Luke Reid

Luke Reid (History, '04; Kinesiology, '09) is a content producer for University Communications.

Chico State cross country student-athlete Dylan White raises his hands in triumph as he crosses the finish line as the 2023 CCAA individual champion

Legends Rising and Records Falling: Chico State Athletics off to Scorching Start

Another fantastic fall for the Chico State Department of Athletics is ending, culminating in two more California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) titles, several NCAA Championship berths, and excitement for what’s still to come. Records have fallen and legends have risen, and the year has only just begun! Here are some of the highlights.

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.

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.

Adrian Fontanelli poses for a portrait with a soccer ball between his left arm and hip.

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.

Crash Course: The Good Life Vs. The End of the World

Two GE courses offered by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts evoke very different ideas: one of existential dread and the other enlightenment and happiness. Yet both encourage students to ask some of life’s age-old questions.

Text across the top reads: "Northern California Horizons The Reed Applegate Collection. Portrait below of Reed Applegate with collared shirt illustrated with some of the prints from his collection. Photo illustration designed by Anna Olesen.

Applegate’s Exceptional Print Collection on Display at the Turner

Members of the public are invited to the opening reception on September 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the ARTS Building.

Thomas DuSell stands next to the larger, lighted stop sign he pushed to have installed at the crosswalk along Warner Street and Ivy Street. The science building is in the background.

Celebrating Thomas DuSell: Campus Safety Award Winner, and So Much More

When he noticed a thorny traffic issue, Chico State Rose Garden specialist Thomas DuSell lobbied for an important change that would keep students and staff safe.

Inspired by His Parents, Vang Perseveres to Earn Master’s Degree

John Vang faced several challenges as he pursued a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree from Chico State. But when he questioned whether he was up for the task, he only had to look to his parents, Xae Chon and Mai Xiong, for the inspiration he needed to push forward.

Joseph James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe (right) speaks as and Arthur Garcia, Cultural Resource Manager and Tribal Elder of the Wintu Tribe, looks on. The Kapusta 1B project, a new Sacramento River side channel approximately ½ mile long (2,365 feet) created for salmanoid spawning habitat is behind them.

New Channel Teeming With Fish Thanks to Impressive Teamwork

The Kapusta Open Space Side Channel is teeming with tiny fish thanks to a massive team effort spearheaded by Chico State Enterprises and managed by the North State Planning and Development Collective.

Eriberto Hernandez leads students from local high schools on a campus tour during a meeting of The League.

The League Paves Pathways of Possibilities for Local Youth

The League changes the lives of local high school students. Just ask Markel Hardman and Kanye Parham, who just completed their first year of college and are now part of a push to make its impact even greater.

Grad Student and Horror Fan LEAPs into Editing and Publishing

Horror publisher Benjamin Vandersluis credits Chico State’s “killer” English Department for expanding his view of the genre and sparking his love for literary editing and publishing.

Raquel Krach sits on a rock wall with trees and shrubs in the background.

Grad Student Farmer Grows Case for Marrying Agriculture With the Natural World

With her master’s thesis—a collaborative effort to study the effects of agroecology on her almond farm—Chico State graduate student Raquel Krach confirmed what the birds have been telling her. It’s working!

Zion Brigham on a bridge over Big Chico Creek with lush greenery behind him.

Life of Hard Work Pays Off for Agricultural Business Major

Zion Brigham says coming to Chico State: “felt like going from a black and white TV to full color.” He graduates in May with an agricultural business degree and a clear vision for what’s ahead.

Three men pose for a photo on a soccer field, while the man in the middle holds a memorial plaque in his hands.

Pitch-Perfect Wildcats

Thirteen sets of siblings have donned the cardinal and white of the Wildcats, and the men's soccer program’s legacy is becoming intergenerational.

Gaby Saxon poses in the costume shop, where she works.

Soon-to-be Theatre Arts Graduate Has Played a Starring Role Offstage

Gaby Saxon has spent four years at Chico State telling outstanding stories, all while using her growing voice and passion for social justice to create one of the most compelling stories of all—her own!

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!

Mia Mendoza and Chico State Women's Soccer Coach Kim Sutton pose and smile in the women's soccer office.

Title IX at 50: Current Wildcat Calling Attention to Women Who Paved the Way

The legacy of Title IX at Chico State is filled with stories of inspiring women. Mia Mendoza knows many of them by heart after spending this year sharing them with Chico State’s student-athletes and fans to honor the 50th anniversary of the landmark legislation.

Casey Donoho pictured at a graduation ceremony.

Fond Farewell: Business Professor Emeritus Casey Donoho

Business Professor Emeritus Casey Donoho is remembered for his passion for ethics and his others-centered approach.

Chico State assistant coach Kat Benton-Laezza (right) and #6 Susanna Garcia (left) watch the action while being followed by a documentary crew during the Wildcats’ soccer match against Cal Poly Humboldt.

Soccer Programs Win Big on Small Screen

The Chico State women's and men's soccer programs shine in episode four of The Rivalries, a documentary series produced for the LG Championships channel available to watch now.

Religious Studies Alumna Provides ‘Ministry of Presence’

One of the crucial steps along Kelly Ann Nelson's path to being present with others in pain was the religious studies education she earned at Chico State.

Jerry Miguel and his grandson on a blue tractor in an orchard.

Fond Farewell: Retired University Farm Mechanic Jerry Miguel

Jerry Miguel, University Farm mechanic for nearly 30 years, is remembered for all his tools—those he held in his hands, as well as his heart, spirit, and mind.

Delaney Sarantopulos poses in a blue suit.

Introducing Delaney Sarantopulos: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

A "roll-of-the-dice" decision to attend Chico State came up aces for Delaney Sarantopulos and the University, which has benefited greatly from her service-based leadership.

Introducing Peyton Arnold: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Peyton Arnold has studied the impacts of feeding cover crops to livestock and served as vice president of the Chico State Sheep Association, but she's most passionate about poultry.

Natalie Hernandez, Abraham Trujillo, Gabby Medina Falzone, Daisy Rolon, and Oscar Cisneros-Magana on stage in Trinity Commons with a pride flag in the foreground.

Aux Talks Strikes a Chord for Connection

Sing. Laugh. Dance. Connect. Experience the power of the aux cord Thursday from 2–3 p.m. in Trinity Commons. It's Aux Talks and it's a whole lot of fun!

Manraj Singh Randhawa poses in a gray suit.

Introducing Manraj Singh Randhawa: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Nursing student Manraj Singh Randhawa has a grand vision for his life. The Yuba City Sikh community, the Chico State School of Nursing, and more, are reaping the benefits of that vision.

Distinguished alum, CEO, and scientist, Thomas Butler

Distinguished Alum, Scientist, and CEO Thomas Butler

Thomas Butler found his passion in a Chico State lab. Today, he's the CEO of a company creating medicines designed to attack cancer and diabetes.

An Acorn Woodpecker carries a snack in its beak while perching on a branch in Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

The Birds Are Calling to You

Pssst. Pssst! The Bushtits and Spotted Towhees are trying to get your attention. Give it to them for a little while. You won't regret it.

Creek waters flow on a college campus with a tree canopy hanging overhead.

Fond Farwell: Physical Education Professor Emeritus Betty Best

After more than three decades of teaching and coaching, Betty Best is remembered by her students and peers as a gifted educator, loyal friend, and talented competitor.

Narcippa Teague poses with his daughters Lisa and Lizette, who are each holding a copy of the book Teague wrote about their experiences together. The full front cover of the book is shown at right.

5 Questions with Author, Alum, and Superhero While he Sleeps, Narcippa Teague

Chico State graduate and former men's basketball player Narcippa Teague shares about his new children's book and new outlook on life.

Alumni William "Chris" Park, a marriage and family therapist, is photographed in front of his desk and bookshelf in his Chico office.

5 Questions with Alum and Marriage and Family Therapist Chris Park

Marriage and family therapist Chris Park shares his appreciation for his Chico State education and provides a glimpse into his experiences as an MFT.

Gretta Kirkby and two of her fellow interns pose in gloves, lab coats, masks, and face shields.

Student-Athlete Captures CalHOPE Courage Award

Gretta Kirkby, winner of the CalHOPE Courage Award, is using the opportunity to remind her peers to reach out for help if they need it.

Max Cordeiro, Chico State’s inaugural Human Resources Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Recruitment and Retention Specialist, poses on the patio outside of Laxson Auditorium. He is smiling joyfully and wearing a yellow Hawaiin-style collared shirt featuring blue and orange flowers. Kendall Hall and lush green plants are in the background.

New HR Specialist Advances Campus EDI Goals

College opened Maximilian “Max” Cordeiro's world. He's working to create similar experiences for others as Chico State’s inaugural Human Resources EDI Specialist.

A person reaching into a container full of yellow onions and grabbing one.

Basket Brigade One of Many Opportunities To Volunteer This Month

Wednesday night's Basket Brigade is one of many opportunities to pitch in and make a difference in the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving.

Yellow and red roses bloom in the foreground with academic buildings in the background.

Fond Farewell: Chico State Enterprises Grants and Contracts Analyst Tara Becraft

Known for her problem-solving, crafting, and kindness, Tara Becraft brought joy to those she worked with in Chico State Enterprises.

Dr. Robert "Bob" Thomas shown running competitively, which was one of his many passions.

Fond Farewell: Biology Professor Emeritus Robert Thomas

Dr. Robert “Bob” Thomas was known as an excellent colleague, friend, teacher, and researcher.

Luke Barker throws a pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Voyage Marked by Strong Arm, Strong Voice

Luke Barker’s focus has been on making it to the big leagues, but when he spotted some serious inequities, he decided to say something.

Susanna Garcia stands in a circle of soccer players who are standing arm in arm, getting pumped up at the start of a game.

Soccer Player Susanna Garcia Leads on the Pitch and in the Classroom

And as she returns to lead the Wildcats in her fifth and final season, Sanna Garcia earned one of only nine All-America honors in the program's storied history.

Chico State Alum Luke Barker Poses on a baseball field in his Milwaukee Brewers uniform

Chico State Alum Barker is a Big Leaguer!

Former Chico State All-American baseball player Luke Barker has been called up to the major leagues by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kevin Warren dribbles between two members of the Cal State East Bay team.

Basketball Player’s Success a Slam Dunk in Classroom and the Court

The most decorated student-athlete in Chico State’s men’s basketball history, Kevin Warren will graduate this spring with a master’s in communication studies.

Malik Duffy holds a basketball between his hands with dramatic lighting behind him.

Basketball Star Makes a Difference On, Off the Court

Malik Duffy has built himself into one of the top Division II men’s basketball players on the West Coast while also having a calming, supportive impact on his Wildcat peers.