Profiles
Faculty Member Leads as Camp Fire Liaison
As Chico State takes an active role in Camp Fire recovery, someone needs to lead the way: Megan Kurtz accepted the challenge.
Engineering Student Finds His Footing
From guiding his construction team to a national first-place finish to rebuilding a historic children's playground, double major Tim O'Shea left his mark at Chico State.
Fond Farewell: Retired Sociology Professor Jerry Maneker
A fierce protector of human rights and advocate for inclusivity, Jerry Maneker is remembered for his professionalism and passions.
Fond Farewell: Retired School of Education Dean Ed Miller
After six years as dean, Ed Miller returned to teaching so he could work more closely with prospective teachers and support their future careers.
Roots Resonate with Biology Major
Whether creating a campus native plant garden or researching how the valley oak is adapting to climate change, He-Lo Ramirez is letting his ancestry guide his future.
A Calling to Help
Katie Rosauer found her calling through trial and error. And now that she has, she's committed to helping those around her in need.
From Now On
Five students, faculty, and staff who lost their homes in the Camp Fire share how their lives have changed since that fateful morning. Each has their own challenges and hopes for the future.
A Stronger Sense of Space
Master’s candidate Mary Gibaldi focused her English studies on the subject of space in literary worlds while discovering her own new expression of “home.”
Setting an Example
Jaime Valdovinos left his home in Mexico alone at age 17 to pursue an education. Now a first-generation college graduate eyeing law school, he hopes to be an example for his 14 siblings.
Leaving—and Receiving—a Lasting Impression
A rolling stone most of his young life, Brett Day put down roots in Chico long enough to find a new love: printmaking. Now, he's off to explore again.
When Community Calls
The local foundation Alexa Benson-Valavanis shaped to support area nonprofits suddenly went global last fall as one of the main places to donate during the Camp Fire.
Imagineer Day Stirs Young STEM Minds
Led by the Society of Women Engineers, Chico State hosted more than 220 local K-8 students at its seventh annual Imagineer Day.
Campus Advocate and Mentor Leads with his Heart
Kimani Davis II leads by example and is a mentor for diverse communities across campus. But what sets him apart is the care, passion and love he puts into his advocacy.
Class Notes: Spring 2019
For the spring 2019 issue of the alumni magazine Chico Statements, our alums shared their stories of bravery, good deeds, and recovery both during and after the Camp Fire.
Lifting Up Others Through Self-Discovery
Alisha Sharma cultivated a love for new experiences at Chico State—and discovered a talent for leadership along the way.
Fond Farewell: Retired English Professor Elizabeth Singh
Fulfilling a lifelong dream to teach and write, Elizabeth Singh enjoyed cultivating foundational and creative writing skills in her students.
Fond Farewell: Computer Engineering Major Michael Fellis
Reliable, hardworking, and contemplative, Michael Fellis' was seen as a leader by his faculty and peers and often picked first for groupwork.
Fond Farewell: Sociology Major Natalie Kriebel
Natalie Kriebel was studying sociology because she wanted to learn more about the world and help all of life.
Fond Farewell: Retired Psychology Faculty Diane Chatlosh
Retired faculty member Diane Chatlosh, who taught psychology at Chico State for 19 years, passed away April 1. She was 63. Born September 19, 1955 in Menominee, Michigan, she earned her bachelor of science from Northern Michigan University in 1977 and her master’s from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, in 1981. After earning her PhD […]
Student Shatters Statistics about Former Foster Youth
Facing overwhelming odds against earning her college degree, Caitlin Davis finally feels like she belongs.
Fond Farewell: Social Work Graduate Student Angela Cannon
Kind and supportive of her classmates, Angela Cannon's greatest passions were social work and social justice.
‘All They Will Call You’ Aims to Honor Anonymous Plane Crash Victims
Author Tim Z. Hernandez discusses the synchronicity of how this year’s Book in Common, "All They Will Call You," came together and its relevance today.
Fond Farewell: Human Resources Staff Member Linda Henderson
Longtime Human Resources staff member remembered for her encyclopedic knowledge and friendly nature.
Chico in Love
Campus sweethearts share their stories about what life is like when the one you love also works where you work.
Fond Farewell: Retired IMC Staff Faye Anglen
The University’s first graphic artist and photographer Faye Anglen modernized campus services and mentored many notable designers.
Pre-Nursing Student’s Focus and Drive Exemplify ‘Wildcat Spirit’
Freshman Emily Zarback honored for administering lifesaving CPR on a fellow Wildcat.
Fond Farewell: Retired EOP Staff Loretta Metcalf
A lifelong activist, Loretta Metcalf was an impassioned champion for others without a voice.
Fond Farewell: Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Arthur Gee
Emigrating alone from China as a young boy, Arthur Gee is credited for bolstering an Asian community at Chico State and within the city at large.
Hit Film “3 Keys” Opens Doors for Art Instructor
Deriving purpose from passion has been a form of art in itself for Josh Funk, filmmaker and Chico State instructor.
Fond Farewell: Mechanical Engineering Professor Fayette Brown
Fayette Brown's engineering expertise carried him through several careers and took him to destinations around the globe.
Fond Farewell: University Housing Staff Member Mario Mena
Mario Mena enjoyed teaching students life skills, whether how to fix a broken sink or repair the brakes on their car.
Fond Farewell: Philanthropist and Honorary Doctorate Recipient Steve Nettleton
Steve Nettleton, known for his generous service to the community, was the second in the University’s history to earn an honorary doctorate.
From the Ashes: Alum’s Coverage of Wine Country Fires Earns Highest Award in American Journalism
Randi Rossmann has made a career of covering some of the most grueling, ghastly, and demanding stories in the Sonoma Valley. After the Communications alum helped lead coverage of the 2017 Sonoma County fires at The Press Democrat, her team was rewarded with journalism's highest honor.
Study Abroad Translates into Multiple Majors
After four stints studying abroad—and finding new disciplines to study at every turn—Marco Macotela graduated with four majors, three minors, and one certification.
Cinq founder enjoying the sound of success
Alum Barry Daffurn has long embraced the world of digital distribution. Now he is the founder of Cinq Music Group, a Los Angeles-based music and entertainment management company with its finger on the pulse of digital music trends and distribution practices.
Alum Brings Healing with #ButteStrong Design
It took Chico State alum Zac Acker less than three minutes to sketch out the design, & when he posted it on the 12 Volt Tattoo Facebook page, it was clear the #ButteStrong design was a remembrance for what Paradise residents had lost in the Camp Fire—as well as what it still had.
Fond Farewell: Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management Major Logan Schwab
Logan Schwab had an unequalled passion for fishing, a hobby he took part in for any species, at any time of day, and in any weather.
Fond Farewell: Construction Management Student Brandon Laster
Whether working on the family ranch or with his classmates in a construction management class, Brandon Laster always knew how to put people at ease and make friends.
Students Care for Evacuees’ Physical and Mental Wellness
Dozens of cots lined East Avenue Church in tidy rows, a stark contrast to the chaos from which Camp Fire evacuees fled. Every face reflected the effects of exhaustion mixed with terror, the air of uncertainty as thick as the smoke outside.
Fond Farewell: Construction Management Major Scott Wilford
Described as a bright presence in the classroom, construction management student Scott Wilford also enjoyed fishing and being outdoors.