April 4, 2025 - Passing of health services administration major Athena Passidakis
Dear campus community,
It’s with deep sadness I share the news that health services administration major Athena Passidakis was killed Thursday in a shooting incident in Chico that police believe is connected to domestic violence.
Passidakis has been a member of our campus community since fall 2023 and was poised to graduate this spring. Her faculty describe her as well-liked and respected among her tightknit cohort. This semester, she served as an intern at Butte Home Health and Hospice.
According to professor Richard Narad, who taught Passidakis in three classes, she was a hardworking and dedicated student whose confidence grew immensely during her two years in the health services administration program. He noted her loss will be felt greatly among her peers.
If you have been impacted by dating or domestic violence or are looking for support, please know that help is available both on- and off-campus.
In an emergency, or situation where you fear for your safety, call 911. Otherwise, to report an incident, the Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution (Title IX) office (530-898-4949, Student Services Center, Room 420) can provide supportive measures such as no-contact directives, academic support, and leaves of absence, as well as connect you with campus and community resources. You can also make a report through our website. Campus advocates can accompany you through all reporting and support options.
If you prefer to speak with someone, confidential services are available through WellCat Safe Place (530-898-3030), WellCat Counseling (530-898-6345), and the community provider Catalyst (1-800-895-8476). The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available—text START to 88788. Outside of confidential counseling, please note that faculty, staff, and student employees are required to report to the Title IX Office.
As we grieve the loss of a member of our campus community, if you or someone you know needs crisis counseling, please don't hesitate to contact the 24/7 crisis line through WellCat Counseling Center at 855-530-6802. WellCat is also offering its drop-in confidential counseling service, "Let's Chat," at multiple times and locations this week.
More details can be found on the Let's Chat web page. Employees seeking support can utilize the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-800-357-7474 — company code: csuchico.
Care and compassion for each other is what makes Chico State a special community. In processing this incredibly sad news, I urge you to take care of yourselves and hold space for your friends, colleagues, and peers.
Thank You,
Steve Perez