Chico State Alumni Association

At many universities, Commencement is built around a single keynote speaker. At Chico State, it’s built around our students.

Each year, graduates from across the University take the podium to share the stories behind their degrees and represent the classmates, mentors, and communities that helped them reach this milestone.

Congratulations to this year’s Commencement speakers:
• Emily Lees (MBA, ’26)
• Millie Kinnamont (Communication Studies, ’26)
• Sophia Benitez (Animal Science, ’26)
• David Miller (Social Science, ’26)
• Nicole Foote (Social Work, ’26)
• Wesley Porter (Physics, ’26)

Their journeys to this moment were different, but together they reflect the resilience, determination, and spirit of the Class of 2026. 🎓❤️

📖 Learn more: https://today.csuchico.edu/2026-commencement-speakers/
📺 Watch the ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com//videos

From first classes to final walks across the stage, our 2026 CSU, Chico College of Agriculture and Chico State College of ECC grads did it their way! 🎓🎉

For the next chapter, student speaker Sophia Benitez shared the perfect advice: "There is value in paying attention to what actually matters to you. Being willing to follow the feeling of passion ang ambition. even if it's not the most obvious or straightforward path."

Whatever comes next Class of 2026, we hope you continue to follow vour values and intuition. Your Wildcat family is rooting for you! ❤️🐾

Wildcat pride is strong for the Master’s Class of 2026! Earning a graduate degree is a testament to your passion, resilience, and dedication. Here’s to the impact you’ll make in the next chapter! 🎓✨

📸: Photos by Jason Halley