Excellence
Wildcat Conversations, Episode 1: Artificial Intelligence
To help us learn more about where AI is going, why it’s moving so fast, and how we can think about it with more optimism than dread, we looked to three alums working at the forefront of this technological evolution.
Some of Our Favorite Spring Images
Some of our favorite spring 2024 photographs, captured by University photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates.
Worth Sharing: Speech and Debate Team Take Center Stage at Pi Kappa Delta Nationals
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.
Celebrating Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni
Not only do the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees reflect our longstanding University values, but they have led exceptional lives and made a profound impact through their careers.
Distinguished Alumna and Sierra Nevada Brewery Quality Manager Kimberly Bacigalupo
Chemistry alumna Kimberly Bacigalupo is diversifying the brewing industry from the inside out.
Josie Peterson Takes Aim at Chico State’s Record Books
Josie Peterson, a former standout in multiple sports, launched the fifth-longest javelin throw in Chico State's history, igniting a fantastic season and setting her sights on further goals.
Distinguished Alum, Entrepreneur, and CEO Norman Tu
In 1982, a motivational seminar inspired Norman Tu to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Today, his company employs over 350 people and has facilities in several states.
Celebrating Our 2024 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients
From technology specialists and intensive care nurses to those serving multiple communities, these are the 2023-24 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients—the best of the best at Chico State.
A Second Chance: Mathematics Alumna Calculates Her Own Path to Success
For recent graduate and future high school math teacher Taylor Anderson, the journey is the destination.
Distinguished Alumna, Motivational Speaker, and CEO Alycia Anderson
Alycia Anderson believes disability needs to be an important part of the DEI conversation. An international TEDx speaker and advocate, she works with global companies to expand what inclusion means in the workplace.
Former Basketball Player Finds New Team in the Classroom
Basketball brought India Starr to Chico State, but the support she found here made the communication studies major want to stay.
Passion Leads Chico Native to Find Path in Computer Science
A love of coding and her hometown led Olivia Johnson to pursue her degree at Chico State. "I have finally found my path..." she said.
Perseverance and Push from Professors Propel Future History Teacher
Tempted to return home during his first week at Chico State, Jorge Munguia Ramos not only stayed, but he found community and encouragement that helped him thrive.
Vision Beyond Sight: College of Business Student’s Inspiring Journey
Despite being legally blind, Rawlins award winner Carter Lindstrom carries a 3.92 GPA and is a leader in many Chico State College of Business clubs.
Navigating International Paths and Markets: A Business Student’s Journey to a Rawlins Award
Nhung (Emma) Pham earned the Lt. Robert Merton Rawlins award for her achievements and leadership in Chico State's College of Business.
Learning From Experiences, Nursing Major Forges Path to Success
Initially drawing inspiration from nursing students on campus, Marifren Francisco has created her own bright future through service-learning.
Graduate Student Breaking Through Doors Once Closed to Her
As an undocumented child, she grew up constantly being told no. Today, Mejia is working to make sure that kids in her community encounter more open doors than stop signs.
Hands-on Learning Helps Mold Graduate Student into SLP She Wants to Be
What began as Sierra Bowling's teenage interest in public speaking has become a passion for the budding speech-language pathologist.
Curiosity Has Set Double Physics Major On Successful Path
In the classroom, lab, and on the athletics track, Justin Craven is constantly growing through an open mind.
Broad Horizons Ahead for Master’s Candidate in Legal Psychology
Arley Saldana enriches her life by trying new things—and brings this joyful approach to her research and work as a grad student en route to great things.
Journalism Alum Leads DEI Efforts at Groundbreaking Agency
Cheyenne Cameron-Pruitt has put the valuable experience she gained in Chico State's journalism program to practice at FleishmanHillard (FH), a leading-edge public relations firm.
Legends Rising and Records Falling: Chico State Athletics off to Scorching Start
Another fantastic fall for the Chico State Department of Athletics is ending, culminating in two more California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) titles, several NCAA Championship berths, and excitement for what’s still to come. Records have fallen and legends have risen, and the year has only just begun! Here are some of the highlights.
AI: The Business of Change
Three alumni working in different areas of the AI space share their stories of change that led to careers at the edge of a new frontier.
Solving Grassroots Medical Issues With AI
Alumnus Pratik Mehta, head of artificial intelligence at CloudMedx, is constantly asking what will meaningfully impact as many lives as possible.
Driving Automotive Technology Into the Future
Hear the story of Gabriel Flores, an enterprise engineering manager, developing hands-free, eyes-off driving technology.
United States National Rugby Team Starter and Former Chico State Star Hangs Up Her Cleats
Megan Foster, whose rugby career began at Chico State and took her all the way to the United States National Team, recently retired.
Rankings Season: A Roundup
Chico State received numerous rankings from top-tier magazines and international organizations over the last couple of months—here is a rundown.
How Witnessing a Solar Eclipse Can Help Prevent Global Disaster
Senior Danielle Casillas traveled to Western Australia on a NASA-funded trip to the site of a total solar eclipse, looking for clues to the "biggest mystery in the solar system."
Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose
Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.
International Organization AASHE Once Again Honors Chico State for Excellence in Sustainability
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recognized Chico State for its environmental practices, honoring it as one of the top performers in its Master’s Institutions category.
Worth Sharing: Chico State Named One of the Top Colleges for Indigenous Students
A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.
National Honor Awarded to Chico State Program That Advances the Number of Latinx Students Earning Graduate Degrees
Chico State's Graduate Equity Fellowship Program has been recognized by the nation’s leading authority on efforts to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education.
Chico State Celebrated in US News & World Report’s 2024 Rankings
With a pair of top 10 rankings and another three in the top 25, Chico State is firmly recognized as one of the top higher education institutions in the West region in the 2024 US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings.
CSU Trustee Award Honoree Strives to Help Others Claim Their Space
Gerardo “Jerry" Langarica Martinez has overcome significant hurdles over the last 15 years to earn his bachelor's degree, begin the teaching credential program, and achieve numerous honors along the way.
Chico State Appears in a Pair of Forbes Rankings
Chico State was honored by Forbes on two lists of rankings—America's Top Colleges List and Best California Colleges Online of 2023.
Chico State Shines in 2023 Washington Monthly Rankings
In its 2023 College Guide and Rankings, Washington Monthly listed Chico State in the top 10 in its “Master’s University Rankings" and the top 20 for “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West."
Chico State’s Efforts to Advance Post-Graduate Education Recognized Nationally
Chico State’s Office of Graduate Studies received two multi-million-dollar grants from the Department of Education and was recognized by a national educational organization.
Chico State’s CRARS Awarded Nearly $6 Million to Address Climate Priorities
Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems has received a California Climate Action Seed and Matching Grant totaling approximately $6 million to support state climate priorities.
Tips for your first year at Chico State
Check out this list of tips to help you navigate your first year at Chico State and make the most of your college experience.
Chico State Excels in Money Magazine’s ‘Best of 2023’ Rankings
Chico State continues making its mark on national rankings, including the most recent from Money magazine.