People - Chico State Today

Alumna Ashira Solomon smiles for a portrait..

Chico State Helps Pave Way for Alumna Now Living in Israel

In November, alumna Ashira Solomon was invited to be the presenter and moderator for the Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Political Leaders in Iceland.

Joel Solis sits and smiles for the camera while holding a photograph he took. His painting of a Latina street vendor is seen in the background.

BFA Graduate Drawn to Chico State’s Art Program

Inspired by his culture, BFA graduate Joel Solis dedicated his culminating exhibition to Latino street vendors around Butte County.

Architectural details of columns on the exterior of an academic building

Worth Sharing: Meriam Library Staff Co-Author Article

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

Stylish photo of Armando Ibarra next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Farmworker Rights Advocate Armando Ibarra

Armando Ibarra (Sociology, Spanish, ’99; MA, Public Administration, ’02) is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Expanding Collaborations in Latin America: Dean of College of Agriculture Visits Chile

College of Agriculture Dean Patricia Stock visited several academic and research institutions to exchange knowledge about the myriad challenges agriculture is facing in Mediterranean climate regions—like those in California and Chile.

Fond Farewell: Marketing Professor Emeritus Kenny Chan

In addition to his passion for teaching and scholarship, Kenny Chan is remembered for his wit, wisdom, and kindness to all.

Stylish photo of Rick Callender next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Valley Water District CEO Rick Callender

Rick Callender (Industrial Technology, ’94) is being honored by Chico State with this year's Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Alumni William "Chris" Park, a marriage and family therapist, is photographed in front of his desk and bookshelf in his Chico office.

5 Questions with Alum and Marriage and Family Therapist Chris Park

Marriage and family therapist Chris Park shares his appreciation for his Chico State education and provides a glimpse into his experiences as an MFT.

Ben Chang stands on rocks and smiles because he likes it so much

Wildland Management Master’s Student Driven to Preserve Natural Spaces

Alum and current wildlands management master’s student Ben Chang is dedicating his life to battling climate change and mentoring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Alumna Allison Ivie leans on a wall as she smiles and poses for a photograph.

5 Questions with Alumna and Vice President of Center Road Solutions Allison Ivie

Inspired by her mother, alumna Allison Ivie has made a career of advocating and empowering organizations that help women and families.

5 Questions with Chico State Alumna and Business Owner Ava Moon

Chico State graduate and local artist, Ava Bloom, channels her independent spirit, commitment to sustainability, and love for creating art into new vintage boutique.

Gretta Kirkby and two of her fellow interns pose in gloves, lab coats, masks, and face shields.

Student-Athlete Captures CalHOPE Courage Award

Gretta Kirkby, winner of the CalHOPE Courage Award, is using the opportunity to remind her peers to reach out for help if they need it.

Storm clouds hover over a college campus

Worth Sharing: Psychology Faculty’s Work Appears on ‘Best of 2022’ List

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

Low-lying clouds hover over a green valley amid a sunrise in Sri Lanka

‘Beauty in the Chaos’: Fulbright Scholar’s Focus on Gemstone Trade in Sri Lanka

Anthropology faculty Brian Brazeal navigated the global pandemic and political unrest as he went to Sri Lanka to document the country's gemstone trade as part of his Fulbright Scholar Award.

Amy Magnus leans on a pedestrian bridge in a lush, green envirnonment

Office Hours with Criminal Justice Faculty and Rural Issues Researcher Amy Magnus

A passion for justice and activism has always been part of criminal justice professor Amy Magnus' identity. Now, she's sharing it with the next generation of changemakers.

Max Cordeiro, Chico State’s inaugural Human Resources Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Recruitment and Retention Specialist, poses on the patio outside of Laxson Auditorium. He is smiling joyfully and wearing a yellow Hawaiin-style collared shirt featuring blue and orange flowers. Kendall Hall and lush green plants are in the background.

New HR Specialist Advances Campus EDI Goals

College opened Maximilian “Max” Cordeiro's world. He's working to create similar experiences for others as Chico State’s inaugural Human Resources EDI Specialist.

Professor Mark Stemen poses for a photo with Chico State President Gayle Hutchin as they hold the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Campus Sustainability Achievement Award.

Chico State Professor Helps Reshape How CSUs Teach About Climate Change

Chico State Professor Mark Stemen's Faculty Learning Community earns coveted sustainability award for helping CSUs integrate climate change topics in classrooms.

Fond Farewell: Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Dani Senico

Loving her first semester at Chico State, Dani Senico was passionate about her family, music, and animals.

Chico State cross country student-athlete Rory Abberton crests a hill ahead of a small group of runners during the 2022 NCAA West Regional Championship race.

Update: Rory Abberton Runs into the Chico State Record Books

Chico State cross-country runner Rory Abberton, who detailed his journey as a student-athlete for Chico State Today last week, earned his first all-American honors in his final race.

Yellow and red roses bloom in the foreground with academic buildings in the background.

Fond Farewell: Retired Custodian Martha Ann Armocido

Remembered as friendly, hard-working, and kind, Martha Ann Armocido worked as a custodian on campus for more than a decade.

A college campus' trees and walkways as seen from a drone high above

Worth Sharing: Academic Articles, All-West Athletic Honors, and National Rankings

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

A brass plaque is affixed to a brick pillar with a building and trees in the background.

University Faculty Awarded Prestigious Lantis Endowments

Chico State faculty shine as three professors are celebrated for their achievements in research and contributions to their fields.

Running Down My Dream at Chico State

Chico State student-athlete Rory Abberton will run his final collegiate cross country race at Friday’s NCAA Division II Championships. He considers the path he took to get there, and those who helped along the way.

A college faculty and his students pose and smile standing in a lush green field.

Fulbright Experience Helps Agriculture Faculty Deepen Roots Across the World

Whether it was teaching his students, learning from colleagues, or endearing himself to local food vendors, College of Agriculture faculty Lee Altier's Fulbright experience in Turkey was a memorable one.

English professor Roger Kaye puts his arms around students Casey Nokes and Nataile Wight for a posed photo.

5 Questions with US Attorney for Oregon Natalie Wight

Alumna Natalie Wight was confirmed as the state of Oregon's new top law enforcement official after being nominated by President Joe Biden.

The sun sets amongst clouds, buildings, and trees

Fond Farewell: Retired Theatre Professor James “Marty” Gilbert

Retired professor James “Marty” Gilbert is remembered as a gifted set designer who was also a kind, patient, and supportive colleague and teacher.

A footbridge crosses a creek which is surrounded by trees in full fall foliage

Worth Sharing: Student-Athletes Shine in the Classroom

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

A person reaching into a container full of yellow onions and grabbing one.

Basket Brigade One of Many Opportunities To Volunteer This Month

Wednesday night's Basket Brigade is one of many opportunities to pitch in and make a difference in the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving.

Fond Farewell: Chico State Enterprises Grants and Contracts Analyst Tara Becraft

Known for her problem-solving, crafting, and kindness, Tara Becraft brought joy to those she worked with in Chico State Enterprises.

Cole Schmitt, a white cisgender male student, is perched on a log in the creek that runs through Chico State campus.

Biology Student Among First to Research Fish’s Unusual Schooling Pattern

Cole Schmitt has been working with the National Systemics Laboratory and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, studying the vertical schooling behavior of the cutlassfish.

Dr. Robert "Bob" Thomas shown running competitively, which was one of his many passions.

Fond Farewell: Biology Professor Emeritus Robert Thomas

Dr. Robert “Bob” Thomas was known as an excellent colleague, friend, teacher, and researcher.

A footbridge extends over a creek and is engulfed by trees of varying colors

Worth Sharing: Model UN Shines in Washington, DC

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

Professor Kendall Hall gives a presentation to students.

Office Hours: Astronomer and Physics Professor Kendall Hall

Astronomer and physics professor Kendall Hall is taking fear out of physics and making it fun for all.

Provost Debra Larson stands in front of a microphone in regalia

Chico State Provost Inducted into Michigan Tech’s Academy for Engineering Education Leadership

Chico State's Debra Larson has been inducted into Michigan Tech's Academy for Engineering Education Leadership.

Cindy Wolff is backlit by the sun as she stands outside the front of her newly rebuilt home

Camp Fire Survivor Returns to Rebuilt Home and Hope in Butte Creek Canyon

Four years after the Camp Fire, Cindy Wolff is back living in Butte Creek Canyon, in a new home designed with fire in mind.

PARADISE U Helps Elementary Students Rediscover the Joy of Movement

PARADISE U, a physical education program created by kinesiology professor Cathrine Himberg, helps students discover the benefits and joy of movement.

A sky is filled with clouds during a late afternoon sunset above a glass-facade academic building.

Worth Sharing: Nenadal Explores Community Post-Camp Fire

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

Fond Farewell: Retired Instructional Media Center Technician Dennis Yarnell

Known for his sense of humor and work ethic, Dennis Yarnell was impactful in his 35 years with the Instructional Media Center.

Lance Lew holds out a baking sheet filled with freshly made potstickers

‘Cats Get Cookin’ with Retired NBC Marketing Director Lance Lew

After more than 30 years working in broadcast journalism, Lance Lew is embracing a longtime passion in retirement—cooking, with the release of his first cookbook this month.

Delta Sigma Theta members Arianna Punter (left) and La’Netta Bowden pose in front of a poster on display.

Exhibit Honors Historically Black Sorority’s Return to Chico State

The Pi Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has returned to Chico State and was recently honored in a pop-up exhibit at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.