All Stories
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.
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.
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 and Sierra Nevada Brewery Quality Manager Kimberly Bacigalupo
Chemistry alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo is diversifying the brewing industry from the inside out.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Second Chance: Mathematics Alumna Calculates Her Own Path to Success
For recent graduate and future high school math teacher Taylor Anderson, the journey is the destination.
Distinguished Alumna, Motivational Speaker, and CEO Alycia Anderson
Alycia Anderson believes disability needs to be an important part of the DEI conversation. An international TEDx speaker and advocate, she works with global companies to expand what inclusion means in the workplace.
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.
Former Basketball Player Finds New Team in the Classroom
Basketball brought India Starr to Chico State, but the support she found here made the communication studies major want to stay.
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.
Gateway Science Museum Brings da Vinci’s Creations to Life
A new exhibition features an extensive collection of full-scale machines based on Leonardo's da Vinci’s designs.
Worth Sharing: Faculty-led Wildfire Research Published in Prestigious Journal
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.
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.
Research in the Aftermath of the Camp Fire Reveals the Threat of Wildfires on Water Quality
Critical research by faculty at Chico State, UC Boulder, and USGS aims to identify preventative insight during future wildfires.
Perseverance and Push from Professors Propel Future History Teacher
Tempted to return home during his first week at Chico State, Jorge Munguia Ramos not only stayed, but he found community and encouragement that helped him thrive.
Fond Farewell: Anthropology Professor Emerita and Museum Benefactor Valene L. Smith
Valene L. Smith was a world traveler, internationally renowned tourism expert, beloved professor, and esteemed benefactor and champion for the campus anthropology museum that today bears her name.
How To With President Perez: Baja Racing
This spring, President Steve Perez is going back to class in a series of how-to videos that explore the projects Chico State clubs and organizations are taking part in outside of the classroom.
Fond Farewell: Retired Assistant Librarian Doris Mann
Doris Mann, who worked as an assistant librarian at Chico State for 27 years before her retirement in 1995 passed away on November 25.
Vision Beyond Sight: College of Business Student’s Inspiring Journey
Despite being legally blind, Rawlins award winner Carter Lindstrom carries a 3.92 GPA and is a leader in many Chico State College of Business clubs.
Navigating International Paths and Markets: A Business Student’s Journey to a Rawlins Award
Nhung (Emma) Pham earned the Lt. Robert Merton Rawlins award for her achievements and leadership in Chico State's College of Business.
Worth Sharing: Professors and Students Impress on State, National, Global Levels
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.
Learning From Experiences, Nursing Major Forges Path to Success
Initially drawing inspiration from nursing students on campus, Marifren Francisco has created her own bright future through service-learning.
Graduate Student Breaking Through Doors Once Closed to Her
As an undocumented child, she grew up constantly being told no. Today, Mejia is working to make sure that kids in her community encounter more open doors than stop signs.
Hands-on Learning Helps Mold Graduate Student into SLP She Wants to Be
What began as Sierra Bowling's teenage interest in public speaking has become a passion for the budding speech-language pathologist.
Curiosity Has Set Double Physics Major On Successful Path
In the classroom, lab, and on the athletics track, Justin Craven is constantly growing through an open mind.
‘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.
Broad Horizons Ahead for Master’s Candidate in Legal Psychology
Arley Saldana enriches her life by trying new things—and brings this joyful approach to her research and work as a grad student en route to great things.
Chico State Names Leslie Cornick Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Known for her leadership, commitment to inclusivity, and innovative academic and student success initiatives, Cornick will start January 31.
Business Student Brainstorms to Build Bigger Market for Tribal Equestrian Park
Business administration major and Mechoopda Tribal member John Vigil found a way to blend his studies with his vision for an equestrian park as an expanding venture of the Tribe.
Worth Sharing: Chico State Honored for Online Excellence
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.
Biology Faculty’s Research Sets Foundation for Future Findings of Life’s Evolution
Biological Sciences faculty Gordon Wolfe's research on organisms that thrive in extreme conditions is getting new life.
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.
Our top images of 2023
University photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates have had a busy year, including photographing 633 assignments and capturing more than 28,000 photos.