Ashley Gebb

A proud alumna, Ashley Gebb (Journalism, '08; MA, Interdisciplinary Studies, '23) is the executive director of University Communications. She leads its exceptional communications team, manages the Chico State brand, and directs marketing, storytelling, and crisis communications.

Contact Ashley Gebb at agebb@csuchico.edu

Class Notes: Fall 2021

Whether it's starting a new business, writing a book, or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2021.

Maren Conrad stands with a paintbrush in front of one of her murals of flowers.

Muralist Transforms the Urban Landscape with Images of Beauty, Equity

Alumna Maren Conrad ('02) sees her murals as gifts to their communities. Many of the areas she has reclaimed were once alleyways, riddled with trash. Today, they are a destination.

An owl box is mounted to the side of a tree.

How To: Enlist Owls for Pest Control

Owls are natural predators against gophers and other burrowing animals—making your own owl home can help keep your yard free of pests.

Investor Sheds Light on Lyme with Nonprofit

As co-founder and chair of the LymeLight Foundation, Scott Bedford ('82) strives to provide financial assistance to individuals with Lyme disease.

A red maple leaf hangs in stark contrast to other green leaves on a tree.

Disaster-Focused Course Prepares Social Workers for the Future

A social work course centered in community healing uses the region's experience with the Camp Fire to educate the disaster case managers of the future.

Chase Suihkonen smiles on campus, standing in front of trees transformed with fall colors.

Camp Fire Scholarship Recipient Pays It Forward

After losing his home in the Camp Fire, Chase Suihkonen embraced the opportunity to attend Chico State so he could further his education while staying close to home to help his community recover.

Fond Farewell: Computer Science Professor Emeritus Bill Lane

Described as a pioneer in undergraduate education and a dedicated mentor to students, Bill Lane established the first computer science degree program in the California State University system.

Fond Farewell: Mathematics Professor Tom McCready

Tom McCready served two terms as department chair but his heart was always in the classroom, especially teaching future teachers about all things mathematics.

Fond Farewell: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Professor Robert Colwell

Robert Colwell had a progressive approach to teaching that introduced solar energy technology to the curriculum, promoted computer-based engineering, and built a cadre of diverse expert faculty.

Fond Farewell: Business Professor Emeritus George Johnson

An expert in management science, George Johnson led both as a dean and in the classroom as a professor.

Fond Farewell: Retired Director of Athletics Don Miller

Longtime coach Donald Miller is remembered by colleagues and former players for his respect and passion for student-athletes.

Fond Farewell: International Relations Professor Emeritus Jim Jacob

A renowned terrorism expert, Jim Jacob delighted in engaging students in political debates and teaching them about international relations.

Fond Farewell: Retired Dean of Students Sandy Parsons

Sandy Parsons was a steadfast advocate for students and a pillar in the disability community, advocating for and promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Fond Farewell: Political Science Professor Emeritus Bob Stanley

An accomplished scholar and impassioned educator, Bob Stanley was also known for his wit and ability to find humor in nearly everything.

Fond Farewell: Geological and Environmental Sciences Professor Emeritus Bill Murphy

Bill Murphy was nationally renowned for his expertise in geochemistry and geologic disposal of nuclear waste, and beloved by students and colleagues for his infectious curiosity.

Christine Wilhoyt poses with her bike next to a sign welcoming people to Colorado.

Alumna Bikes Across America to Raise Funds for K–12 Physical Education

Christine Wilhoyte (Exercise Physiology, '21) is biking 5,600 miles across the United States to raise funds for physical education in rural and underfunded schools.

Fond Farewell: Chemistry Professor Karl Voigtritter

Chemistry professor Karl Voigtritter was profusely enthusiastic about chemistry and eagerly shared his curiosity with his students.

Fond Farewell: Retired Spanish Professor Denise Minor

A curious intellectual with contagious enthusiasm, Denise Minor delighted in teaching Spanish and encouraging bilingualism in a joyful manner.

Inaugural Climate Fellows Share Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Two Native American students are teaching Traditional Ecological Knowledge to children as part of a pilot statewide fellowship focused on climate action.

Fond Farewell: Passing of Biological Sciences Professor Jay Bogiatto

Whether studying birds, teaching about them, hunting them, or searching for them on his travels, Jay Bogiatto adored ornithology and sharing that passion with students and colleagues.

Fond Farewell: Retired AS Staff Member Maggie Pattison

Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Maggie Pattison guided Associated Students officers in Robert’s Rules of Order, meeting decorum, and their authority and responsibility as elected officials.

Fond Farewell: Geography Professor Emeritus Ed Myles

Ed Myles shared his love for the South Pacific, Australia, and maps with his students for decades, while inspiring an interest in geography across the North State.

Tom and Melaine Taylor hold hands in front of a redwood tree on campus.

Alumna Goes the Extra Mile for Today’s Teachers

Melaine Taylor wants to ensure tomorrow's future educators have the tools they need to succeed at Chico State, in hopes it will further their passion in the profession.

Alumnus Advocates to End Systemic Racism in the Water Industry and Greater Society

As CEO of Santa Clara Valley Water District and president of the California-Hawaii chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rick Callender is just getting started.

Daisy Linsangan holds pieces of skull models in her hands in the anthropology lab.

Anthropology Major Casts Spotlight on Cultural Differences

Daisy Linsangan's passion for studying cultural differences has led her to forensic anthropology with a focus on social justice. By uncovering inequities, she hopes to be a voice for change.

Sean Nies uses a paintbrush to brush soil away from mastodon teeth.

Unearthing California’s Prehistoric Past

Geological and environmental sciences students and faculty are assisting on one of the biggest paleontological finds in state history.

A student walks past the Science Building in the evening light.

Science Takes Center Stage

This fall—three years after breaking ground— the new Science Building will open fully with more than 523 in-person class sessions serving thousands of students.

A Chico Sate baseball pitcher hurls a pitch toward a batter.

Wildcats Baseball Celebrates 125 Years of Success

Ever since its humble start in 1896, the baseball team has enjoyed a legacy of success—two national titles, numerous alumni advancing to the professional ranks, and winning the hearts of fans for generations.

Fond Farewell: Geological and Environmental Sciences Professor Karin Hoover

Karin Hoover was foundational in the hydrogeology discipline, and brought high standards and a good sense of humor to her work and the classroom.

Fond Farewell: Computer Animation and Game Development Major Charlotte Beyke

Charlotte Beyke filled sketchbooks with her art and was eager to pursue a career in computer animation and game development.

Fond Farewell: Biological Sciences Professor Emeritus David Kistner

A consummate entomologist and model teacher-scholar, David Kistner's achievements were recognized locally, nationally, and internationally.

Ralph Hilzer stands at the top of Mount Lassen.

Fond Farewell: Computer Science Professor Emeritus Ralph Hilzer

Ralph Hilzer left a legacy of three passions—teaching, computer science, and the outdoors—which he shared with students and colleagues alike.

Fond Farewell: Retired Advising and Orientation Administrator Bob Standing

During his 31-year tenure, Standing worked as director of advising and orientation, initiated academic advising services, and launched a comprehensive summer orientation program that was a model for campuses nationwide.

Trinity Hall's bell tower is visible through a cluster of spring blossoms.

Challenge Grant Program Embraced as Opportunity to Further Gifts’ Impact

By offering a 20 percent matching grant to new endowments, the University Foundation Board of Governors is raising funds to support areas across campus, with potential to raise more than $6 million.

portrait of Ginger Farrer in her campus office.

Fond Farewell: Anthropology Professor Emerita Ginger Farrer

Ginger Farrer was internationally renowned in the study of celestial phenomena and its relation to cultural rituals, and shared her enthusiasm with anthropology with thousands of students.

Fond Farewell: Retired Student Affairs Staff Member Cari Phipps

Cari Phipps was known for her skills and leadership in her work, but she made an even greater impression for her empathy, compassion, and kind spirit.

Portrait of Pat Patterson in his campus office with bookshelves behind him.

Fond Farewell: Retired Counselor Pat Patterson

Known for his intellect and charisma, Pat "Dr. P" Patterson mentored thousands of students during his 31-year career, pushing them to not give up on their dreams.

Fond Farewell: Health Science Major Kevin Gallegos Lopez

As a DACA student, Kevin Gallegos was proud to be pursuing the American Dream and his goal of working with children who have special needs.

John Sutthoff sits in a chair reading a paper in a bowtie and newsboy cap.

Fond Farewell: Passing of Journalism Professor Emeritus John Sutthoff

John Sutthoff's legacies include serving as the executive assistant for three University presidents, designing what is today's College of Communication and Education, and launching public radio and TV for the North State.

Fond Farewell: Distinguished Alumnus and Philanthropist Glen Toney

Glen Toney’s life is characterized by his reputation as an outstanding business executive, prominent community leader, volunteer extraordinaire, philanthropist, and major supporter of numerous boards and community organizations.