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commencement

Streamers fall over a large group of college graduates during a commencement ceremony.

Celebrating the Class of 2023 (Photos + Video)

We revisit the magic of the 2023 Commencement through photos.

Streamers shoot from atop a stage during an evening Commencement ceremony

The Big Moment: Commencement Ceremonies at Chico State Begin Wednesday Night

Chico State Commencement kick off on Wednesday night with the first of seven ceremonies.

Paper streamers shoot into the night sky from atop a Commencement state with graduates celebrating in the foreground

2022 Commencement Ceremonies to Take Place In Person Beginning Wednesday Night

Beginning Wednesday, approximately 3,700 students will participate in Chico State’s Commencement ceremonies.

Consuelo Baez Vega leans against a walnut tree in an orchard at University Farm

Plant and Soil Science Major Grounds Herself With Research

Consuelo Baez Vega cultivated a passion for research while working at the University Farm and several innovative projects with faculty.

A view of Kendall Hall at Chico State

Disability Rights Leader to be Celebrated with Honorary Doctorate

In the last 40 years, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi has created leading programs serving children with deafness and hearing issues, autism, and other cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Portrait of Kristy Moreno

Art Studio Major Molds Her Own Future

With a passion for art and uniting her community, graduating senior Kristy Moreno has been awarded one of the most prestigious art fellowships in the nation to further her craft after college.

Kris Walker poses and smiles in his home with a shelf full of plants behind him

Life Experiences Add Up to Success for Math Major

After traveling the world, serving in the US Army, and finally completing his college degree, Kris Walker is ready for the next stage—pursuing his PhD in statistics at Carnegie Mellon University.

Sarah Moschetti standing in front of redwood trees in the forest.

Communication Sciences Major Wants to Help Special Education Students Gain a Degree of Independence

Sarah Moschetti is pursuing a career in speech language pathology to help special education students gain a degree of independence.

Jesus Barba

Agricultural Business Major Thrives in His Field

Jesus Barba was raised by farmworkers but didn't consider a career in agriculture until he discovered the range of possibilities he could pursue.

College graduates dressed in graduation regalia celebrate.

Chico State Adds In-Person, Grads-Only Commencement Ceremonies for Classes of 2020, 2021

After careful consideration, Chico State will hold multiple in-person Commencement ceremonies to honor its graduating classes of 2020 and 2021.

Siblings Nick, Kayla, and AJ Gonzales wear their Chico State stoles as they stand in front of the boiler-chiller towers that say "Chico State."

The Family That Graduates Together

With three different degrees and three ceremonies, the Gonzales family celebrated a major victory at Commencement as three first-generation siblings became college graduates—all at the same time.

New;ly graduated students return to their seats after receiving their diplomas in front of a sunset backdrop.

More Than 4,000 Students Will Take Part in University’s 129th Commencement Ceremonies

Over 4,000 students will take part in Chico State's 129th Commencement ceremonies this week.

Valerie Olivares holds a framed award.

Embracing My Differences

First-generation student Valerie Olivares reflects on how she overcame feeling out of place in college.

Portrait of He-Lo Ramirez near the base of a Valley Oak tree.

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.

Jaime Valdovinos walks through an outdoor hallway on campus carrying his back and reusable water bottle

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.

Debra Cannon stands between clothing racks while a fashion photoshoot takes place behind her.

Debra Cannon to be Honored with Honorary Doctorate

Lulus cofounder Debra Cannon ('77) has a legacy of entrepreneurial success, while also giving back to Chico State and mentoring business students.

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.

Chico State will host its 128th Commencement Ceremonies this week. Graduate ceremonies will take place Thursday, while undergraduate ceremonies take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with special ceremonies happening Tuesday through Sunday.

More than 4,000 Students to Participate in 128th Commencement Ceremonies at CSU, Chico

Approximately 3,800 undergraduate and 300 graduate students will participate in California State University, Chico’s 128th Commencement this week, starting Tuesday, May 15, and continuing through Sunday, May 20.

Dennis Murphy stands in the Concrete Lab, which his donations helped renovate.

Dennis Murphy to Receive Honorary Degree

In light of the lives he helps change every day—here and across the Pacific Northwest—businessman, philanthropist, and '94 alumnus Dennis Murphy returns to campus to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Lara Tenckhoff smiles backstage of Laxson Auditorium.

Honored in the Arts: Meet Student Leader, Actor, Director and Mom—Lara Tenckhoff

Follow the story of budding director, actor, student leader, and mother Lara Tenckhoff as she answers the question “what do I really want?”

Best Spots for Graduation Glamour Shots

We help you plan that perfect Commencement photo—ranging from traditional to the unconventional.

Dee Thao

Meet Some of Chico State’s Amazing New Graduates

Basketball star Damario Sims has left an indelible mark on Chico State athletics history over the past four years. But beyond the buzzer-beating shots is his most defining aspect: the obligation he feels to be a role model for young people from his hometown of West Oakland. Read More If there’s one thing Ariel Ellis […]