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Breanna Holbert smiles on the Chico State campus.

Breanna Holbert: “Who I Am Is Enough”

The only label that really interests Breanna Holbert is that of a leader. What inspires Holbert is uncovering the unknown—in herself, in situations, and in other people. An unyielding curiosity to unearth unrealized potential stands out as her most distinguishable quality.

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Remembering Chico State’s Oldest Alum

Olympics qualifier, top-secret military coder, oldest female US veteran—Lynne Balmer had a lot to be proud of but little made her smile more than recognition as Chico State's oldest alum. She passed away this month at age 110.

Wrapped holiday presents pile on a table.

Paying Holiday Magic Forward

Lisa Saldano talks about her passion and involvement with the University's Needy Children's Program, bringing the magic of Christmas to young children.

Portrait of Chela Mendoza Patterson.

Face-to-Face with First-Gen

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is sparking an awareness campaign to support the faculty, staff, and students who are part of the first-generation community on our campus, and these nine individuals share their unique stories about what it means to be first-gen.

Olivia VanDamme loves surfing and spends time sharing that passion with younger surfers.

Sharing a Love for the Sea

Olivia Van Damme spends her days showing teenagers the depth of inspiration in the deep blue sea working as operations manager at City Surf Project, which serves low-income, underserved students in the San Francisco public school system.

Troy Johnson on the Food Network.

Savoring the Taste of Success

Troy Johnson quipped his way from freelance writer to TV personality after he began to write about food. The Chico State alum and judge on "Guy's Grocery Games" shares his journey from the table to the small screen.

Michelle Vanden Bosch racing on the Great Wall of China.

The Quest to Join the 7 Continents

In June 2017, alum and Athletics Hall of Famer Michelle Vanden Bosch accomplished a feat only a few hundred people have ever done—she completed her seventh marathon on seven continents.

Malaika Fraley, Rick Hurd, Katrina Cameron won a Pulitzer Prize for journalism

Path to a Pulitzer

Journalism alums and reporters Malaika Fraley, Rick Hurd, and Katrina Cameron earned a Pulitzer Prize for their team coverage of the devastation and aftermath of the "Ghost Ship" fire in Oakland in 2016.

A graphic of a globe featuring the countries three Chico State Alumni have traveled.

Global Humanitarians

Whether photographing childhood slavery in Ghana, improving health care in an impoverished puebla in Colombia, or offering an education to Myanmar refugees facing an unknown future in Thailand, three alumni share two things in common: big hearts and a belief in social justice. 

two painted covers of angels, reading "Angels Power: Authorities That Be"

With Crowdfunding Support, “Angels” Gets Its Wings

Alumna Amélie Hutt set her $10,000 funding goal, surpassing it in just five days. And by the time her campaign ended earlier this month, it had raised $24,271 from 508 backers.

Student poses next to the California State University, Chico, sign.

Desiree Makowski Poised to Make Her Mark on Video Game Industry

Dedicated faculty support first-generation student in conquering her self-doubt.

Students pose to be photographed for #WeAreChico on the Chico State campus.

We Are Different. We Are Together. #WeAreChico

It is our pleasure to introduce our wonderful community, one human at a time. We may be different, but we are together. #WeAreChico

Rawlins Award recipients with President Gayle E. Hutchinson

Twelve Students Honored With Rawlins Merit Awards

Students with major achievements in the classroom and in the community receive scholarship honors.

Angelica Rodriguez leans over a stream and collects a water sample.

Grant Supports Groundbreaking Hydrothermal Research: Student Examines Lassen’s Volcanic Activity Potential

STEM Wildcat Angelica Rodriguez's love for the outdoors earned her a research grant that allowed her to spend her summer conducting environmental research, including data collection trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Charles "CC" Carter stands smiling at the entrance of the CCLC.

Heart, Hope, and Hard Conversations: CCLC Says Goodbye to Its Founder after Celebrating 10 Years

Wildcats celebrate Charles "CC" Carter, and his impacting presence on campus, as he retires from his position as the director of the Cross Cultural Leadership Center after 10 years of service.

Boxes full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

‘I really did think I was the only one’

In sharing her own story about going hungry, graduate student Brandi Simonaro fights the stigma that students are alone in their struggles for food security.

The Chico State men's soccer team took in the sights and sounds of Spain, both on land and in the Mediterranean Sea,

Reflections on Spain: Wildcats Ready For 2017 CCAA Season

It has only been a couple of weeks since we returned from our trip, and we’re already back at it with trainings and preseason games. It is still settling in that we were in Spain playing against professional club teams and touring major La Liga Stadiums. It’s hard to believe how much we packed into […]

Portrait of Diego Yepez.

Ivy League Inspiration

Double-majoring in math and philosophy, first-generation student Diego Yepez highlights three Chico State professors as beacons of inspiration that led to his honored acceptance into Harvard.

Willie high fives a new first year student.

Wildcat Welcome 2017—That’s a Wrap!

Welcome (back) to school, Wildcats! From the first day of school that couldn't be "eclipsed" to everyone having a "splash" at ShipWREC'ed, here is your recap of Chico State Wildcat Welcome 2017!

(Left to right) Brooke McCall, Kathleen Moroney, and Bev Langston pose with their awards.

Staff Awards Recognize Exemplary Employees

This year, three outstanding Chico State employees were honored for their impacting presence on campus—from Kathleen Moroney's establishment of the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, to Brooke McCall's bursting positive energy at the WREC, to Bev Langston's remarkable and welcoming customer service.

Photo of "Pacific Crest Trail north to Canada" sign tacked onto a tree.

Trail Angels Bring Magic to Pacific Crest Trail

Each summer, anthropology professor P. Willey hosts the blissful "PCT toast," where dedicated Pacific Crest Trail hikers stop at Humboldt Summit to cheers summer sundries while swapping trail stories.

Joe Liu and his wife Danielle pose for a picture while sitting together on the couch.

Hey, Joe! Faculty-(and Friend)-in-Residence Finds a Home in Sutter

Chico State faculty Joseph Liu and his wife Danielle—along with their pet albino rabbit Augustus—settled into their new home in one of Sutter Hall's apartments, making Liu Chico State's first Faculty-In-Residence.

Students hang a banner off the stairwell of Butte Hall asking for others to call the White House and support DACA.

Here to Thrive: A Chico State Dreamer Shares His Story

Despite the planned revocation of DACA, Dreamer and Chico State student Miguel Maldonado says he is not afraid and is here to stay.

Stacks of books

Roll Call: Welcome, New Faculty!

The new school year has started not only for Chico State students, but also for 33 new faculty members, who are eager to motivate Wildcats to hit the books.

The coloring station at the Back-To-School Connect Event at Chico Junior High School added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Alums Drive Event Providing Resources to K-12 Homeless Students

Earlier this month, the Butte County Office of Education held its inaugural Back-to-School Connect, where underserved families were invited to get free school resources for their children, like clothes, shoes, and backpacks, as well as snacks and even haircuts.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home to Real Madrid CF, was one of the first stops the Chico State men's soccer team made during its trip to Spain

Wildcats Visit Hallowed Grounds of European Soccer: Real Madrid’s Stadium

The author and senior forward on the Chico State men's soccer team is a Barcelona soccer fan. But that didn't keep him from admiring the grandeur of the home of Real Madrid soccer.

Student shows off his Chico State t-shirt.

5 Ways to Wear Wildcat Gear

Wildcat cats are the paws-down most fashionable felines in the CSU. With so many options from our Wildcat Store, we threw together 5 fresh looks students can rock this upcoming school year!

Members of the Chico State men's soccer team relax during a layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, on their way to Spain. (Photo by Dylan Wakefield/Men's Soccer)

Spain Awaits: Chico State Men’s Soccer Team Travels Overseas

After a couple of hours playing Tetris with our travel bags, we finally hopped on a bus at 1:45 a.m. in the University Soccer Stadium parking lot.

The Chico State men's soccer team trains last week at University Soccer Stadium. The entire team, as well as coaches, men's soccer alumni, and a few parents are traveling to Spain for an 11-day training and cultural immersion trip.

Spain and Fútbol: Chico State Men’s Soccer Embarks On Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip

It’s not every day you pack your bags knowing you have a once-in-a-lifetime trip right around the corner. On Monday, the Chico State men’s soccer team will hop on a plane and take off to train in a dream destination.

Big Chico Creek flows between tree-lined banks.

“Can” and “Can’ts” for Wildcats

There are plenty of activities students can—and can't—do for fun and free time on campus during the summer. From pets on campus to putting your feet in the water of Big Chico Creek, we have answered some campus policy questions you may not have thought to ask!

Braydan Young and Kris Rudeegraap point and discuss the content on their laptop.

Side Gig Percolates into Starbucks Partnership

Business administration alums build coffee gift card business into partnership with Starbucks, tapping into e-commerce boom.

11 Things Alums Want New Grads to Know

Graduation is hard. What do you do once you step out into the world? What are the things you need to know? We contacted Chico State Alums from all walks of life, and here's what they want new grads to know...

Kylee Davis (center) teaches students during a class for Imagineer Day.

Bringing Code to Life for Girls: Computer science grad introduces technology principles to North State girls

Kylee Davis is one of the very few women in the computer science major, a title that inspired Davis to encourage and support other women and young girls interested in STEM programs.

Jones and her family pose for a photo.

Earning Her Degree, Virtually

Yesenia Jones refused to let anything stop her from earning her degree, a goal that was met through her unwavering passion and the accessibility that online education offered her.

Portrait of Phillip Drange.

Scholarship Strikes Chord with Music Major

Music major Phillip Drange and his family honor the tragic passing of Phillip's twin brother, Aaron Drange, by working with the faculty of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts to establish the Aaron Drange Memorial Scholarship.

Portrait of Andrea Avina.

Finding a Voice in Speech Therapy: Andrea Avina overcomes many obstacles, fueling her life ambitions

Andrea Avina, a communication sciences and disorders major and an Outstanding Student Leader Award recipient, fights to overcome personal and family challenges in order to achieve her main goals in life: earn her college education, help her family, and give back to her community.

Jongwoo Choi and faculty Kevin McGown work out math problems on a white board.

Curiosity Fuels Math Major’s History-Making Success: Jongwoo Choi goes above and beyond to make the most of his education

Jongwoo Choi is setting records at Chico State through his accomplishments in the mathematics major, all as a result of Choi seeking out the answer to a simple question: "why?"

Nick Howell speaks in front of several students.

Passion Drives Propensity to Do It All: Determined and dedicated, Nick Howell balances numerous demanding priorities

With two majors, two minors, and a plethora of campus clubs and activities he is devoted to, Nick Howell is known among his peers and faculty as a master of time management and goal-orientated dedication.

Kaeli McCarther stands next to a sign that reads "Organic Vegetable Project" while holding a crate of vegetables.

Student Drives Diversity in Agriculture: Kaeli McCarther wants to see more minorities involved with agriculture

Kaelie McCarther discovered her passion in agriculture by accident, but her determination and goal to diversify the agriculture major is what drives her to help students of different backgrounds discover their callings.

ICS May 15 2017 - Voice of a Graduate

Voice of a Graduate

By Kyleen Bromley, master’s degree candidate, English To be honest, I was pretty lost before attending Chico State. And by lost I mean I literally didn’t know what to do with my life. I had reached out to the English department and was quickly greeted by professors Kim Jaxon and Rob Davidson with some suggestions on […]