TOMORROW CALLS.
Annual Report 2024–25
it all began with a gift.
In 1887, John Bidwell donated a slice of his cherry orchard so a school could grow in the heart of the North State. That seed became Chico State, and from day one, our story has been powered by people who believe in what education could do for their community.
Today, that spirit lives on through the University Foundation. Every gift, no matter how small or big, is a decision to shape tomorrow. To support first-generation students chasing bold dreams. To fund research that tackles real-world problems. To back programs that make a difference on campus.
This report is about impact. The kind that ripples through lives and generations. When you invest in Chico State, you invest in changemakers, innovators, and leaders who don’t wait for the future to happen. They build it.
Donors
These individuals are the heroes behind our students’ success.
Total Endowment
Managed by the University Foundation’s Board of Governors.
Tower Society Members
Providing leadership-level support to the University.
a message from our president
CIM Program Thrives with Support from Guerrero Family
Twenty years ago, Doug and Kelly Guerrero helped launch Chico State’s highly popular, industry-backed Concrete Industry Management program—a major blending construction technology with business administration. Today, it is still the only one of its kind in the West and one of five in the nation. Meanwhile, the Guerrero family’s leadership and generosity have driven $3.6 million in support for scholarships, faculty, and facilities.
Chico State Legend Gives Back to Future Wildcats
As a student, Jalen McFerren’s record on the court was unmatched. At graduation, he was the only Wildcat ever to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, and 100 steals. Now, he and his wife, Easton, are making their mark off the court by establishing the McFerren Scholarship to support student-athletes. Inspired by the generosity he received, McFerren says their gift reflects a belief in accessible education and a desire to support all athletes—no matter their sport or background—in achieving their academic and athletic goals.
Building Success for Foster Youth
Alumna Carol Lane knows the power of a Chico State education. Small classes, caring mentors, and hands-on learning launched her into a 20-year career as a Ventura County library technician. Now she’s paying it forward with a leadership-level gift to Promoting Achievement Through Hope, a program that has lifted hundreds of foster youth and unaccompanied homeless minors over the past decade. Her support fuels journeys like that of Jordan Martinez, a recent graduate now working as an orientation leader at Butte College, who is living proof that with community and resources, foster youth can thrive.
