Fond Farewell: Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Dani Senico

First-year student Daniella Senico, a communication sciences and disorders major, passed away November 22. She was 18.

Born February 18, 2004, she was raised in Folsom, where she was a swimmer as a young girl and played rugby for a brief time in high school. A natural leader and quick study, Senico was a strong student and reliable employee who was loving her first semester at Chico State.

“Dani was a bright and intelligent young woman that I enjoyed seeing in class and talking to,” said English faculty member Larisa Perkins-Orta. “She was a wonderful writer, I always loved receiving her responses and learning about her through her writing. She has made a huge impact on me as an educator and as a person.”

Senico’s family describes her as fierce, fun, and a free spirit. She had a smile that would light up the room and cared deeply for her family, especially her siblings. She also loved animals, tattoos, and music of many genres.

Emily Bruns (Political Science, ’21), college and major advisor for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, was a friend of the Senico family and thrilled to welcome her to her alma mater. They went to lunch at the beginning of the semester and Senico shared how excited she was to attend Chico State, especially after completing so much of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. With her friendly face and as a genuinely good listener, Senico quickly made many friends and was thriving on campus, Bruns said.

“She went through her life unapologetically herself, which is something that most people aspire to be like. I looked up to Daniella for her spontaneity and her courage,” Bruns said. “I gave her a tour of Chico State over the summer, and we talked about different ways to get around campus, best places to go for late-night snacks, and making the most she could out of her time here. We ended the tour with a stop at the Wildcat Store, where she picked up an XXL oversized sweatshirt that she rocked frequently.”

Senico is survived by her parents, Dan and Stephanie Senico and Tara Senico and Bill Walker; brothers Landon Senico, Caden Bienvenue, and Jake Bienvenue; and sister Kenzie Bienvenue.

Services were held November 30. The University flag will be lowered Friday, December 9, in her memory.