 Alumni—Giving
Back
A Natural History of Giving
By anna moss
A student, a teacher, an entrepreneur. Judy Sitton has accomplished
much in her life, and her journey toward professional success, community
involvement, and personal fulfillment began, in many ways, at CSU,
Chico. “It is so satisfying to observe a student succeeding—personally
or professionally,” says Sitton. “You know a bit of
the journey they’ve traveled to attain this success and what
an impact it will have on their development, growth, and maturity.”
She also believes in CSU, Chico’s mission and priorities:
“The ability to enhance so many areas of our quality of life
locally and regionally—our culture, environment, natural resources,
recreational opportunities, legacy, stewardship, and economic prosperity—are
enriched by a campus-community partnership.”
These are some of the reasons Sitton loves being so involved with
programs and students at CSU, Chico. And though she’s retired
now from her position as executive vice president at SunGard Bi-Tech
Software, a company she and husband, Gary, founded in Chico in 1981,
she’s busier than ever.
Sitton received a BA in social science in 1968 and a lifetime teaching
credential in 1969, both from CSU, Chico. She later completed graduate
course work in counseling psychology from the University of Alberta
in Edmonton, Canada. In May 2003, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate
of Humane Letters from CSU, Chico, bringing her full circle.
“I always felt the friendliness, helpfulness, and support
of both Chico and the campus,” she says. “Faculty support
was readily available, administrators met with students, and citizens
welcomed your presence and participation.”
She credits her education at CSU, Chico for helping her develop
skills that have contributed to her many successes. “The importance
of tolerance, organization skills, managing change, service to others
and organizations, successful approaches to teaching subject matter
and the exposure to the breadth of knowledge that a liberal arts
curriculum provides all helped me as an elementary schoolteacher
and in all the roles I assumed at SunGard Bi-Tech,” she says.
Sitton began volunteering when she was young, and she says she has
“always had a predisposition to do volunteer work.”
So it comes as no surprise that she has been involved with many
local organizations and projects. She’s a member of the SIFE
(Students in Free Enterprise) Business Advisory Board and has previously
spent six years as their chair. She’s currently chair of the
CSU, Chico President’s Advisory Board and has been a member
since 2001. Sitton is also a member of the Butte Pioneers Task Force
and a Trustee for the Enloe Medical Center Board of Trustees.
These days one of her biggest projects is working with other members
of the community on plans for making the Northern California Natural
History Museum a reality. She’s president of the board and
feels strongly that the museum, which will be located next to Bidwell
Mansion (see photo above), will be an important contribution to
Chico. "We have a magnificent heritage to share in the North
State—its beauty, diversity, history, and uniqueness,"
she says. “The museum’s campus/community partnership
provides a lifelong learning environment to explore, educate, interpret,
and celebrate the natural history of our region. A natural history
museum promotes interest in the sciences, and science is a part
of everything.”
For Sitton, giving back is a passion. It also creates balance
in her life, which according to her “completes the picture
of things that satisfy me each day.” And like anyone who has
the pleasure of doing what they most enjoy, she says, “I feel
very fortunate.”
A Little Goes a Long Way
By anna moss
“My brother, aunt, several cousins, and even my grandmother
attended Chico State,” says David Little, editor of the Chico
Enterprise-Record. Little is a Chico native who carried on
the family tradition of attending CSU, Chico. He received his BA
in English in 1985 and has stayed involved with the University over
the years.
Little recently finished a six-year term on the CSU, Chico Alumni
Board, the last two of which he served as vice president. Little
says his time spent on the board was enjoyable, especially working
with “successful, ambitious, good-hearted people.” “It’s
good to be among people like that,” he says.
Little regularly speaks to students in the classroom and at other
functions. His public speaking has ranged from giving critiques
to the staff of CSU, Chico’s student newspaper, The Orion,
to informing public affairs students about upcoming local elections,
to giving speeches at new-student orientation. He has also spoken
to Prime Timers, a learning-in-retirement group, and was a panelist
on a forum on ethics in journalism through the University’s
Center for Applied and Professional Ethics. Since 1999, Little has
also participated in a mentoring program through Alumni Relations
and Career Planning and Placement.
Much of Little’s mentoring occurs on the job, with interns
at the Chico Enterprise-Record. He estimates that about
half of the full-time staff in the newsroom are Chico State graduates.
He loves being able to guide students because, says Little, “there
were so many people that helped me along the way.” Among those
he recalls as role models are former English professor Clark Brown,
who helped him develop a fondness for writing, and former staff
at the Enterprise-Record, who had faith enough to hire
him when he was only 18.
Little values the important role the University plays in the community.
“Chico State provides an infusion of culture and diversity
that you can’t find in other towns,” he says.
David Little, who with his wife, Angela, is raising their three
children in Chico, takes pride in his hometown and its university.
With a desire to help CSU, Chico students just as he was helped,
he gladly gives his support. “I’ve tried to give back
in small ways,” he says, “doing my part however I can.”
About the author
Anna Moss graduated from CSU, Chico in 2005 with a BA in English
and a certificate in literary editing and publishing.
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