May 19, 2026 - Gratitude for a Fantastic Semester and Commencement

Dear Campus Community, 
 
Closing out the semester is always a whirlwind, and this year was no exception. Last week, 3,700 graduates crossed the stage across six Commencement ceremonies over five days. Amid wild winds and a few technology hiccups, our campus came together to create an unforgettable experience for our students, their families, and friends. In addition to 26,747 guests cheering from the stands, 12,054 people tuned in from around the world — from across the United States to Mexico to India — to celebrate our graduates! Thank you to every staff and faculty member who took part in the planning and execution of this showstopper event. I was blown away by your commitment and care.
 
Special recognition goes to University Public Engagement, for leading a production that’s literally months in the making, and our incredible partners in Facilities Management and Services, the University Police Department, Alumni Engagement, the Accessibility Resource Center, Creative Media and Technology, Enterprise Applications, IT Support Services, University Communications, Environmental Health and Safety, Risk Management, Procurement, Graduation Advising, the Wildcat Bookstore, and the Chico State Wind Ensemble. Grand Marshals Kim Jaxon and Lisa Ott and their team of faculty marshals were incredible once again, as were professors Laura Sparks, Jason Nice, Maitreya Badami, and Jennifer Wilking, who stepped in to read the names of hundreds of graduates to ensure every student had their rightful moment on stage. 
 
Beyond our big ceremonies, thousands of those same grads participated in the numerous cultural, academic recognition, and program-specific celebrations we held on campus. Our sincere thanks goes to the planning committees and partners behind each of those joyous events. This campus was a hub of photoshoots, hugs, tears, and smiles for days on end, and it’s because of the hard work and dedication of this amazing community.  

That sense of pride only grows when I reflect on the year as a whole. I’m deeply proud of what we have accomplished. Enrollment continues to climb, the budget looks promising, and we have made great progress on so many important initiatives. Our students thrived in the classroom and in competition, faculty continued to elevate their disciplines through research and service, and we persist in finding new ways to innovate and make incredible impacts on our students, our community, and the North State. As many of you are headed for some much-deserved rest, I hope you feel as good about the work you have done as I do.  

This University continues to show its strength in how we celebrate success and how we support one another through challenge, change, and moments of opportunity. That spirit is what makes Chico State such a special place, and, as I said in my Commencement speech, you and our students are what makes it such a special place. I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this community. 
 
Thank you for all you do. I’m excited for what’s ahead this summer and next academic year.  
 
Go Wildcats! 
Steve Perez