first-generation

Adrian Fontanelli poses for a portrait with a soccer ball between his left arm and hip.

Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose

Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.

Joel Solis sits and smiles for the camera while holding a photograph he took. His painting of a Latina street vendor is seen in the background.

BFA Graduate Drawn to Chico State’s Art Program

Inspired by his culture, BFA graduate Joel Solis dedicated his culminating exhibition to Latino street vendors around Butte County.

BriSeiders stands in the middle of a hallway

Unexpected Super Bowl Star Set to Graduate

Bri Seiders, a Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management Major scheduled to graduate in spring 2022, made every event special during her four years at Chico State.

CAGD Student Models Success for Those Underserved in Her Field

First-generation student of color finds inspiration in close-knit family and campus CAGD community as she sets off for a new adventure after graduation.

Felipe Restrepo coaches his players from the sidelines of a soccer game.

Office Hours: Men’s Soccer Coach and Leadership Instructor Felipe Restrepo

Professor and coach Felipe Restrepo helps first-generation and underserved students win on and off the field.

Double Major Connects Passion with Purpose

When picking a major, first-generation college student Jasmine Vang chose to follow her heart—which led to not one but two degrees she'll use to help others succeed in life.

Portrait of Tatiana Ybarra, her husband, and their three kids.

Family Ties Strengthen Married Students’ Success

Two graduating seniors find strength in their backgrounds, their children, and each other.

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.

Stephanie Alvarado stands next to an olive orchard at the University Farm

Reconnecting with Her Roots

Senior Stephanie Alvarado was one of only 20 undergraduates nationwide to attend a student program at the USDA's largest annual meeting this year. In May, she becomes the first in her family to graduate college.

The First Generation Faculty and Staff Association is holding the second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium this week at multiple locations across the Chico State campus.

CSU, Chico Hosts Second Annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium Today and Friday

Navigating the college experience can be daunting for new students. For first-generation students—who will be the first in their family to complete a four-year degree—it is often confusing and overwhelming. California State University, Chico will look to help its first-generation students during its second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium. This two-day conference takes place today, February […]

Doing Things Differently

Jessica Gonzales knows hardship. The pre-nursing major has endured homelessness, discrimination, and field labor to reach college. But she’s determined to be the first in her family to earn a degree and one day open her own health clinic.

Students and faculty sit around a dining table enjoying a meal.

Serving Inspiration: Discernment Dinner Hosts Stories of Persistence

More than 100 students joined faculty and administrators at two Discernment Dinners held in Sutter Dining to hear stories of adversity, determination, and perseverance after enjoying a four-course meal.

Face-to-Face with First-Gen

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is sparking an awareness campaign to support the faculty, staff, and students who are part of the first-generation community on our campus, and these nine individuals share their unique stories about what it means to be first-gen.

Angelica Rodriguez leans over a stream and collects a water sample.

Grant Supports Groundbreaking Hydrothermal Research: Student Examines Lassen’s Volcanic Activity Potential

STEM Wildcat Angelica Rodriguez's love for the outdoors earned her a research grant that allowed her to spend her summer conducting environmental research, including data collection trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Earning Her Degree, Virtually

Yesenia Jones refused to let anything stop her from earning her degree, a goal that was met through her unwavering passion and the accessibility that online education offered her.

Finding a Voice in Speech Therapy: Andrea Avina overcomes many obstacles, fueling her life ambitions

Andrea Avina, a communication sciences and disorders major and an Outstanding Student Leader Award recipient, fights to overcome personal and family challenges in order to achieve her main goals in life: earn her college education, help her family, and give back to her community.

Kaeli McCarther stands next to a sign that reads "Organic Vegetable Project" while holding a crate of vegetables.