Distinguished Alumni
Celebrating Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni
Not only do the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees reflect our longstanding University values, but they have led exceptional lives and made a profound impact through their careers.
Distinguished Alumnus and Business Professional Jon Krabbenschmidt
After 30 years working in the tax, accounting, and affordable housing industries, Jon Krabbenschmidt manages a real estate and development business.
Educator, Record-Setting Goalkeeper, and Distinguished Alumni Tom Carter
Following his passion for math, physical education, and sports, Tom Carter is making a significant impact at Chico State and in the surrounding community.
Distinguished Alumna and Sierra Nevada Brewery Quality Manager Kimberly Bacigalupo
Chemistry alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo is diversifying the brewing industry from the inside out.
Distinguished Alum, Entrepreneur, and CEO Norman Tu
In 1982, a motivational seminar inspired Norman Tu to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Today, his company employs over 350 people and has facilities in several states.
Distinguished Alumna, Motivational Speaker, and CEO Alycia Anderson
Alycia Anderson believes disability needs to be an important part of the DEI conversation. An international TEDx speaker and advocate, she works with global companies to expand what inclusion means in the workplace.
Distinguished Alumna and California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass
The organization’s first woman President is driven to succeed by those who blazed trails for her and those who will follow.
Celebrating Our 2023 Distinguished Alumni
From working on cancer treatments to advocating for farmworkers to teaching human kindness through language, the 2023 Distinguished Alumni have chosen to "Do and Dare" in a big way.
Distinguished Alum and Nonprofit Chair Marti Sutton
Marti Sutton discovered her advocacy voice as a student at Chico State and has since worked on Capitol Hill and in community nonprofits to support causes dear to her heart.
Distinguished Alumna, Educator, and School Director Melanie Mello
Former exchange student and decorated educator Melanie Mello has been named a Chico State distinguished alumni of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Distinguished Alum, Scientist, and CEO Thomas Butler
Thomas Butler found his passion in a Chico State lab. Today, he's the CEO of a company creating medicines designed to attack cancer and diabetes.
Distinguished Alum and Strategic Architect Kimate Richards
Veteran and alum Kimate Richards designs cutting-edge smart technology while making time to give back to his community.
Distinguished Alum and Owner of Advantage Therapy Services Haley Willis
Haley Willis, CEO and founder of Advantage Therapy Services in Chico, is helping advance the field of speech-language pathology. She is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Communications and Education.
Distinguished Alum and Farmworker Rights Advocate Armando Ibarra
Armando Ibarra (Sociology, Spanish, ’99; MA, Public Administration, ’02) is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Distinguished Alum and Valley Water District CEO Rick Callender
Rick Callender (Industrial Technology, ’94) is being honored by Chico State with this year's Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Celebrating Our 2022 Distinguished Alumni
Through their work and their service, our 2022 Distinguished Alumni are an inspiration to us all, but especially our students as they, too, hope to transform tomorrow.
5 Questions with CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the North Valley and Alumnus Rashell Brobst
As a first-generation college graduate, Rashell Brobst channels her passion into serving the needs of underserved youth in her community.
5 Questions with Construction Management Executive and Alumnus Dan Wheeler
As an executive at Turner Construction, Dan Wheeler has put up new buildings on campus, recruited more than 100 Chico State grads, and mentored countless more. This month, he will be honored as the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of ECC.
5 Questions with Community Health Director and Distinguished Alumna Monica Soderstrom
Whether working in a Haitian orphanage after graduation or supporting nurses during the Camp Fire, the public health needs of her community has always been the core of Monica Soderstrom's work.
5 Questions with Ceramicist and Alumnus Douglas Leiker
After establishing a pottery business post-graduation, Douglas Leiker realized an opportunity to expand into the cosmetics market. His business now has sales worldwide.
5 Questions with Educator and Distinguished Alumna Kathleen Grave
Kathleen Grave has worked in Silicon Valley, taught at Pepperdine University, and is CEO of a CBD company—she is also being honored as a Distinguished Alumni for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
5 Questions With Senator and Alumnus Bill Dodd
After spending more than 20 years in local and state government, College of Business Distinguished Alumnus Bill Dodd thinks cooperation and civility could solve much of our political strife.
5 Questions with Agriculture Educator and Distinguished Alumnus Roy Beck
After 42 years teaching agriculture education, Roy Beck is being honored with a distinguished alumni award from Chico State's College of Agriculture.
Fond Farewell: Distinguished Alumnus and Philanthropist Glen Toney
Glen Toney’s life is characterized by his reputation as an outstanding business executive, prominent community leader, volunteer extraordinaire, philanthropist, and major supporter of numerous boards and community organizations.
5 Questions with Distinguished Alumnus Michael Halldorson
Inspired by his professor Janet Turner, Michael Halldorson ('69, '71) has devoted his life to a legacy of giving back and sharing art with others.
5 Questions With Distinguished Alumnus Richard Perry
Richard Perry's career has taken him from Uzbekistan to Indonesia to Elko, Nevada, and he's never been more passionate about the mining industry.
5 Questions with Distinguished Alum Liza Nagel
Liza Nagel (Child Development, ’80) is a former educator, having taught for 15 years at the University of New Mexico. Nagel is one of eight distinguished alumni to be honored by the University this fall.
5 Questions With Distinguished Alumnus Brad Kaufman
As senior vice president for Kiewit Energy Group, Brad Kaufman oversees oil, gas, and chemical projects across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
5 Questions with Distinguished Alum David Keyawa
David Keyawa (Agriculture, ’81) is a co-owner of Keyawa Orchards, established in 1956 by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy Keyawa, and also owns Tri-Counties Walnut Hulling with his brother, Ron.
5 Questions with Distinguished Alum Todd Bishop
Todd Bishop (Journalism, Business Administration, ’96) is a co-founder and editor at GeekWire, a Seattle-based news site covering national technology trends.
5 Questions With Distinguished Alum Phillip Maltin
Trial lawyer Phillip Maltin reflects on the education that paved the way for a fascinating career in law—and in reading people.
5 Questions with Distinguished Alum Darryl Schoen
One of eight distinguished alumni to be honored the University this fall, entrepreneur Darryl Schoen has never forgotten the value of his Chico Experience.
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.
Distinguished Alumni Share Words of Wisdom
2018 Distinguished Alumni share their advice for graduating seniors and young alums.