People

Portrait of Pedro Espinoza wearing his police chief uniform.

Alumnus Leads Gilroy Police Department Into Next Phase of Law Enforcement

When Pedro Espinoza (Sociology, '99) was named chief of the Gilroy Police Department last year, he knew the opportunity would be rife with challenges—and he is up to the task.

Jared Axen holds a mug while dressed in his scrubs and a stethoscope around his neck.

5 Questions with ‘Singing Nurse’ Jared Axen

Registered nurse Jared Axen (MS, Nursing, ’20) has built a national reputation as the "Singing Nurse." When COVID-19 pandemic happened, the types of patients he treats have changed, but he's still crooning love songs and hymns to boost spirits and overall health.

The sun shines through the boughs of a tree as a quiet creek is seen in the foreground.

Worth Sharing: Berdan Named Diversity Fellow

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

Portrait of Pat Patterson in his campus office with bookshelves behind him.

Fond Farewell: Retired Counselor Pat Patterson

Known for his intellect and charisma, Pat "Dr. P" Patterson mentored thousands of students during his 31-year career, pushing them to not give up on their dreams.

Portrait of Charles Turner sitting in a chair

Office Hours: Political Science Faculty and Historian Charles Turner

One of professor Charles Turner's favorite classes focuses on the United States presidency—and there has never been a more engaging time for real-world lessons, he says.

Fond Farewell: Health Science Major Kevin Gallegos Lopez

As a DACA student, Kevin Gallegos was proud to be pursuing the American Dream and his goal of working with children who have special needs.

John Sutthoff sits in a chair reading a paper in a bowtie and newsboy cap.

Fond Farewell: Passing of Journalism Professor Emeritus John Sutthoff

John Sutthoff's legacies include serving as the executive assistant for three University presidents, designing what is today's College of Communication and Education, and launching public radio and TV for the North State.

The sun shines through an art installation and mature trees on a college campus.

Worth Sharing: Kruger Co-Authors World Health Organization Article

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

Fond Farewell: Distinguished Alumnus and Philanthropist Glen Toney

Glen Toney’s life is characterized by his reputation as an outstanding business executive, prominent community leader, volunteer extraordinaire, philanthropist, and major supporter of numerous boards and community organizations.

Fond Farewell: Physics Professor Emeritus Fred Boos

Professor Emeritus Fred Boos idolized Einstein and loved sharing his theories with the next generation of physicists.

Ladd Johnson and a woman holding a cat stand next to a car outside a home.

Fond Farewell: Geography Professor Emeritus Ladd Johnson

A global geographer with a deep human interest, Ladd Johnson devoted his life to enriching his discipline and building relationships with people around the world.

A brick pillar with a University seal stands out amongst trees and leaves changing colors.

Worth Sharing: School of Nursing Shines

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

The sun filters golden light through the trees along the bank of Big Chico Creek.

Reflections on Gratitude and Resilience

President Gayle Hutchinson expresses thanks for the Wildcat community's resourcefulness, collaboration, innovation, humor, and determination amid unprecedented challenge.

Fond Farewell: International Languages Professor Emeritus José Mas

Known for his warm and kind personality, deep intellect, and humanity, as well as an exuberant passion for Latin American languages and culture, Jose Mas inspired many students to pursue careers in higher education.

Colorful trees line a pathway around a college campus.

Worth Sharing: 2020 Faculty Publications

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

Portrait of Veronica Ramirez Nievez sitting on a bench

Scholarship Gives Single Mom Support to Succeed

Faced with personal challenges, raising her teenage son, and caring for her mother, scholarship awardee Veronica Ramirez Nievez's resilience helped her earn her degree in sociology.

Fond Farewell: Emeritus Director of Academic Facilities Jim Jessee

Jim Jessee crafted a legacy in his dedication to campus master planning and improving University databases, as well as his storytelling, wit, and commitment to service.

Camille Bent stands in a field at sunset.

Fond Farewell: Child Development Major Camille Bent

Known for her smile and kind heart, Camille Bent cared deeply about children and dreamed of being a school psychologist.

Mark and Lindsay Rojas stand with a "Bring NWSL to LA" flag

Alum Champions Women’s Professional Soccer

Graphic designer Mark Rojas (’11) was a major champion for the successful Bring NSWL to LA campaign and now channels his energy and talents into supporting the new women’s soccer team.

The three cofounders of Reyets pose in their office in branded tshirts.

Tech Innovators Support Your Rights

Wa'il Ashshowwaf ('01) and Ibrahem Alhaidari ('02) imagine a more just world. That’s why they co-founded Reyets, a technology company designed to advance social justice by empowering citizens.

Robert Deen authored The Boiled Peanut Book.

5 Questions with Boiled Peanut Enthusiast Robert Deen

Alumnus Robert Deen (’81) has been a US Marine officer, parachutist, scuba diver, and public relations expert. Now retired, he adds "author" and "boiled peanut aficionado" to his assorted accomplishments.

Fond Farewell: Business Administration Major Riley Christiansen

Outgoing and warm, Riley Christiansen became a business administration major in hopes of cultivating a career where he could leverage his people skills.

Trees lining a sidewalk reveal their fall colors.

Worth Sharing: Seufferlein Repeats as National Sales Champs

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

Cindy Wolff poses for a photo near the rebuild of her home.

‘One Day at a Time’

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

Jenessa Ramirez stands on a lawn outside Kendall Hall.

Camp Fire Survivor Finds Confidence Through a Stranger’s Generosity

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

Fond Farewell: Psychology and Biology Major Audrey Perez

Audrey Perez supported her classmates with support and kindness, while expressing appreciation for cultures outside her own and a dream to travel the world.

Michael Perelman poses for a portrait in his on-campus office.

Fond Farewell: Economics Professor Emeritus Michael Perelman

During a career that would span nearly a half century, Perelman formed deep connections with his students and colleagues, and a reputation as a prolific author and speaker at economic summits throughout the world.

JJ Jakovac walks on a golf course with Collin Morikawa.

Former Wildcat Golf Star Shines As Caddie on PGA Stage

During the first few years of this millennium, there was no better golfer at the NCAA Division II level than J.J. Jakovac. Now he is earning a similar reputation as a professional caddie.

Reed Pritchard pushes the beef cattle down a shoot on University Farm.

Ag Can’t Wait

The 60-year-old University Farm is a microcosm of the agriculture industry and its essential workers, which means during these extraordinary times students still rise early to feed the livestock, milk the cows, pick the peaches, and tend its fields and orchards.