Skip to Main Content
Chico State

Profiles

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

First-year pre-nursing student Emily Zarback smiles while standing with Kendall Hall in the background.

Pre-Nursing Student’s Focus and Drive Exemplify ‘Wildcat Spirit’

Freshman Emily Zarback honored for administering lifesaving CPR on a fellow Wildcat.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Retired EOP Staff Loretta Metcalf

A lifelong activist, Loretta Metcalf was an impassioned champion for others without a voice.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Josh Funk displays one of the models used in his short film, 3 Keys, at his home in Chico.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

The reporting staff of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat erupts in celebration as they learn that the Santa Rosa Press Democrat captured the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting in April 2018 for their coverage of the October 2017 fires in Sonoma County.

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.

Marco Macotela stands on the second floor of the BMU with flags from around the world behind him.

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.

Janet Jackson and Barry Daffurn pose for a photo with three other men.

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.

Stickers and t-shirts featuring the design of a pine tree over the state of California are displayed.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Jennifer Lefort stands among rows of beds set up at the Neighborhood Church evacuation center.

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.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

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.

Kendall Hall is bathed in light on an early winter morning.

Class Notes: Fall 2018

1950s GEORGE FOSGATE (Speech Arts, ’59) is a professor emeritus of theatre arts after 32 years of teaching at the University of Minnesota, Morris, where he also endowed a theatre scholarship. After retirement, Fosgate and spouse Pat (Burton) Fosgate spent 20 years in Portland, where he was a freelance professional theatre actor and director, and […]

Two hands hold an Army cap, which contains two dog tags, an American flag patch, and tags reading "Lewis" and "U.S. Army."

Who Helps the Heroes?

For help acclimating to civilian life and a college world starkly different from their military service, veteran students seek support from those who understand them best: other veterans.

President Gayle Hutchinson (left) recognizes James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr., (right) for 45 years of service as staff are honored during the Staff Awards Luncheon in May 2018.

For 45 Years, International Education Has Been His Life’s Work

A distinguished face gazes out from the southwest edge of campus, its dark beard mixed with gray, mouth set in a comforting smile, and eyes twinkling with patience, kindness, and understanding. This is James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr., a 45-year employee of Chico State's Office of International Education.

Since graduating from Chico State in 1993 with a degree in Physical Education, Miles Daisher has become one of the world's most prolific and celebrated skydivers and BASE jumpers.

Alum Pushes Sport of BASE Jumping to New Heights

Miles Daisher has been pushing the limits of extreme sports like skydiving to BASE jumping for Red Bull Air Force, breaking world records and introducing the sports on a global scale.

Damion Lewis jumps to catch a soccer ball during a photoshoot

Wildcat Keeper Finds His Place on the Pitch

As one of the finest goalkeepers in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, Chico State’s Damion Lewis is a study in contrast.

Cathrine Himberg poses while her students move in a blur in the background

How To: Go From Thinking About Exercise to Actually Doing It

Sometimes the gap between wanting to be physically active and actually doing it can feel as wide as the Grand Canyon. Kinesiology professor Cathrine Himberg offers some tips.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Psychology Professor Emeritus Merv Shaw

In the early years of his 31-year tenure with Chico State, psychology professor Merville Shaw secured what is purported to be the first research grant ever awarded to Chico State.

Aman Gill poses in dark lighting for a portrait.

Aman Gill Wants to be Your Friend

For Chico State's Outstanding Friend Award winner, kindness comes naturally. The charisma and warmth Amandeep Kaur Gill exudes stem from a genuine love of people.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Business Administration Major Arturo Vega

Exceptionally proud to be a first-generation college student, Arturo Vega also enjoyed soccer, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Richard Bednar

Throughout his tenure and during retirement, Richard Bednar made incredible contributions to his field of research that leave a lasting impression on his colleagues and his industry.

Stephanie Bianco, associate director of the Center for Healthy Communities, is one of 26 recipients of the CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award. The systemwide award recognizes faculty who are implementing innovative practices that significantly improve learning and course outcomes. Stephanie is also an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.

Impact is at the Heart of Bianco’s Work

Whether she’s teaching classes at Chico State or helping to guide the Center for Healthy Communities (CHC), Stephanie Bianco is serious about the impact of her work.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: School of Education Faculty Dorothy Kennedy

After decades working in K-12 education, Dorothy Kennedy embraced a second career at Chico State to make sure the next generation of teachers was equipped to be effective, compassionate, and excellent educators.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Computer Science Faculty Kent Wooldridge

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Kent Wooldridge was a pioneer in leading Chico State into the latest programming languages before other early adopters, making sure students would be marketable by staying connected with his field.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: IT Support Services Staff Mike Murray

While colleagues and students Mike Murphy worked with remember his expertise in the world of IT, they say those traits were equally matched by his genuine spirit, sense of humor, zeal for life, and passion for music.  

Casey takes a selfie with two young girls at the Heart Walk

It all adds up for award-winning accounting alumna

As Ashley Casey has taken on greater challenges in her career as an accountant—making a professional name for herself on the state and national levels—she has also developed a love for giving back.

Patrick Pace is seen with his parents in 2014, as a prospective student deciding to "Choose Chico," and four years later as as a graduate.

Oh Snap! Grad Caught on Camera Before and After Chico

Coincidence captures Patrick Pace on camera for the second time in four years—bookending his time as a Wildcat with images as both a prospective student and college graduate.

Taylor Coutts looks down at her service dog Davy

Distance Learning and Davy Help Sociology Grad Fulfill Dream

Taylor Coutts' goal of obtaining a college degree was put on hold after an epilepsy diagnosis. But Chico State's distance learning program, and a lot of help from her service dog, Davy, opened doors that were suddenly slammed shut.

Sylvia Hamilton

A Degree a Half Century in the Making

At 83, Sylvia Hamilton is one of the oldest graduates to be awarded a degree in Chico State's 130-year history. Her journey took 56 years to complete.

Land steward coordinator Tom Mello helps with the Big Chico Creek Watershed Tour on April 14.

Putting Himself on the Map: A Nontraditional Student Finds His Place

Tom Mello couldn’t imagine himself as a college student, but after the Great Recession left him without a job and struggling as a single parent, the need for an education morphed into a passion for the physical geography major.

Daniel Caravez is a first-generation college student who was born in Mexico and arrived in the United States when he was seven years old. While he didn’t know a word of English, he found a passion and a common language in mathematics. Today, Caravez is a triple major (mathematics education, Spanish education, and Latin American studies) who hopes to use his experiences to teach math to North State students.

Driven By Resilience and Tenacity, Triple Major Has His Day

Daniel Caravez is a first-generation triple major who hopes to use his experiences to teach math to North State students.

Jason Alhumaidi stands in front of a sculpture of steel in front of Langdon Hall.

Creating Community Brings Comfort to International Student

Civil engineering major Jasem Alhumaidi moved half a world away from home when he came to Chico from Kuwait four years ago but he found comfort in creating his own community here through campus clubs.

Daniel Michelson, is an HFA outstanding student leader award winner, and a double major in music and engineering, works on his DIY musical instrument creations in the Ayres Art Shop.

Putting It All Together: Artist-Engineer Combines Creative Pursuits

A rare double major in mechanical engineering and music, Daniel Michelson has made a big impact on the Chico State music department while working toward his engineering career.

Outstanding Senior Unique Torres is photographed in Old Hutch Plaza on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in Chico, Calif. Unique is a Journalism major and Spanish minor hoping to find a career in social justice. (Jessica Bartlett /University Photographer/CSU Chico)

Doing Things Her Own Way

Unique Torres spends what little free time she has looking for new projects where she can make a difference.

Elizabeth Konecny sits for a posed photo on a planter box by Meriam Library.

‘It’s Important to Know You’re Not Alone’: A Star Student’s Success Through Struggle

Elizabeth Konecny has endured repeated personal struggles on the way to being a standout student. One of her greatest challenges was not doing it alone.