CSU, Chico News

Two students of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Chico chapter came in third and fourth place in the “Old Guard Oral Presentation Competition” at this year’s ASME regional competition at the University of Southern California.

Students who placed first through fourth were awarded money and recognition. CSU, Chico student Jason Ramsey came in third place and was awarded $100 for his oral presentation, “Tibialis Fitness Machine.” Craig Johnson came in fourth place, receiving $50 for “Chain Guide Derailleur.”

The students are judged on delivery and effectiveness, content, organization and discussion. The presentations are 20 minutes long, including a five-minute question-and-answer session.

ASME is a nonprofit organization that promotes the field of mechanical engineering. ASME at CSU, Chico is sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Manufacturing Technology.

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The Career Planning and Placement Office at California State University, Chico is hosting its annual All Majors Career Fair on Friday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the BMU Auditorium.

More than 60 companies will be recruiting students for internships and full-time positions in varying fields. Companies such as Target and Hertz Corp. will be accepting students from any major, while other companies are looking to recruit students from specific majors.

For more information on the fair or companies attending, contact Jodie Rettinhouse at 530-898-5253 or visit The Career Planning and Placement Office career fair Web site at www.csuchico.edu/plc/fair.html.

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Student teams representing the Construction Management program, College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, at California State University, Chico brought home two first places, a second and a third from the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) annual competition in Reno from Feb. 5 through 7. They bested 11 other western universities in the competition.

In an unprecedented achievement for the competition and for CSU, Chico, Chico’s teams took home trophies in each of the four divisions of the competition. Chico placed first in commercial; first in residential; second in heavy/civil; and third in design/build. Chico teams collectively outscored all other institutions, including USC, University of Washington, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Oregon State and Arizona State.

The specific construction management “problems” posed to this year’s competing teams included an airmail bulk processing plant at San Francisco International Airport; five multi-story apartment buildings in Playa del Rey, California, comprising 305 residential units and two levels of underground parking; rehabilitation of an airport runway and water drainage piping system in King City, California (all without interrupting on-going airport operations); and a new Air National Guard barracks and fitness facility in Colorado.

The construction problems were assigned, and each team was allowed 16 hours to produce a cost estimate, construction schedule, budget, cash flow analysis and other estimates relative to their division. At the time the completed management plans were turned in, the teams’ “bid” was opened and read aloud with all of the teams present. The team with the bid closest to the actual bid was allowed to pick their choice of times for making a bid review presentation.

On the following day, the teams presented 25-minute project overviews and fielded questions for an additional 15 minutes. Cara Eggleston, residential team, won best presentation.

This year’s event was the largest in its 17-year history with more than 500 students competing on 90 university teams. Throughout its history, the Reno competition has showcased some of the nation’s premier construction management students and university programs. Construction industry managers from many of the largest construction companies in the country also gather at ASC’s Reno Competition each year to observe (and recruit) the student competitors nearing graduation.

“It is little wonder that these industry managers were literally standing in line to meet the Chico State team members at the Job Fair immediately following the competition,” said Tom Heustis, chair of Construction Management, who attended the competition with the students and advisers.

Mike Borzage, professor of Construction Management and regional director for ASC, commented, “I have never seen a single university achieve as much success as did Chico State’s 2004 teams.”

“This is what it’s all about-quality education leading to extraordinary achievement. The university, the College of ECT and the Construction Management Department were again wonderfully represented by this truly outstanding group of CM students supported by their dedicated faculty coaches,” said Ken Derucher, dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.

The faculty advisers were Mark Maybee for the commercial team, Lori Dixon for the residential team, Rich Holman and Matt Byrne for the heavy/ civil team, and Willem Kimmell for the design/build team.

First place teams will travel to Florida in the late spring to the national competition. CSU, Chico’s heavy civil team took first place in the national competition held last year in Dallas, in April 2003.

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Wells Fargo Bank will fund a $5,000 project to develop “Community Economic Development Online.” Vice President of Communications Greg Young of Wells Fargo will present the award to Dan Ripke, director of the Center for Economic Development (CED), at an event on Wednesday, May 12, 11:30 a.m. at the CED office at 35 Main St. in Chico.

The online project’s goal is to establish a Web site where communities and organizations throughout the state will have access to a large, well-developed, user-created collection of information, resources and expertise. The future plan is to expand it for nationwide use.

CED Online will include economic development corporations and districts, social and health planning organizations, for-profit and non-profit entities, as well as local, state and federal government offices, consulting firms, banks and small businesses.

CED is a university outreach program, located at California State University, Chico, which provides technical assistance to regional businesses, non-profit agencies, and economic development organizations. CED services lead directly and indirectly to new job creation and private-sector investment in Northern California communities.

CED also oversees a network of SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and provides demographic and economic information through its publications. For more information, call CED at 530-898-4598.

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Founders Week, the yearly celebration of California State University, Chico’s heritage and achievements, marks its 11th anniversary April 17-25 with music and dance, campus tours, award ceremonies, international arts and crafts, environmental awareness and a special focus on founder John Bidwell.

On March 5, 1909, Charter Day was first set aside to remember the school’s earliest days and, in particular, memorialize Bidwell and other deceased faculty and staff. A highlight of the first Charter Day was the donation by John Bidwell’s wife, Annie, of two acres of land between the school and Big Chico Creek. Founders Week carries forward the tradition of honoring the school’s rich past during the spring, when many outstanding annual campus events take place.

On Monday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in Harlen Adams Theatre, CSU, Chico history professor Michael J. Gillis will launch a new lecture series, the Bidwell Memorial History Lecture, with a talk on Bidwell. Gillis and fellow CSU, Chico historian Michael Magliari are authors of “John Bidwell and California: The Life and Writings of a Pioneer, 1841-1900.” At noon of the same day, members of the campus Arboretum Committee will plant a cedar tree to replace a 150-year-old cedar believed to have been one of several planted in the area by Bidwell. The old cedar, located along Warner Street, was removed three months ago for safety reasons.

Bidwell, an important figure in California history, is considered the founder of CSU, Chico because of the gift of land from his cherry orchard that helped secure the college for Chico. He was a major presence in the school’s early years, as a member of the first Board of Trustees. His hands-on involvement ranged from searching for sources of sand and bricks for the first building to attending classes and assemblies with Annie.

Among the many events featured during 2004 Founders Week are the International Festival, the Greek Week Community Challenge, the Donna Stone Breed Memorial One Acts, Campus History Tours, Keeping Dance Alive! and Eco-Fest.

Two faculty members will be honored during Founders Week. History professor Laird Easton will give the lecture as part of the Outstanding Professor Award presentation Thursday, April 22, at 3 p.m. in PAC 134, with a reception in Easton’s honor to follow in the Humanities Center, Trinity 126. On Tuesday, April 20, a reception in honor of psychology professor Paul Spear, the 2004 Outstanding Service Award recipient, will be held at 4 p.m. in the Faculty-Staff Dining Room.

A schedule of Founders Week events follows, and is also available at the Web site: http://www.csuchico.edu/pa/foundersweek. For tickets for arts events, contact the University Box Office at 898-6333. For general information, call 898-4143.

Founders Week Calendar of Events
April 17-April 25, 2004

Saturday, April 17
Eco-Fest
A.S. Presents, the Environmental Action Resource Center and the Environmental Studies Program invite you to join them for an afternoon of music, speakers, information tables, children’s activities, workshops and tours. An array of bands, varying in genre and style, will share their musical talents throughout the day. Guest speakers, including local professors, students and community members, will talk about local and global environmental issues.
Kendall Hall Lawn
Noon-6 p.m.
Jazz X-Press Meets Mr. Jones
CSU, Chico’s Jazz X-Press presents an evening of outrageously exciting music including progressive sounds from the great Thad Jones library. Rocky Winslow, director of jazz studies, takes you on an exhilarating musical journey into the mind of one of the true innovators in modern jazz.
Harlen Adams Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Keeping Dance Alive!
For more than 13 years, the ever-popular Keeping Dance Alive! has showcased some of Northern California’s finest dancers and choreographers. This exciting sampler of dance features many different dance styles, from jazz to ballet, flamenco to ballroom. Dynamic lighting as well as interesting, stylized costumes highlight each individual piece.
Laxson Auditorium
7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 18
Keeping Dance Alive!
Laxson Auditorium
2 p.m.

Monday, April 19
Campus History Tour
CSU, Chico’s rich past will be highlighted at different locations on campus by student docents. The different eras of the school’s 117-year history will be illustrated by campus landmarks and colorful stories.
Kendall Hall Lawn
10 a.m.
“Fore-Tee-Second” Golf Tournament
Golf Tournament sponsored by the Chico Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Northern California Natural History Museum at CSU, Chico.
Butte Creek Country Club
10:30 a.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Members of the CSU, Chico Arboretum Committee will plant a cedar tree to replace a 150-year-old cedar believed planted by John Bidwell that was removed in January. The ceremony will include some background on Bidwell’s well-known love of trees and the campus’ enduring legacy of beautiful and historic trees.
Warner Street near Tehama Hall
Noon
Children’s Fair and Lorax Theatre Performance – Sponsored by EARC
BMU Auditorium
Noon
Bidwell Memorial History Lecture
CSU, Chico historian Michael J. Gillis will give the inaugural lecture in this new history lecture series during Founders Week. Gillis will address the tremendous impact on Chico, on the state and on the nation. that John Bidwell had. Gillis is co-author with fellow CSU, Chico historian Michael F. Magliari of “John Bidwell and California: The Life and Writings of a Pioneer, 1841-1900.”
Harlen Adams Theatre
7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20
Outstanding Faculty Service Award
Honoring psychology professor Paul Spear.
Faculty-Staff Dining Room
4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21
Veggie Burger Feed
Sponsored by Environmental Affairs Council
Free Speech Area
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Campus History Tour
Kendall Hall Lawn
1 p.m.
John Muir’s Birthday Cake – Sponsored by Environmental Affairs Council
Free Speech Area
1 p.m.
15th Annual University Awards Reception
The reception will honor student leaders and contributors to student life. Honorees are nominated on the basis of outstanding performance in such categories as academics, leadership, and community service. Award recipients are nominated by faculty, coaches, deans, and peers.
BMU 100
3 – 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 22
Earth Day Info Fair – Sponsored by Environmental Affairs Council
Free Speech Area
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
33rd Annual Staff Awards Luncheon
The Staff Awards Luncheon recognizes the staff of CSU, Chico. Staff members are honored for length of service to the university and for contributions to a safe workplace. Those who have retired in the last year will also be recognized. The culmination of the awards luncheon will be presentation of the Staff Employee of the Year.
BMU Auditorium
11:30-2 p.m.
Outstanding Professor Award and Presentation with History Professor Laird Easton
Professor Easton will talk on “The Great Ennui: Boredom and Culture.”
Lecture: PAC 134
Reception: Humanities Center, Trinity 126
3 p.m.
Dr. Michael Messner Presentation
Student Recreation Hall
7 p.m.
Donna Stone Breed Memorial One Acts
Advanced directing students are given the opportunity to run the whole show-from selecting the play to calling the auditions to designing the scenery, costumes, and lighting and finally directing the action on stage.
Wismer Theatre
7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 23
Daryl Churney
“20 Rules of Activism”
Sponsored by EARC
BMU 314
1-3 p.m.
2004 Distinguished Alumni Awards
President Paul J. Zingg will host the 11th annual dinner sponsored by the CSU, Chico Alumni Association. This invitation-only event honors seven distinguished alumni from CSU, Chico’s seven colleges. The alumni are visiting from throughout the nation.
Bell Memorial Union Auditorium
6:30 p.m.
Donna Stone Breed Memorial One Acts
Advanced directing students are given the opportunity to run the whole show-from selecting the play to calling the auditions to designing the scenery, costumes and lighting, and finally directing the action on stage.
Wismer Theatre
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 24
International Festival
The Associated Students Multicultural Council and A.S. programming will sponsor the 25th annual International Festival, an all-day event featuring foods of the world, international performers, cultural arts and crafts, and student performers. The festival celebrates the rich variety of cultures represented on campus and in the community.
Kendall Hall Lawn
Noon-10 p.m.
Choral Union: The Timelessness of Time
One of the most recognizable and remarkable choral works of the 20th century, Carmina Burana is a collection of 700-year-old student poems found in a Bavarian monastery and set to music with “instruments and magical images” in 1937. The A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers and University Chorus combine forces with professional soloists, the Children’s Choir of Chico and instrumentalists for this performance.
Harlen Adams Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Donna Stone Breed Memorial One Acts
Wismer Theatre
7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 25
Greek Week Community Challenge
Join 45 teams from fraternities, sororities, businesses, youth groups and churches for a day of games and activities in a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley.
University Stadium
11 a.m.
Donna Stone Breed Memorial One Acts
Wismer Theatre
2 p.m.

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California State University, Chico’s Bidwell Environmental Institute is scheduled to continue its outdoor orienteering classes at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve throughout April and May.

The classes typically last for two hours, and appropriate attire and water are recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides to all classes. The meeting point for all walks is at the Highway 32 Park and Ride.

The classes are open to people with any level of experience. “The walks are really designed for the entire community, including the Chico State community,” said Jeff Mott, reserve manager.

The classes are as follows:

April 10 and 18, May 2 and 8
Wildflowers of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
with Nancy Hawley
9 to 11 a.m.
Fee: none

April 18 and 24, May 9
Birds of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
with Dr. Roger Lederer
8 to 10:30 a.m. (April 18 and 24)
8 a.m. to noon (May 9-special tour)
Fee: none April 18, 24
$25 May 9

May 2 and 16
Exploring the Natural History of Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
with Dr. Paul Maslin
9 a.m. to noon
Fee: $25 non-refundable

May 9 and 23
Geology of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
with Dr. Richard Flory
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free

Dates to be Announced
Outdoor Orienteering and Wilderness Survival Skills
with Dave Mahon
Fee: $30 non-refundable

For further information or to register for classes, please contact Mott at 530-898-5010

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As part of Greek Week 2004, April 24 through May 2, more than 1,000 members of California State University, Chico social sororities and fraternities participated in several events to help improve community life.

The Community Challenge gave Greek students an opportunity to collect donations for the event worth over $30,000. Individual fraternities and sororities competed against other community clubs and organizations as part of the Challenge. The donated items were sold in a raffle at the Challenge, which raised $23,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley.

A blood drive was held in the BMU Auditorium, where 378 pints of blood were donated to the Blood Source. According to Greek Week Committee Adviser Connie Huyck, it was the largest Greek Week blood drive to date, and based on comments by Blood Source personnel, possibly the largest blood drive north of Sacramento.

The Jesus Center was the focus of Social Action Day on Wednesday, April 28, where students donated money, food, clothing and time to the center. The students collected $6,700 in cash for the center. Other donations included more than 3,000 cans of food and 250 bags of clothing. The food was donated solely to the Jesus Center, and the clothing was divided among the Jesus Center and other organizations in the community.

“The sororities and fraternities rallied together again this year to make Greek Week 2004 the most successful Greek Week to date. It is exciting to see the students give back to the community and have fun at the same time,” Huyck said.

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Byron Jackson, chair of the Department of Political Science, has been appointed to a two-year term as interim dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California State University, Chico.

Jackson will start his new position Aug. 1. He replaces Jeanne Thomas, who has accepted a position as dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Eastern Michigan University.

Jackson has been on the political science faculty at CSU, Chico since 1974. He has held a number of administrative posts, including serving as vice provost for academic affairs from 1998 to 2002. Prior to that, he served for two years as associate dean in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. From 1982 to 1986, he held the position of special assistant to the dean of the Graduate School.

Jackson received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and completed his undergraduate work at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Penn. He is the author of “The Encyclopedia of American Public Policy,” published by ABC-CLIO Inc. in 1999. He co-authored “Nuclear Energy Policy,” also published by ABC-CLIO, in 1990.

“President Zingg and I have full confidence in Dr. Jackson’s ability to provide leadership for the college,” said Scott McNall, provost and vice president for academic affairs, in a memo to campus about Jackson’s appointment. “Please join us in congratulating him on his new role.”

Jackson said he expects the position will have challenges, but knows the college well and is looking to working with the faculty and departments to help them meet their program and professional goals.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers degrees in anthropology, child development, economics, geography, health and community service, political science, psychology, social science, sociology and social work. In fall 2003, the college had 2,464 majors.

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A recent California State University, Chico graduate with a B.A. in psychology, Elizabeth Coudright, has received the prestigious 2004 William R. Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Coudright is the eighth CSU, Chico student to receive the award since 1993. For the first time this year, the number of awards increased from six to 13 in the state. She will be honored at a ceremony in Long Beach on July 13.

The Trustees’ Award provides financial support to students who show superior academic performance, community service and personal accomplishments in the face of personal hardship and challenges. Each student honored will receive $3,000.

Coudright, now 41, returned to school to fulfill her goal of finishing her college education. She chose psychology as a field because of her interest in helping others accomplish their goals by providing support and tools. She will continue at the university as a graduate student in social work and marriage and family therapy in fall 2004.

Her single parent Filipino mother who had been a teenager when the Japanese invaded the Philippines raised Coudright, a first generation American. She believes that the trauma of that time continued to affect their home life. As a result, she grew up with a childhood of “doubt, fear, danger, and loneliness.”

After a marriage at 16 and then a divorce followed by years of an abusive relationship, Coudright was ready to turn her life around. “I’d had enough and I was willing to make a commitment to my life. I wanted something better, so I went to my local college and signed up.”

She thrived in the academic environment. With support and counseling, she grew to appreciate her experiences as providing a unique perspective on life that may help others.

Coudright actively supports her community, especially services that benefit women. Over the past fours years she has acted in and co-directed “The Vagina Monologues,” an award-winning theatrical performance which gives voice to women’s sexuality and experiences. In alliance with other campuses around the country, the proceeds from the play are donated to nonprofit organizations that work to end violence against women, such as Rape Crisis and Catalyst.

“I was astounded when I got the call that I had won the award,” said Coudright. “You do what you do without thought of outside recognition. So, I was stunned and humbled and filled with gratitude. Receiving this award has exceeded all of my expectations. Maybe it will help others dream big when they see what I’ve done.”

The previous awardees from CSU, Chico are Ben Seigler (2003), Dijana Fazlic (2002), Patty Cotter (2001), Aimee Webb (2000), Lynn Wirt (1996), Kelly Baylor (1995) and David Ware (1993).

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The Summer Bridge Program for 180 first-time students at California State University, Chico is underway. The five-day session, sponsored by the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), helps students make a successful transition from high school to college.

The intensive program started on Tuesday, June 22, and will end on Saturday, June 26. Students connect with faculty and staff and other first-time students like themselves. They have opportunities to enhance decision making, gain study skills and learn about other strategies for a successful first year in college. The program is based on documentation that a successful first year sets the stage for long-term educational success.

Many Summer Bridge participants are first-generation college students, and this is their introduction to what can be expected from college life. All of them have been accepted to the university and are ready to start classes in the fall. Many of them have taken part in other programs such as Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and the Independent Living Skills program.

Half of the participants come from CSU, Chico’s service area, from Marysville and Yuba City to Weed. Others come from cities and small towns from all parts of California, including Sacramento, Concord, Daly City and Thousand Oaks.

The theme of Summer Bridge is “Your Success Depends on You.” Presentations and activities are geared toward accomplishing four things: Developing a sense of family among fellow students and the EOP staff; providing information for a successful transition to college; helping take care of basic requirements such as financial aid, housing and classes; and acquainting them with a freshman orientation class most of them will take in the fall.

Summer Bridge, in some form, has existed since the late 1970s. For more information about EOP programs, contact Miguel Sahagun, EOP Coordinator of Admissions, 530-898-4028.

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