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Excellence

Lecturer Tess Manley is wearing glasses and a light blue sweater, smiling against a chalkboard backdrop.

Child Development Lecturer a Beacon of Hope in the Community and Inspiration to Students 

Theresa “Tess” Manley walks the walk as a lecturer in the child development department, bringing decades of experience and professionalism to her role.

President Steve Perez, Executive Athletic Director Anita Barker, Assistant Athletic Director Brian Ceccon, and Faculty Athletic Representative Matt Thomas (left to right) take a group photo as the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) awarded Chico State Intercollegiate Athletics with the 2023-24 Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Wins Seventh Commissioner’s Cup

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

The exterior of the science building includes large windows and native plant landscaping.

Chico State’s Science Building Wins Education Facility Design Award

Chico State’s Science Building has been honored by the American Institute of Architects.

Ben Seipel posed for portrait in front of a chalkboard

Professor’s Compassion, ‘Collaborative Spirit’ Creates Sense of Community in School of Education

With his warmth, empathy, and quick wit, Ben Seipel has brought a strong sense of community to the School of Education.

Streamers fall over a large group of college graduates during a commencement ceremony.

Chico State Named One of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine

Once again, Chico State has landed a spot in Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 with 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars.

Kristen Gorman poses in front of her class.

Science and Support: Kristen Gorman’s Holistic Approach to Mentorship at Chico State

The Gorman Lab in Holt Hall is more than just a place where students become familiar with research and prepare for their careers; it’s a tight-knit community.

Beth Shook smiles for a portrait in front of a chalkboard.

Removing Barriers and Increasing Resources

Anthropology Professor Beth Shook is dedicated to removing hurdles from student learning. Her always growing learning library and contributions to a free textbook are just two examples.

Peter Kittle poses in front of a chalkboard.

Leading with a Listening Ear and an Open Door

Known for his listening ear and his open door, English Chair Peter Kittle is the winner of the Outstanding Faculty Leader Award.

Sourabh Kulkarni, wearing black slacks and a buttoned-up dress shirts, sits on the edge of a desk while posing for a photo.

From Skepticism to Success: International Computer Science Graduate Excels in Program

Sourabh Kulkarni leaves Chico State with a second-place finish in a coding competition, a role as a tutor and research assistant, and a clear sense of professional and personal growth.

Olivia Wiemann poses in her master's gown and a yellow hard hat.

From Classroom to Career

As a land manager for the Mechoopda​ Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, master’s graduate Olivia Wiemann's typical day on the job can look very much like her days at the University.

Portrait of kinesiology professor Laynie Case. She wears a black, short-sleeve top and there is a gray background.

Professor Finds Joy in Teaching, Creating ‘Aha!’ Moments in Students

In just her second year at Chico State, Laynie Case has made a positive impact through her research and eagerness to help students succeed.

Michell Armeanu is photographed against a chalkboard background, smiling into the camera.

Advisor Supports Students with Empathy to Promote Their Success 

2024's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award winner, Michell Armeanu has proven to be a dedicated, empathetic lecturer and advisor in the sociology department.

Streamers soar over graduating students of the College of Agriculture and College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management at the conclusion of their Commencement ceremony.

Celebrating the Class of 2024 (Photos + Video)

Revisit the magic of the 2024 Commencement ceremonies and celebrations.

Giovanni Paz-Silva looks up at the ceiling inside Chico State's planetarium, using a laser pointer to identify a star.

Physics Major Finds Inner Strength to Aim for the Stars  

Since transferring to Chico State, first-generation student Giovanni Paz-Silva has dedicated himself to excellence in and out the classroom, emerging as a leader in the physics program.

A Call to Climate Action

From Polymers to Plato: Chico State Earns Global Acclaim for Integrating Climate Change into All Subjects

Mark Stemen’s (History, ’89; Economics, ’91) nationally recognized faculty learning community platform is leading California State University’s efforts to integrate sustainability education into all programs across the system.

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

Wildcat Conversations: Ultramarathoners on Living Life with the Long Run In Mind

Alumni and ultramarathoners Tim Tollefson, Jimmy Elam, and Anthony Costales—three of the fastest in the world—share how they stay disciplined and dedicated to their craft.

Wearing a black shirt with white accents and black-rimmed glasses, Marcus Morton stands and smiles in front of Kendall Hall.

Toughest Opponent Yet No Match for English Major

Inside the wrestling ring, Marcus Morton exuded confidence, but when it came to school, he was nervous about stepping in for another round. It turns out, he's a champion in the classroom as well.

Tyla Chadwick smiles for a portrait as she sits in front of two computer monitors that show the cover of a video game she designed.

CAGD Major Finds Her Calling in Gaming

From aimless to accomplished, Tyla Chadwick has risen to be a top student in the CAGD program. "It's so funny to see my progress ..."

From left to right, Natalie Bourn, Kristen Chatham, and Finn Blacker pose in front of a Wildcat statue. Chatham holds a small trophy in her hand.

Worth Sharing: Cybersecurity and Marketing Clubs Excel on National Stage

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Photograph of Arina Xiong set against a blue background.

From Study Abroad to Peace Corps Volunteer

For Arina Xiong (Liberal Studies,’15), a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Armenia, her alma mater that taught her the importance of community service and sustainability through its study abroad opportunities.

A split photo: one with a person smiling and smelling wine and a the other with a person smiling while holding up a freshly harvested radish.

Crash Course: General Ed Ag Classes Bear Fruit for Life 

Chico State students don’t have to know how to milk a cow or work with cover crops to benefit from the ag department. Instead, they learn how to grow their own vegetables and pair wine with their meals, earning GE credits and having fun along the way.

Maia Crummett kneels on the edge of a Faba Bean field and holds a plant.

Professors Provide Encouraging Push for Future Entomologist

Maia Crummett will come running to assess a creepy crawly. But it wasn't until she got some important encouragement from a professor that she felt confident in front of a crowd.

Ben Guerrero standing in front of the ice at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic.

From Chico State to Seattle, Wildcat Still Sharing the Gospel of Hockey

Seattle Kraken Vice President of Communications Ben Guerrero credits the foundation he built at Chico State for steadying his climb to the highest heights of professional sports.

Kristen Chatham stands in front of the Wildcat statue holding a trophy

Life-Changing Trips and Preparing for a Career in the College of Business

Kristen Chatham's time at Chico State included life-changing opportunities to travel and many honors with the Seufferlein Sales Program before culminating in her recognition as an Outstanding Senior in the College of Business.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taylor Anderson Rawlins Award winner

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.

Black and white photo illustration of Alycia Anderson with the words: 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

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.

Student India Starr smiles as she looks away from the camera and poses with her arms crossed in a black button-up blouse against a beige studio background.

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.

Student Olicia Johnson smiles as she looks away from the camera while she's wearing a blue blouse in front of a beige studio background.

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.

Jorge Munguia Ramos poses for a photo wearing a blue shirt with a small white pattern.

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.