Susan "Sue" Anderson

Alumni and Parent Engagement
1998–2018

Susan “Sue” Anderson galvanized Chico State’s alumni program with her marketing acumen, flair for special events, and relentless work ethic.

After two years as assistant alumni relations director, Anderson became director of alumni and parent relations in 2000. She expanded and enhanced many alumni gatherings, such as the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner, to which she added a Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2005. Anderson developed The Chico Experience Week in 2010 as an annual campus-community collaboration that now features dozens of activities in the fall. The popular Senior Send Off on campus was launched in the early 2000’s to introduce graduating seniors into the University’s alumni ranks. In 2013, she initiated and managed the “Big C” photo for new students, and in 2015, under her leadership, the Chico State Alumni Association (CSAA) board eliminated dues for membership, allowing all alumni to enjoy being part of the CSAA.

Anderson’s savvy and creativity with externally focused projects enriched campus many times over the years. She led the University’s undergraduate Commencement, the largest event held on campus; she helmed the University’s year-long 125th Anniversary celebration; she co-directed the inauguration of President Gayle Hutchinson and served on the committee for President Paul Zingg’s inauguration; and she collaborated with campus partners to erect the Wildcat Statue in front of Bell Memorial Union. Her value to campus was recognized when she was promoted to assistant vice president for Alumni and Parent Engagement in 2014.

Many of Anderson’s programs were honored by awards from The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including The Chico Experience Week, the 125th Anniversary celebration, and the transition to a non-dues-paying alumni association. Anderson was very active in the community during her years on campus. She was on the boards for the Downtown Chico Business Association and the Chico Theater Company, and she was a member of Chico Noon Rotary and the Chico Education Hall of Fame Committee. In retirement, she continues to serve on the board for the Stansbury Home Preservation Association and volunteer for the Chico Theater Company, the North Valley Animal Disaster Group, and the Butte Humane Society—where she is the volunteer cat photographer.

Anderson earned her BS in Journalism from the University of Oregon in 1986. She also received an MA in Communication from Jones International University in 2000.