Excellence in Agriculture
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards Reception shines a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of College of Agriculture students, faculty, and staff, and recognizes donors. This event took place in the Bell Memorial Union on the Chico State campus on May 16, 2022. The event served to heighten the visibility of existing awards such as the Graduates of Distinction, Star Students, and Club of the Year, as well as to honor exceptional faculty and staff.
Outstanding Student Leader
Each year, the College of Agriculture selects one student to receive the Outstanding Student Leader Award. The 2022 recipient is Tyler Jenkins. Tyler was the College of Agriculture’s 2021-2022 Student Senator and worked at the Organic Vegetable Project at the University Farm. He will be continuing his education by attending graduate school at Sacramento State in educational leadership and policy studies.
Star Students
Each year, Chico State’s College of Agriculture recognizes one exemplary student within each discipline as a Star Student. You can view complete articles on all of our past Star Students on our website.
Kurt Sheppard: Agricultural Business (Hometown Biggs, California)
Daniel Casas: Agricultural Education (Hometown Oakdale, California)
Delaney Sarantopulos: Animal Science (Hometown Elk Grove, California)
Consuelo Baez Vega: Plant and Soil Science (Hometown Thermal, California)
Club of the Year
The 2022 Club of the Year is the Crops and Horticulture Club, which was recognized for its leadership, service, and outreach with a $500 award from Superior Ag.
Faculty and Staff of the Year
The Faculty and Staff of the Year Awards are nominated and selected by students. They include donor-funded monetary awards for continued professional development.
Agricultural Education Professor Alyssa Schager received the Faculty of the Year award. She has made her mark on Chico State with her trademark enthusiasm, encouragement, and dedication to student success.
The Staff of the Year award went to Darby Heffner. As the Organic Dairy Unit manager, she supports and guides students by offering industry tours and opportunities for hands-on learning.
Commencement Awards
Honors in General Education: Alysha Singh
Honors in the Major of Plant and Soil Science: Angel De Trinidad
Graduates of Distinction
The following seniors graduated with exceptional academic achievement and earned medallions to wear at Commencement:
Cum Laude
Paige Baker: Agricultural Business
Jordyn Kesting: Agricultural Business
Aidan Tara Mcnerney: Animal Science
Callie Norton: Agricultural Education
Sophia Trask: Animal Science
Magna Cum Laude
Consuelo Baez Vega: Plant and Soil Science
Haley Duenas: Animal Science
Rebecca Fleming: Agricultural Business
James Young: Agricultural Business
Summa Cum Laude
Belinda Espinoza: Agricultural Education
Taylor Gallaty: Agricultural Business
Tyler Jenkins: Agricultural Education
Outstanding Graduates in Agricultural Business
James Young
Jordyn Kesting
Samantha Jackson
Outstanding Graduates in Agricultural Education
Brianne Shannon
Callie Norton
Dillion Guillen
Outstanding Graduates in Animal Science
Emely Arevalo
Marissa Budesilich
Mary Holbert
Outstanding Graduates in Plant and Soil Science
Angel De Trinidad
Consuelo Baez Vega
Hope Coulter