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We see President Steve Perez addressing a crowd during the California College Guidance Initiative workshop.

Strengthening North State Student Pathways

President Perez unveils the California College Guidance Initiative and Impact Day, two initiatives that strengthen our position as the university of choice for students in the North State.

A graphic headshot of Luisa Garza set against a gray background.

Groundsworker Emerita Luisa Garza Honored for Impact on Campus, Community

Luisa Garza's passion for sustainable methods and knowledge of horticulture implemented widespread change across campus.

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

Wildcat Conversations: Campus, Community Leaders on What’s Working to Address Student Housing Insecurity

In a new episode of Wildcat Conversations, we talk with leaders at the University's Basic Need’s Rapid Re-housing Program, a leader in the CSU for its comprehensive support of students who need safe housing.

Claudia Ruiz wears a two-piece burgundy suit and pink blouse as she is photographed in the School of Nursing's state-of-the-art simulation center on campus.

Healing the Gap: Alumna Aims to Empower Latinx Community

As a physician dedicated to helping the Latino community, Claudia Ruiz is the role model she wished she had growing up.

A view of Kendall Hall at Chico State.

Chico State to Sign Historic MOUs with Seven North State Community Colleges to Support Transfer Student Success

Chico State and seven North State community colleges are set to sign Memoranda of Understanding, facilitating streamlined transfer pathways and guaranteed admission for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Chico State, aiming to simplify the transition and support transfer student success within the region.

Terri Davis

Professor Emerita Transformed Special Education at Chico State and Beyond

During 25 years at Chico State, Teresa Davis influenced special education at the local and international level, with strong influence on teacher training.

North State educators gather for a two-day training to learn more about how to implement the Wildcat Guarantee.

Wildcat Guarantee Kicks Off with Education Partners Across the North State

Agreement guarantees region's students a place at their local CSU—Chico State—if they satisfy system admissions requirements by high school graduation and apply.

Jim Postma

Chemistry Professor Emeritus Honored for Scholarly Contributions, Impact on Campus

Jim Postma was a strong advocate for K-12 education, improved guidelines for community college transfers to the CSU, and was a scholar and research chemist.

Joe Crotts

Librarian Emeritus Honored for Contributions to University’s Cartography Collection, Library

Cartography expert Joe Crotts helped Chico State build one of the most comprehensive map collections in the CSU system.

Wearing a green sweater and black pants, Kirsten Welch rests her arm on a rail while she poses for a photo outdoors.

Graduating Seniors Share Their Stories: Undeterred by Rejection, Engineering Major Finds Success

Kirsten Welch's perseverance and hands-on experience landed her the internship of her dreams at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

A summer night sky above a lit-up academic building

Fond Farewell: Retired Facilities Employee Steven Blackman

Remembered for his hearty laugh, retired facilities employee Steven Blackman was a lifelong music lover, adventure seeker, and taught himself to play guitar.

Dan Ostrander in his home office, surrounded by books, framed artifacts and photos, and autographed memarobilia.

Get A Close Look at the Lives of Former Presidents of the United States on May 3 

As an orator, educator, and historian, Dan Ostrander has worked closely with nine US presidents, some of whom became his friends. On Friday, May 3, he'll share his experiences with a presentation titled: The Presidency: A Close Look at the Lives of Former Presidents of the United States.

Dave Ferguson

Visionary Staff Member Honored for Leadership of Programs for Historically Underserved Students

Transforming Upward Bound into TRIO, Dave Ferguson created one of the most robust social mobility programs in the nation.

Daniel Rodriguez (left) helps Robert Clement (center) and Rebecca Mitchell (right) install carbon-capture towers at the university farm.

Sponsored Programs Showcase Celebrates Innovative Research

The community is invited to learn more about the University's grant-funded research projects at the inaugural Sponsored Programs Showcase on Monday, April 15.

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

Wildcat Conversations: Wine Industry Experts on Inclusion, Gen Z Marketing, and Sustainability

In a new episode of Wildcat Conversations, we learn how consumers can play a role in advancing equity, hear about the latest trends, and learn some new varietals you might want to try.    

Gary McMahon

Ardent Advocate for Historically Underserved Students Honored for Innovation, Contributions

Gary McMahon was impassioned about supporting low-income and first-generation college students with advising, peer mentoring, and a place for community.

Portrait of Guadalupe Carolina Vasquez, posing on the grounds of a preschool in a white jacket.

Graduating Seniors Share Their Stories: Finding Support, Community, and Calling in BSS

Through the Camp Fire and then the pandemic, graduating senior Guadalupe Carolina Vazquez has tapped into positive influences to create her own vision for the future.

Chico State baseball fan John Brownell pictured in his regular spot at Nettleton Stadium, at the bottom of Section 201.

Much More Than A Super Fan

The bond between John Brownell and the Chico State baseball team is one of the great stories in collegiate athletics.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Construction Management Major Sam Engel

Sam Engel was an enthusiastic and bright-eyed participant in all his classes, no matter the subject, and brought a similar joy to all his relationships.

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

Wildcat Conversations, Episode 1: The Future of 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.

A student volunteer wearing light gardening gloves is lowering a native plant into the ground.

Climate Resilience Event Coming to Chico State

Chico State and the Butte Resilience Collaborative are hosting a 2-day climate change and resilience symposium and expo, on March 28-29, 2024 in Colusa Hall.

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

Fond Farewell: Professor Emerita Margaret Mary Bierly

Colleagues recall Professor Emerita Margaret Bierly as a force of positivity on campus, building strong friendships with fellow faculty members and collaborating well with colleagues across departments.

A rainbow flashes its colors behind Colusa Hall as a student walks down a sidewalk soaked by recent rains.

Some of Our Favorite Spring Images

Some of our favorite spring 2024 photographs, captured by University photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates.

A hardcopy of Our Migrant Souls sits on a chair in dramatic lighting.

Powerful Narrative Addressing Concept of What It Means to Be ‘Latino’ Chosen for 2024–25 Book in Common

Héctor Tobar’s “Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of ‘Latino,’” works to decode the meaning of ‘Latino’ as a racial and ethnic identity in the modern United States and gives voice to the anger and hopes of younger Latinx people.

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!

Portraits of Madison Gillen, Rafael Fogo, and Millie Kinnamont.

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.

Brandy Huffhines rises to shoot over a leaping defender in this artistic double-image photo.

Double the Dancing! Watch the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament This Week

Chico State is doing double the dancing this March! The women’s and men’s basketball teams both earned berths in the NCAA Championship Tournament beginning Friday.

A graphic showing President Perez in overalls and milking a cow, with the headline "How to Milk a Cow."

How to with President Perez: Milk a Cow

In this latest episode, President Perez heads to the University Farm to join up with the Organic Dairy Unit (and Franny) to find out all about our dairy production program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An athlete in a Chico State track uniform prepares to throw a javelin.

Josie Peterson Takes Aim at Chico State’s Record Books

Josie Peterson, a former standout in multiple sports, launched the fifth-longest javelin throw in Chico State's history, igniting a fantastic season and setting her sights on further goals.

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.

President's Perez sits with his back to the camera, wearing a red jacket with 'Chico State' written in bold white letters.

President’s Column: Chico State is Strong and Resilient

President Perez discusses Chico State's bright future and how our campus community is doing to ensure it. 

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.

Black and white photo illustration of Norman Tu with the words: 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

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.

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.

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 graphic showing the headshots of all 11 recipients of the Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients.

Celebrating Our 2024 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients

From technology specialists and intensive care nurses to those serving multiple communities, these are the 2023-24 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients—the best of the best at Chico State.