We are Making a Good First Impression

We all know the adage about the importance of a good first impression. After an event or meeting with someone, I often wonder: What type of impression did I make?

During Wildcat Weekend, observing the joy and enthusiasm of our visitors, alumni, students, staff, and faculty, I was confident our first-time guests were impressed. Our employees and students went above and beyond to make sure Chico State was showing well, and I’m so grateful. I want to share an email with you to illustrate the impression you made on a future Wildcat family.

Dear President Perez,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary Wildcat Preview Day you hosted last Saturday. It was a truly remarkable experience that far exceeded my expectations.

As a mother of four young adults, I have had the opportunity to attend similar events at various universities … I must say, Chico State’s event was unparalleled in its warmth, organization, and the invaluable insights it provided.

My son … who is set to transfer and commence his journey at Chico State in January 2024, was equally captivated by the richness of the experience. Each person we had the pleasure of meeting was incredibly kind, helpful, and radiated a genuine passion for nurturing a supportive and engaging educational environment. Such attributes instill confidence and gratitude in me, knowing that future Wildcats will be embraced by a community of caring and dedicated adults.

Thank you once again for such a thoughtfully curated and impactful event. We are eagerly looking forward to becoming part of the vibrant Chico State community.

This parent’s email speaks to this event’s success in a way I cannot. It captures the experience from the visitor’s vantage point and confirms we accomplished what we set out to do. We offered a glimpse of what makes Chico State truly amazing—our incredible academic programs, our wealth of services dedicated to ensuring student success, and the captivating educational backdrop where it all takes place. It is all of you.

So, with an even lighter step in my much-talked-about shoes, allow me to reiterate the importance and impact of what we do. Chico State is a place where people care about our students and each other. We create an environment where students learn, grow, and thrive. Every interaction is an opportunity to change a life. And it truly does take all of us to do this every day—and to create a phenomenal event like Wildcat Weekend.

Thank you so much for all you do to make this a wonderful community and for sharing the sense of care with every new Wildcat and their families. Thank you for being you.