Ancestorial Land in Butte Creek Canyon Returned to the Mechoopda Tribe

Andrew StaplesSeptember 23, 2022

In the first agreement of its kind in the state, ownership and management of the 93-acre Butte Creek Ecological Preserve has been transferred from Chico State Enterprises to the Mechoopda Indian Tribe.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

Disaster-Focused Course Prepares Social Workers for the Future

Ashley GebbNovember 9, 2021

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.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FirePrograms

Paradise Continues to Rebuild and Evolve Three Years After the Camp Fire

Chico StateNovember 8, 2021

Three years after the Camp Fire scattered the residents of Paradise, the town continues its rebuilding process—while also evolving.

All StoriesCamp FireMultimediaPeopleResearchScience and EnvironmentVoices

Camp Fire Scholarship Recipient Pays It Forward

Ashley GebbNovember 8, 2021

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.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Construction Management Furthers Contributions to Honey Run Covered Bridge Rebuild

Ashley GebbNovember 12, 2020

Students and faculty remain a driving force in the rebuild of the Honey Run Covered Bridge, lost to the Camp Fire in 2018.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FirePrograms

‘One Day at a Time’

Ashley GebbNovember 8, 2020

Five Wildcats Rise Fire Recovery Fund grant recipients share stories of what their journeys have been like since November 8, 2018.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleProfiles

Camp Fire Survivor Finds Confidence Through a Stranger’s Generosity

Ashley GebbNovember 6, 2020

Realizing someone she didn't know was rooting for her success empowered Jenessa Ramirez to believe in herself.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Mapping Lab Takes Closer Look at Population Displaced by Camp Fire

Sean MurphyNovember 5, 2020

As a team of Chico State researchers continues to study the initial movements of those displaced by the Camp Fire, as well as where they are now, their findings are revealing.

All StoriesCamp FireResearch

Chico State to Join Greater Community in Camp Fire Remembrance

Chico StateNovember 4, 2020

At 11:08 a.m. November 8, the Trinity Hall bells will chime to begin 85 seconds of silence commemorating the 85 lives lost in the Camp Fire, with the bells chiming once again to conclude the remembrance.

All StoriesCamp Fire

Preeminent Anthropologist Earns Honors for Service

Ashley GebbJanuary 27, 2020

An international expert in the recovery of human remains, Eric Bartelink has earned statewide honors for his exemplary dedication and achievements.

All StoriesAwards and HonorsCamp FireExcellenceGalleriesNewsPeopleProfiles

Engineering for a Better Tomorrow

Ashley GebbDecember 18, 2019

Whether focused on clean drinking water or eliminating single-use plastics, engineering students spent the last year tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FireExcellenceGalleriesProgramsResearchTechnology and Engineering

Planning a New Paradise

Amanda RhineNovember 15, 2019

Marketing graduate students partner with the not-for-profit Rebuild Paradise Foundation to help resolve how to bring businesses and residents back to Paradise.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FirePrograms

Engineering an Icon

Ashley GebbNovember 14, 2019

Students and faculty within the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management are key players in the rebuild of the Honey Run Covered Bridge and adjacent caretaker home.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FireExcellencePhilanthropyPrograms

The Long Process of Healing and Recovery

Chico StateNovember 13, 2019

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Judith Thompson reflects on the immediate and ongoing trauma Camp Fire survivors continue to experience—and how to support healing.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleVoices

Reimagining What Home Looks Like

Ashley GebbNovember 12, 2019

Interior architecture students are designing a series of floor plans to help residents rebuild affordable, fire-resistant homes in the Camp Fire footprint.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FireExcellencePrograms

Feeding a Grieving Community

Sean MurphyNovember 9, 2019

While recreation administration students volunteer to feed meals for Paradise residents, they're also witnessing a community coming together.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Phoenix Takes Flight

Sean MurphyNovember 8, 2019

With help of 14,000 keys representing losses in the Camp Fire, alumna Jess Mercer created a statue she hopes will be both a tribute and an inspiration.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleProfiles

Wildcats Rising

Ashley GebbNovember 8, 2019

Three students share how they are moving forward in the wake of the Camp Fire, with support of a Strada Wildcats Rise Scholarship.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

After Paradise: One Year Later

Chico StateNovember 8, 2019

In this special episode of “After Paradise,” North State Public Radio commemorates the year anniversary of the Camp Fire by focusing on where we are now and opportunities for growth.

All StoriesCamp Fire

Mapping a Displaced Population

Chico StateNovember 7, 2019

New maps from an interdisciplinary team of researchers begin to reveal the how, why, and where Camp Fire survivors have moved.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePolitics and SocietyResearchVoices

Transforming Recovery into Revival

Chico StateNovember 6, 2019

Junior Baylie Hammitt reflects on how she and students in "Special Event Planning and Operation" helped plan, market, and host the Paradise Revival Festival.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleVoices

Water Contamination Goes Under the Microscope

Sarah KearbeyNovember 5, 2019

A team of faculty and student researchers is examining the magnitude of water contamination that resulted from the Camp Fire, as well as public health and environmental implications.

All StoriesCamp FireExcellenceResearchScience and Environment

A Heart for Caring

Sean MurphyNovember 4, 2019

Senior Brittany Spade's work as the Camp Fire community liaison intern aligns her insatiable drive to help with her aspirations as a recreation administration major.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleProfiles

From the President: Reflections on the Camp Fire Anniversary

Gayle HutchinsonNovember 4, 2019

President Gayle Hutchinson reflects on the University's recovery and resilience since the Camp Fire and looks forward to our continued role as a neighbor and partner.

All StoriesCamp FireMessages from LeadershipNews

‘This Is Not Where It Ends’

Ashley GebbNovember 1, 2019

With the Camp Fire anniversary approaching, five Wildcat survivors update us in their own words on their ongoing challenges and glimmers of hope.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeopleVoices

The Camp Fire’s Forgotten Communities

Sean MurphyOctober 31, 2019

In chronicling the stories of survivors, the Camp Fire Oral History Project has captured the challenges of recovery among the most rural populations.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPolitics and SocietyResearch

Destroyed Piano Plays on in Student Scholarships

Sarah KearbeyOctober 29, 2019

The family of legendary professor C. Robert Laxson donated the insurance payout for a cherished heirloom lost in the Camp Fire to an endowment for music students.

All StoriesCamp FirePhilanthropy

One Year Later and 3,000 Miles Away

Savannah ShulerOctober 29, 2019

Savannah Anderson (English, '19) reflects on how Chico State's compassion and community in the wake of the Camp Fire are a presence in her life across the country.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeopleVoices

5 Questions with Alumnus Matt Fidler

Sean MurphyOctober 17, 2019

Matt Fidler (Music, ’01) is a producer at NSPR, and recently produced a five-part podcast series titled "California Burning."

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleVoices

85 Seconds of Silence

Gayle HutchinsonOctober 9, 2019

President Gayle Hutchinson shares details on the University's participation in a community-wide remembrance of the lives lost in the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FireMessages from LeadershipNews

NSPR’s ‘California Burning’ Tracks Wildfire History, Science and Solutions

Sean MurphySeptember 24, 2019

“California Burning”—a podcast series and five-part radio documentary produced by NSPR—explores the history, science, and solutions to California wildfires.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

Artist Discovers Keys to Healing

Sean MurphyJuly 17, 2019

Community means everything to alum Jess Mercer. So when the Camp Fire destroyed most of hers, she was driven to help, however she could.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleProfiles

5 Questions with Alumna Sarah Bohannon

Sean MurphyJuly 11, 2019

When Sarah Bohannon (Journalism, '13) began covering the Camp Fire for North State Public Radio, the already-accomplished news director was about to embark on a new project: the National Edward R. Murrow Award-winning program "After Paradise."

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeopleVoices

Warriors Against Wildfire

Ashley GebbJuly 9, 2019

At the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, action to temper and prevent devastating wildfires has been taking place for 20 years.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesResearchScience and Environment

NSPR Wins National Broadcast Award for Camp Fire Reporting

Sean MurphyJune 19, 2019

The NSPR news team has been recognized with a National Edward R. Murrow Award for “After Paradise.”

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

Alum Shows Her Skills on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Chico StateMay 28, 2019

Whether on the ropes course at Chico State or cliff diving around the world, Camp Fire survivor Cheyenne Arrington (Exercise Physiology, '18) is not one to let obstacles get in her way.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeopleProfiles

A Virtual Vision of Recovery

Travis SoudersMay 20, 2019

With state-of-the-art technology and fast-paced research, students preserved a virtual scan of the historic Honey Run Covered Bridge—and it may help bring it back.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesTechnology and Engineering

Faculty Member Leads as Camp Fire Liaison

Sean MurphyMay 13, 2019

As Chico State takes an active role in Camp Fire recovery, someone needs to lead the way: Megan Kurtz accepted the challenge.

All StoriesCamp FireExcellencePeopleProfiles

A Calling to Help

Sean MurphyMay 7, 2019

Katie Rosauer found her calling through trial and error. And now that she has, she's committed to helping those around her in need.

All StoriesCamp FireExcellencePeopleProfiles

From Now On

Ashley GebbMay 7, 2019

Five students, faculty, and staff who lost their homes in the Camp Fire share how their lives have changed since that fateful morning. Each has their own challenges and hopes for the future.

All StoriesCamp FireGalleriesPeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

A Stronger Sense of Space

Savannah ShulerMay 3, 2019

Master’s candidate Mary Gibaldi focused her English studies on the subject of space in literary worlds while discovering her own new expression of “home.”

All StoriesCamp FireExcellenceHumanitiesPeopleProfiles

When Community Calls

Sean MurphyMay 2, 2019

The local foundation Alexa Benson-Valavanis shaped to support area nonprofits suddenly went global last fall as one of the main places to donate during the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FireExcellencePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Class Notes: Spring 2019

Chico StateApril 25, 2019

For the spring 2019 issue of the alumni magazine Chico Statements, our alums shared their stories of bravery, good deeds, and recovery both during and after the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FirePeopleProfiles

The Search for What Remains

Ashley GebbApril 23, 2019

Leading the nation's largest recovery effort since 9/11, Chico State's Human Identification Laboratory responded to the Camp Fire for the crucial, yet daunting task of searching for human remains.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FireProgramsResearchScience and Environment

How To: Help Someone in Pain

Chico StateMarch 29, 2019

How do you speak to a loved one has experienced loss or trauma? Psychology professor and therapist Kyle Horst offers some tips.

All StoriesCamp FireHealth and WellnessResearchVoices

StoryCenter to Document Community’s Stories of Resilience During CSU, Chico Visit

Sean MurphyMarch 27, 2019

In partnership with the Butte County Library, storytelling platform StoryCenter will visit Chico State's Meriam Library March 28 to collect and record stories from the community about the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

Next-Level News

Travis SoudersMarch 25, 2019

In the crisis of the Camp Fire, The Orion reporters were not only learning the job on the fly, but providing critical updates to their community.

AcademicsAll StoriesAwards and HonorsCamp FireExcellencePrograms

Wildcat Returns to Wild

Ashley GebbFebruary 15, 2019

A rehabilitated bobcat that suffered fifth-degree burns in the Camp Fire was released to its new home at the University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

All StoriesCamp Fire

Wildcats Rise Supports Hundreds of Students, Employees

Sean MurphyJanuary 23, 2019

The Wildcats Rise Fire Recovery Fund has distributed more than $661,000 to 534 students, faculty, and staff impacted by wildfire since early November.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropyUniversity News

Planting Hope, Harvesting Joy

Sarah DeForestDecember 21, 2018

For their final project, "Agricultural Leadership" students raised more than $35,000 in toys, blankets, backpacks, gift cards, and other gifts for schools and families directly impacted by the Camp Fire.

AcademicsAll StoriesCamp FirePhilanthropyPrograms

Alum Brings Healing with #ButteStrong Design

Sean MurphyDecember 20, 2018

It took Chico State alum Zac Acker less than three minutes to sketch out the design, & when he posted it on the 12 Volt Tattoo Facebook page, it was clear the #ButteStrong design was a remembrance for what Paradise residents had lost in the Camp Fire—as well as what it still had.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Beer-Crafting Alums Respond With Resilience

Travis SoudersDecember 18, 2018

Answering the call to raise money for the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, brewers from across the country have signed on to sell Resilience, an IPA crafted from donated ingredients and packaged in Sierra Nevada cans.

All StoriesCamp FirePhilanthropy

Faculty Act to Care for Animals

Ashley GebbDecember 17, 2018

Whether working with official groups or tapped by their colleagues to help, faculty members were among volunteers who rushed to support animal rescue efforts after the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

From the President: Recounting the Camp Fire

Gayle HutchinsonDecember 12, 2018

President Gayle Hutchinson reflects on the Camp Fire, as well as how we will rise as a community to recover and rebuild.

All StoriesCamp FireMessages from LeadershipNews

Camp Fire Survivors: In Their Own Words

Travis SoudersDecember 11, 2018

Seven Camp Fire survivors opened up about their escapes, their lives since the fire broke out, and the ongoing challenges they face. Here are their accounts, in their own words, as shared for #WeAreChico.

All StoriesCamp FireMultimediaVoices

Chico State Cyclists Circle up to Help Teammate

Sean MurphyDecember 10, 2018

Some teammates are just teammates. But when one member of the Chico State Cycling Team asked for help building a line break around his home as the Camp Fire marched through the foothills, his teammates didn’t hesitate to help.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropy

Chico State Greeks Join Forces to Provide For Evacuees

Travis SoudersDecember 7, 2018

With Phi Kappa Tau leading the way in rounding up donations, Chico State fraternities and sororities came together with a big day-one donation drive to provide for evacuees and victims of the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FirePhilanthropy

Teachers Help Teachers Color Classrooms with Love

Ashley GebbDecember 5, 2018

School of Education students joined educators from across Butte County to Color a Classroom with Love, providing Paradise teachers who lost their classrooms in the Camp Fire with a start on the supplies they need to resume teaching.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropy

Students Care for Evacuees’ Physical and Mental Wellness

Sean MurphyDecember 4, 2018

Dozens of cots lined East Avenue Church in tidy rows, a stark contrast to the chaos from which Camp Fire evacuees fled. Every face reflected the effects of exhaustion mixed with terror, the air of uncertainty as thick as the smoke outside.

All StoriesCamp FirePeoplePhilanthropyProfiles

Student Team Lends a Hand to Help Livestock

Ashley GebbNovember 30, 2018

Combining love of agriculture with large animal expertise, the Livestock Judging Team cleaned pens and fed donkeys, horses, llamas and other creatures displaced by the Camp Fire.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropy

Harnessing the Power of Purchasers

Ashley GebbNovember 28, 2018

Chico State purchasing staff put their unique expertise to work for the county's Camp Fire taskforce responsible for sourcing, buying, and paying for critical supplies.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropyUniversity News

Feeding Those Affected by the Flames

Sean MurphyNovember 27, 2018

The nonprofit World Central Kitchen has served up thousands of meals for Camp Fire first responders and evacuees—efforts fueled by Chico State volunteers.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropyUniversity News

Creating Comfort and Order out of Chaos

Ashley GebbNovember 23, 2018

When a group of Chico State students found a Camp Fire evacuation shelter in need of aid to track those in its care who were displaced, establish a medical records system, and help with filling prescriptions, they launched into action.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPeoplePhilanthropyUniversity News

Answering the Call for Care

Travis SoudersNovember 20, 2018

In the wake of the Camp Fire, all volunteers are being routed through the nonprofit Caring Choices. Students, employees, and alumni are helping lead the charge of vetting and assigning applicants where they are needed most.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsPhilanthropy

CSU, Chico Rises to Support Campus and Greater Community Directly Impacted by the Camp Fire

Sean MurphyNovember 14, 2018

Chico State is working to understand and address the impact of current wildfires on the heart of its institution—students, faculty, and staff—as well as provide mutual aid to emergency responders.

All StoriesCamp FireNewsUniversity News

The Rise of Megafires

Ashley GebbNovember 5, 2018

As wildfires grow faster, larger, and more deadly every day, alumni and faculty share professional and personal perspectives on what’s happening, why, and how we can respond.

All StoriesCamp FireEditor's PicksResearchScience and Environment