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Chico State

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Chico State

I love Chico, California… both the university and the town. Several years ago, my wife attended Chico State and graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies. Now she is considering going back to Chico State for her Masters. So over the years, I have spent plenty of time in Downtown Chico, CA and wandering around CSUChico. The first thing you’ll notice about Chico State is that it resembles one of those prestigious Ivy League schools, with their stately brick structures, arched hallways and lush vegetation. And, CSU Chico’s history goes back nearly as far. Chico University first opened its doors to 90 students in 1889 as Chico Normal School to train and educate teachers. The name changed over the years to Chico State Teachers College, Chico University, and finally, in 1972 to California State University Chico. Today, CSU Chico has nearly 16,000 students and offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The three largest majors are Business Administration, Liberal Studies and Psychology.

Another East coast similarity is that Chico State is a quintessential college town, and that’s almost unheard of in California. The main campus, on 119 acres, is situated directly across the street from Chico Downtown, with its rich history, diverse cultural offerings, quaint shops and fine dining at numerous Chico restaurants and cafes. And because the campus and town seamlessly mesh together and coexist as one, the Downtown is a vibrant community filled with young energetic students who can quickly walk or ride into town between classes for a quick latte, pizza break, or to enjoy the lively nightlife.

Chico University has a beautiful campus with large mature shade trees, expansive lawns, majestic architecture and a year-round creek that flows through the middle of the Chico campus. Numerous footbridges span Big Chico Creek, making it an integral part of everyday campus life as students crisscross the stream to get from one class to another on the sprawling Chico campus . It’s a tranquil place where you’ll find students socializing, relaxing, studying or rejuvenating.

One of the most photographed structures on campus is Kendall Hall; a Romanesque-style building that serves as Chico State’s administration building. Nearby is an imposing bell tower that chimes melodically at the top and bottom of every hour. Just behind Trinity Hall, you’ll find my wife’s favorite spot on campus, the colorful and fragrant George Petersen Rose Garden.

Chico State’s newest addition is the Wildcat Recreation Center, which opened in the fall of 2009. It’s one of the most popular destinations on campus, welcoming nearly 2,000 students a day. WREC has three basketball courts, an indoor running track, four exercise rooms, a large pool and hot tub, and a three-story climbing wall. The state-of-the-art facility also features cardio machines with video screens, iPod docking stations and WiFi throughout.

CSU Chico is off the beaten path and far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities—but we like it that way. With a historic downtown, the Bidwell legacy, art and culture and a gorgeous campus, Chico State is an unforgettable and special place to live, work or get an education.

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