People

Fond Farewell: English Professor Emeritus Ernst Schoen-Rene
Described as energetic, creative, and inspiring, English Professor Emeritus Ernst Schoen-Rene devoted himself to teaching at Chico State for more than 35 years.

Journalism Alum Leads DEI Efforts at Groundbreaking Agency
Cheyenne Cameron-Pruitt has put the valuable experience she gained in Chico State's journalism program to practice at FleishmanHillard (FH), a leading-edge public relations firm.

Worth Sharing: UCOMM Snares Six CASE Awards
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Influential Ag Alum Pays Tribute to Chico State
President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Natalie Collins says her journey began as Chico State.

Celebrating 75 Years of History, Impact in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology
Founded in 1948, the CMSD program has a long history of providing the North State with high quality professionals and critical speech, language and hearing services.

Class Notes: Fall 2023
The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2023.

North State Roots Collaboration Expands Access to Healthcare Information in Rural Communities
With new funding, a team from Chico State and nonprofit First 5 Tehama are bringing a free online healthcare service to rural communities across the North State.

We are Making a Good First Impression
A note from a parent after Wildcat Weekend impresses upon President Steve Perez the value of every interaction with prospective students and their families.

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.

Worth Sharing: Towne Named Men’s and Women’s CCAA Cross Country Coach of the Year
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Wildcat Trivia: Arts and Entertainment
Test your knowledge of Chico State’s pawprint on the world of arts and entertainment.

Community Support Drives Camp Fire Survivor and Anthropology Major to Give Back
Artist, anthropology major, and Camp Fire survivor Kate Minderhoud credits two scholarships for helping make her college dreams come true. Next step: grad school.

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.

AI: The Business of Change
Three alumni working in different areas of the AI space share their stories of change that led to careers at the edge of a new frontier.

Solving Grassroots Medical Issues With AI
Alumnus Pratik Mehta, head of artificial intelligence at CloudMedx, is constantly asking what will meaningfully impact as many lives as possible.

Driving Automotive Technology Into the Future
Hear the story of Gabriel Flores, an enterprise engineering manager, developing hands-free, eyes-off driving technology.

Celebrated Journalist and Producer Writes a Chapter with Groundbreaking AI Tech
Alumna Liane Thompson cofounded an award-winning environmental tech firm that is combatting climate change and making waterways more resilient.

A Place to Call Home
To address student homelessness, Chico State’s Rapid Re-housing Program is breaking down barriers and stigmas that stand in the way of student success.

Now Introducing: Steve Perez
Chico State’s 13th president is not only our “Cheerleader in Chief"—he foxtrots, loves coaching, and brings a deep family connection to education into a role he’s been building toward since the sixth grade.

’Cats Get Cookin’ with Mike Buich
The owner of California's oldest continuously run restaurant reflects on lessons from the last 50 years, and shares a special recipe.

From Adversity to Achievement: A Student’s Remarkable Journey in Chico State’s College of Business
Cherie Higgs overcame a rough upbringing to become a powerhouse within Chico State's College of Business.

To Serve and Protect Our State’s Natural Resources
Jennifer Ikemoto, assistant chief for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, uses her biology degree and position to protect California's habitats and wildlife.

Worth Sharing: Hankins Honored for His Work with Cultural Burning
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Preparing the next generation of CDCR leaders through the Executive Leadership Institute
Developed in 2017, ELI prepares state corrections executives to be decisive, effective, visionary leaders, and champions of change.

Supporting Others Through Self-Discovery
Talitha MacDonald's desire for change led her to Chico State and a career helping others through the Clinic for Communication Disorders.

The Persuasive Power of Criticizing with Care
Professor Katie Mercurio's research uncovers a way delivering criticism can invite change and acceptance from all sides of an argument.

United States National Rugby Team Starter and Former Chico State Star Hangs Up Her Cleats
Megan Foster, whose rugby career began at Chico State and took her all the way to the United States National Team, recently retired.

Taking Bold Leaps Toward a Dream
Emmy Award winning alumnus Cassandra Schaeg shares insight from her long road to personal and business success in the beverage industry.

Worth Sharing: Kruger Pens a Pair of Chapters
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Rankings Season: A Roundup
Chico State received numerous rankings from top-tier magazines and international organizations over the last couple of months—here is a rundown.

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.

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.

Fond Farewell: Criminal Justice Major Lizbeth Ceja Torres
Tenacious yet kind, hardworking and independent Lizbeth Ceja made an impression on everyone she met for her big heart and passion to succeed.

Office Hours: Kinesiology Professor Carli Ross
Carli Ross, a kinesiology professor with a passion for adapted physical education, leads a study abroad program in Italy that gives students the opportunity to work hands-on at a camp for youth and young adults with disabilities.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Named One of the Top Colleges for Indigenous Students
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Grant Opens Doors for North State Students to Become Teachers
Students interested in a career in teaching are receiving financial assistance at Chico State through a multimillion-dollar grant designed to ease the financial burden of pursuing a teaching credential.

Five Questions with College of Business Alum & Renewable Energy Advocate, Brandon Reinhardt
Brandon Reinhardt's passion for real estate development, as well as fighting climate change was ignited during his time at Chico State. He found a career where he can pursue both.

The Growing Pains of AI: Professor to study how tools like ChatGPT affect children
Professor Abbas Attarwala received a grant to study how AI affects children and identify areas where more research is needed.

Worth Sharing: Goodsell, Ellis Co-Author Piece on the Benefits of Nature-Based Therapy
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

CSU Trustee Award Honoree Strives to Help Others Claim Their Space
Gerardo “Jerry" Langarica Martinez has overcome significant hurdles over the last 15 years to earn his bachelor's degree, begin the teaching credential program, and achieve numerous honors along the way.