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Chico State

Profiles

Bruce poses in the hallway of the Department of Comparative Religion and Humanities.

Religion—and Diversity of Thought—at Center of Professor’s Teachings

Professor Bruce Grelle advocates that learning about religions should not be polarizing—it makes us better citizens of a global society.

Eric Bartlink speaks to a colleague under smoke-filled skies at the command center for Camp Fire response.

Preeminent Anthropologist Earns Honors for Service

An international expert in the recovery of human remains, Eric Bartelink has earned statewide honors for his exemplary dedication and achievements.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Chico State Volleyball Coach Cody Hein

On and off the court, Chico State women's volleyball coach Cody Hein fully embodied his mantra, “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: History Major Naomi Ramirez

Whether outperforming her upper-division peers as a freshman or restoring the History Club back from demise, Naomi Ramirez brought passion, talent, and energy to all she undertook.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Alumna and Philanthropist Marilyn Warrens

Marilyn Warrens' life was characterized by her steadfast dedication to civic and community service, which included a significant and lasting connection to Chico State.

Neil Tung poses and smiles with a water tower standing tall behind him.

‘Killing Fields’ Survivor Finds Future in Food

After escaping the brutality of the Pol Pot regime, Neil Tung and his family immigrated to the United States—where he found a love for agriculture.

Cassidy Sabral grips the reins with a look of determination as she rides her horse in an arena.

The Power of Perseverance and a Gift

Scholarship support and determination are making animal science major Cassidy Sabral's dream to be a large-animal vet come true.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Psychology Major Hana Owen

Psychology major Hana Owen was a second-generation Wildcat and valued member of campus.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Retired Graduate Studies Staff Barbara Berger

Barbara Berger left an impression on everyone she encountered with her warm, friendly personality and generous spirit.

Armando Ibarra poses and smiles with trees in the background.

5 Questions with Alumnus Armando Ibarra

Since his days at Chico State, alumnus Armando Ibarra has remained a staunch advocate for the rights of farmworkers throughout his career.

A college student wearing a tie poses in front of a wall.

Insatiable Curiosity Drives Computer Science Major

Driven by a tireless work ethic and boundless fascination, Konstantin Rebrov wants to learn everything there is to know about computer science.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: English Professor Emerita Gerda Seaman

After escaping the Holocaust with her family as a child, Gerda Seaman grew up to be an impassioned professor and ardent supporter of human rights and women's equality.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Nutrition Professor Emerita Evelyn Mar

Remembered as sweet, thoughtful, and kind by her students, Evelyn Mar's brought a positive and exciting spin to teaching food and nutrition.

Megan Rivera holds a piglet in her arms and scratches it under its chin outside the swine unit.

Agricultural Education Major Equally Inspired and Inspiring

Aspiring high school education teacher Megan Rivera attributes her purpose and passion to Chico State faculty.

Two female college students stand back to back in front of trees.

Feeding a Grieving Community

While recreation administration students volunteer to feed meals for Paradise residents, they're also witnessing a community coming together.

A woman sits next to an art piece made mostly out of house keys.

Phoenix Takes Flight

With help of 14,000 keys representing losses in the Camp Fire, alumna Jess Mercer created a statue she hopes will be both a tribute and an inspiration.

Zada Evans sits on a concrete wall under a canopy of trees.

Wildcats Rising

Three students share how they are moving forward in the wake of the Camp Fire, with support of a Strada Wildcats Rise Scholarship.

A woman stands among dried grass with sunlight peaking through trees behind her.

A Heart for Caring

Senior Brittany Spade's work as the Camp Fire community liaison intern aligns her insatiable drive to help with her aspirations as a recreation administration major.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Professor Kristyna Demaree

With a kind and compassionate teaching style, Kristyna Demaree's interest in her field of studies was as personal as it was academic.

Chico Bavarian Band is the Soundtrack for Oktoberfest Revelers

From its humble beginnings through the Department of Music, the Chico Bavarian Band has been the soundtrack for Oktoberfest revelers for more than 40 years.

Michael Halldorson poses for a portrait in the Janet Turner Print Museum, with a portrait of Turner behind him.

5 Questions with Distinguished Alumnus Michael Halldorson

Inspired by his professor Janet Turner, Michael Halldorson ('69, '71) has devoted his life to a legacy of giving back and sharing art with others.

A black and white photo of a man holds a pony keg for beer

Brewing Culture and Community

In the growing San Diego craft beer scene, David Favela (History, '92) has connected a community with its first Latino-owned brewery.

The front of Kendall Hall

Class Notes: Fall 2019

Whether it's starting a new business or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to grow. We check in on professional and personal updates from the Chico State family.

Richard Perry speaks from a podium.

5 Questions With Distinguished Alumnus Richard Perry

Richard Perry's career has taken him from Uzbekistan to Indonesia to Elko, Nevada, and he's never been more passionate about the mining industry.

Groundbreakers

Four faculty discuss their current research and how they aspire to change the world.

Rocky Dudum poses for a portrait in the stands of Petco Park.

5 Questions with Alumnus Rocky Dudum

As the manager of marketing and fan development for the San Diego Padres, Rocky Dudum shares how he turned his favorite pastime into a professional home run.

An illustration depicting five student faces and the words "The Changing Face of Chico State"

The Changing Face of Chico State

Today, Chico State is home to more identities and expressions than ever. Yet, “first gen” is one of the fastest-rising identity markers. The University is focused now more than ever to ensure they achieve their dreams—no matter how high they are set.

Chris Navarrete conducts a music rehearsal with a clarinet player playing in the foreground

Navarrete Comes Full-Circle as New Director of Bands

Chris Navarrete has big shoes to fill as the new director of bands—and there's nobody better-suited to fill them.

Brenda Sillas stands behind a chair at a conference table, looking off to one side.

Revolutionizing the Wellness World

Corporate health and wellness consultant Brenda Sillas (Health Sciences, ’06) has made it her life’s work to reverse the obesity trend.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: FMS Staff Member Lloyd Ferguson

From award-winning apple pies to barbecues for students and staff, cooking was how Lloyd Ferguson showed he cared.

An illustration by Jenn Liv for Genentech shows blue cancerous cells amid a sea of purple healthy cells.

Every Two Minutes

Every two minutes, a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the United States. Meet three alumni whose lives are driven by these tiny yet deadly cells.

Brad Kaufman stands in front of an elaborate piping system wearing a hard hat and yellow vest.

5 Questions With Distinguished Alumnus Brad Kaufman

As senior vice president for Kiewit Energy Group, Brad Kaufman oversees oil, gas, and chemical projects across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Sam Clegg gestures as he speaks to a group of college students

Curiosity Fueled Alumnus’ Journey to Mars

Sam Clegg (Chemistry, ’92) fed an insatiable curiosity to become a laser spectroscopist and chemist at Los Alamos—and help us learn more about Mars than ever before.

Mike Guzzi runs with the American flag in front of dozens of people, leading them across campus in a 5K run/walk

Longing for Legacy: Guzzi Strives to Serve a Greater Good

Mike Guzzi (Engineering, ’02) finds purpose in serving a greater good is and driven by the legacy he’s building as the University’s associate vice president of facilities and capital projects.

David Keyawa leans on a handrail in front of some farming equipment.

5 Questions with Distinguished Alum David Keyawa

David Keyawa (Agriculture, ’81) is a co-owner of Keyawa Orchards, established in 1956 by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy Keyawa, and also owns Tri-Counties Walnut Hulling with his brother, Ron.

Cory Tondreau smiles as she poses in front of an abstract mural

Perseverance Drives CSU Trustees’ Award Winner to Excel

Cory Tondreau's tenacity and talent have led her through a lifetime of obstacles, and she has been honored as a 2019 CSU Trustees' Award winner.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Environmental Science Major Terrence Carter

Determined in his studies and dedicated to improving the world, Terrence Carter was also a passionate outdoorsman.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Pre-nursing major Lenon Padilla

Lenon Padilla was warm and witty, and brought a creative, inquisitive, and friendly energy into his classes, no matter the subject matter.

Portrait of Al Schademan standing on a campus bridge.

The Science of Engaging Students

Science education professor Al Schademan's work to create classroom-ready science curriculum and future teachers has earned him statewide recognition.

Todd Bishop sits in the studio for his podcast

5 Questions with Distinguished Alum Todd Bishop

Todd Bishop (Journalism, Business Administration, ’96) is a co-founder and editor at GeekWire, a Seattle-based news site covering national technology trends.