduled for March 6, 2026. Donors can support more than 160 groups and programs.

Emerson Reyes, Jasmine Reyes Rodas, Areni Rodas, and Liam Reyes Rodas, 2 (left to right) as prospective students are welcomed to campus to learn about academic programs, explore facilities, and establish community at the Choose Chico event on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Inaugural Día de la Familia welcomes Latinx families

Día de la Familia is designed to engage and empower Latinx families and their students who are curious about the college planning process and interested in attending Chico State.

A Victory in Unity graphic that lists the purpose and schedule of the event.

Chico State’s Grand Finale for Black History Month: Victory in Unity Celebration

Chico's annual Victory in Unity event is community-wide celebration of Black history and culture.

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.

Photo illustration with three portraits that include Kimate Richards, Thembi Mawema, and Lateasha Meyers

‘Elevating Black Excellence’ the Focus of Tipping Point Student Success Summit

The event brings together the University community to explore data around student success and learn how innovations in teaching and support services can make a critical difference.

President Perez shares a laugh with a group of students on the first week of school after asking them their majors and what made them choose Chico.

President’s Column: 6 of My Favorite Moments from 2023

President Steve Perez reflects on his first six months on the job and shares some of his favorite moments.

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

Class Notes: Fall 2023

The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2023.

President Steve Perez runs through Expressions Dance team with raised pom poms as the campus community enjoys the Alumni and Family Weekend BBQ barbecue as part of Wildcat Weekend

We are Making a Good First Impression

A note from a parent after Wildcat Weekend impresses upon President Steve Perez the value of every interaction with prospective students and their families.

Anthony Costales runs during the 2023 Western States 100 while donning his Chico State cross country jersey.

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.