“Today Decides Tomorrow,” is the mantra seen at the entrance of the Kendall Hall. CSU, Chico provides a learning environment for students from all backgrounds to go forth and be leaders in their future communities. Whether it be a CSU, Chico basketball player, a dedicated Gender Sexuality and Equity Center advocate or a hard working father, CSU, Chico gives each student support on campus now so they can succeed tomorrow.
Jalen McFerren, CSU, Chico Basketball Player
A friendly face, a calm exterior and a motivated individual. Jalen McFerren is a senior who, for the past four years, played and excelled for the CSU, Chico men’s basketball team. McFerren will graduate in May, with his BA in business with a concentration in marketing.
“The community is filled with great people,” McFerren said.
McFerren immerses himself within the CSU, Chico community, dedicating four years in Acker Gym for the men’s basketball team, working with the athletic department on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, taking part in the Black Student Union, working on campus at the student center in the technology department and also participating in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
“Be open to being yourself, let people accept you for who you are,” McFerren said.
“Be open to being yourself, let people accept you for who you are."
Come June, McFerren will start his career as a recruiter with Aerotek, a staffing services company in San Francisco.
“I want to go into a career where I can grow,” McFerren said.
There is no doubt that McFerren excelled at CSU, Chico. The experiences and values he learned while being student will stay with him as he goes into the next chapter of his life.
Severiano Christian, Dedicated GSEC Advocate
“Growth is the cornerstone for Severiano Christian’s experience at CSU, Chico. Christian is a senior double major in comparative religion and multicultural studies and will graduate in May.
Christian is also the current trans program coordinator for the Gender Sexuality and Equity Center. They joined GSEC in spring 2015 and became the trans program coordinator just one year later. Christian was also the recipient of the Chris Hilbert Award, which recognizes students who showcase characteristics of leadership and support to fellow students and the university.
“I would not be who I am and where I am without the GSEC,” Christian said.
“I would not be who I am and where I am without the GSEC.”
Nandi Crosby had the biggest impact on Christian during their time as a student. The support she offers as a professor at CSU, Chico, and the support of others, has left an impression on them that will last for years to come.
“To have someone be so vulnerable in a class setting and to really value the opinions of students and demonstrate what it means to be in a collaborative learning environment has done so much for me,” Christian said. “My growth has stemmed from my healing, and that wouldn’t be possible without Chico State’s campus.”
Through involvement in school politics with the GSEC and their studies academics, Christian decided to pursue a career dedicated to policy making.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the legislation side of things,” Christian said.
As for Christian’s future, they have applied to the Capitol Fellows Program and the MA program in education with a concentration in social justice and equity at San Francisco State University.
“Regardless of the outcome, I know I’ll be ok,” Christian said about their future after graduation.
Jack Thompson, Hardworking Father
As a father and nontraditional student at CSU, Chico, Jack Thompson’s daily success depends on his ability to manage his time.
“If I’m late it throws everything off,” Thompson said.
Thompson is a liberal studies major with a minor in psychology. He is a transfer student from Butte College and works as a Native American life-skills coach at Northern Valley Indian Health.
Thompson is the recipient of the Northeastern California Preparation and Retention of Indian Educators, a grant program for Native American individuals seeking a career in education. NorCal PRIE is a grant program that provides tuition support and stipends to those that will be using their training to benefit other Native American individuals.
With plans to continue his education through the CSU, Chico credential program, Thompson believes that utilizing the support that faculty and fellow students provide is an integral part of being a successful student.
“I would like to work more with Native Youth, because of the stigma of education that has been put on the youth living on Rancherias,” Thompson said.
After completing the credential program, Thompson hopes to focus his efforts on being a role model for Native American youth and finding ways to help educate them as someone who understands their point of view.
“I want to give them someone they can relate to … there’s not a big representation of Native teachers.”
“I want to give them someone they can relate to … there’s not a big representation of Native teachers,” Thompson said.
Thompson has taken the support system that CSU, Chico provides to students and will in turn be that same support for his future students.
No matter where you come from or what point you’re at in your life, CSU, Chico gives every student the positive and supportive learning environment they need to succeed. CSU, Chico is a place where students can be involved in the campus community, experience personal growth and become future leaders in their communities.