“We’re unveiling a new monument, that identifies what we are,” President Steve Perez said. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.
Willie the Wildcat showed up in style, firing up the eager crowd throughout the entire event. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.After the unveiling, attendees were invited into the Student Services Center for a tour of the renovations the university has done. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.The Student Services Center is currently undergoing renovations, bringing a fresh environment with new desks, plants and decals, according to Ashley Gebb, Interim Chief of Staff to the President. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.With pom-pom’s in hand, attendees danced along Willie the Wildcat to celebrate the opening of the new monument. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.While the band played “YMCA,” the Vice President for Student Affairs Isaac Brundage led the charge for the dance. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.“Anytime we get together and celebrate something, I think it helps us build our sense of community, our sense of togetherness. It’s important to celebrate good things,” President Steve Perez said. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.The letters are 3 feet 8 inches tall and 1 foot 6 inches wide, according to Media Relations Coordinator Michael Drummond. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.The Chico Pep Band played a flurry of songs to gather passersby to stop and watch what was happening. When asked why they attended today, one student said, “I was in the student services center to drop my classes and I heard all the commotion.” Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.University Photographer Jason Halley stuck around to take photos of attendees who wanted their moment in front of the new sign. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025Willie the Wildcat may have showed up later than others, but the ‘cat maintained the wild spirit of the event. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.Willie the Wildcat never says no a photo opportunity. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.On the side facing the university, the Student Services Center features a new decal. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Oct. 9, 2025.
At the end of the day, Chris Hutton just wants to report. This is his third semester on The Orion, and he is eager to get out into the community and share people’s stories. In his free time he is still reporting and occasionally rock climbing. He’s just hoping for a way to combine the two to maintain his sanity for however long it lasts.
