People

Passport to Self-Discovery
Since 2016, approximately 1,600 Wildcats have studied abroad at one of 200 locations across 35 countries. Students share their stories from both flight paths.

Journeys of Self-Discovery to Uruguay and Cuba
For Victoria Villaseñor, breaking away from routine and predictability was part of the experience she wanted during two experiences abroad.

Bollywood Dance Club Founder Finds a Sense of Home at Chico State
In two years, International student Aishwarya Gowda has already made her mark on campus. To her, the biggest impact has been finding herself and her community here on campus.

Embracing Chico State’s Welcoming Student Atmosphere
Haeryeong Cheong, who came to Chico State from South Korea to study animal science, reflects on his journey over the last three years.

Molecular Biology Student Turns ‘Beautiful Disasters’ into Lifelong Call to Service
Hikmat Abou Shahla has spent his formative years stepping up to help during seasons of global crisis. He is set to graduate and continue on the path of service.

International Relations Senior Makes the Most of Debut Trip to South Korea
When Mark Arey's dream of visiting Japan was put on hold during the pandemic, he embraced a year-long journey to Seoul and thrived during his first international trip.

Graduating Senior Follows ‘Role Model’s’ Footsteps to Florence, Italy
Harnessing a long-held desire to travel, political science and international relations major, Humberto Partida, made his own dream come true by studying in Florence, Italy for a semester.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Trio Acknowledged as ‘Women of Distinction’
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Wildcats’ Triple Threat: Myli Martinez
Basketball player Myli Martinez's three-point bombs have placed her in the program's record books.

Class Notes: Spring 2023
Whether it's starting a new business, writing a book, or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for spring 2023.

Path to Prominence
In 2016, Gayle Hutchinson began her presidential term with an ambitious punch list. Having checked off almost everything during the last seven years, she prepares to begin another chapter.

Business Double Major Ready for Life’s Next Big Challenge
More than 10 years ago, Hirra Khan moved from Pakistan to Gridley as a pre-teen. She will now graduate with one degree in business administration and another in business information systems, and an impressive work résumé.

Expanded CalFresh Eligibility Brings Food Access to More Chico State Students
More Chico State students can now qualify for CalFresh benefits to access food, thanks to expanded eligibility requirements.

Worth Sharing: Health Services Administration College Bowl Team Scores Wins
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Life of Hard Work Pays Off for Agricultural Business Major
Zion Brigham says coming to Chico State: “felt like going from a black and white TV to full color.” He graduates in May with an agricultural business degree and a clear vision for what’s ahead.

Fond Farewell: Retired Librarian Joel Leonard
With a strong personality and a lot of joy, Joel Leonard embraced his job as librarian as one with a primary mission of supporting students.

Rooted in Connection: The Wildcat Family Tree
Attending college is a significant milestone for any student, but for many, enrolling at Chico State is both a personal achievement and a family tradition.

Mother, Son Turned Classmates Learn From Each Other
Kevin LaCombe and Evone LaCombe were overlapping kinesiology students for two semesters—an experience the mother and son called unique and inspiring.

Degrees of Hope and Opportunity
The patriarch of the Yang family wanted to see all of his children earn college degrees. All 10 of them did from Chico State.

Identical Twins Follow Different Dreams
Relying on each other for support, Vanessa and Viviana Mendoza discover their own identity in college.

Pitch-Perfect Wildcats
Thirteen sets of siblings have donned the cardinal and white of the Wildcats, and the men's soccer program’s legacy is becoming intergenerational.

Crossed Paths Lead Back to Chico
Recreation Administration majors Suzy and Paul McCreary fell in love at Chico State, and they built their lives around their shared love for their school and giving back.

Five Siblings Fulfill Father’s Dream
Salvador Hernandez left a remarkable legacy as his five children earned college degrees from Chico State, fulfilling his dream.

Child Development Major Owes Success to Her Grandmother
Overcoming obstacles and adversity as a child, Abigail Resendez is ready to graduate with a degree in child development—and it was her grandmother who helped make it possible.

Chico State Recognizes 2022–23 Outstanding Faculty
These awards—among the highest at Chico State—celebrate eight phenomenal faculty for academic distinction, prominent scholarship, and commitment to transformative experiences.

Soon-to-be Theatre Arts Graduate Has Played a Starring Role Offstage
Gaby Saxon has spent four years at Chico State telling outstanding stories, all while using her growing voice and passion for social justice to create one of the most compelling stories of all—her own!

Students Travel, Grow, and Build Friendships Through Speech and Debate Team
The speech and debate team, which doubles as a club and a course, offers team members space to grow far beyond the competition stage.

Journalism Major Finds Career Path to Write Her Own Future
A love of writing led Skylar Trostinsky to journalism and Tehama Group Communications, where she’s honing her skills and paving the way for a successful career in PR.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Model UN Wins Outstanding Delegation Award
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

From Northern California to Ocean Engineer
Gridley native Irene Duran (Mechatronic Engineering, '20), moved to Cape Cod after graduating with one mission: an engineering job.

In the Midst of a Successful Career of Catching Bad Guys, Military Vet Pursues Online MBA
After a long and successful career first in the military and then the financial industry, Rio Miner enrolled in Chico State's online MBA program to further his career and fill in the gaps in his business acumen.

Construction Management Student Gets Solid Start to Future
Senior construction management major Mateus Avalos went from novice to leader in the program—securing three internships and helping lead community service projects in his hometown of Chico.

Graduating Public Health Student Embraces Support and Grows Through Challenges
First-gen student, Elizabeth “Eli” Contreras-Perez, has navigated many personal struggles on her path to graduating, finding newfound resilience, and beginning a new chapter in life.

Three Imaginative Media Arts Alumni Making Exciting Moves
Karsten Kaufmann’s dance moves became a viral sensation in 2015. Find out where he and collaborating media arts majors Sophie McGuirk and Michael Connell are today. Hint: They're still making amazing content!

Title IX at 50: Current Wildcat Calling Attention to Women Who Paved the Way
The legacy of Title IX at Chico State is filled with stories of inspiring women. Mia Mendoza knows many of them by heart after spending this year sharing them with Chico State’s student-athletes and fans to honor the 50th anniversary of the landmark legislation.

Fond Farewell: Business Professor Emeritus Casey Donoho
Business Professor Emeritus Casey Donoho is remembered for his passion for ethics and his others-centered approach.

Fond Farewell: Former Student Development Director Cleo Bauer
Working at four CSUs and Cornell University, Cleo (Bash) Bauer's sense of adventure also led her to climb mountains and explore the world.

Kinesiology Major Finds Groove in Adapted Physical Education
From hating PE to aspiring to change how it is taught, Drew Jones’ passion for adapted physical education has taken her on a journey of service-learning opportunities and to pursue her teaching credential.

Alumna Takes Pride in Identity, Launches ‘Queer Gear’ Business
Sarah Weiss started an e-commerce store that's not just fashionable, but impactful. Queer Gear sells clothing to promote visibility and representation, while giving back to nonprofit organizations focused on LGBTQ+ causes.

Worth Sharing: University Enjoys Trio of Rankings
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.