Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

It is tradition before each Bout for the teams to skate around the track and be introduced to the crowd by their derby name. They all crouch down as they are skating so the person being called can stand up and stand out. The crowd, who couldn’t tear their eyes away, was drawn in by the electric energy that the teams were giving off as they got hyped for their Bout.  ”Well, I just kind of always loved skating and then I found out that the daughter of one of my brother's oldest friends lived around the corner from me and she was a roller derby player,” attendee Luisa Garza said. “...my first time was last year for the last match. I think it's really exciting and I love all the wild names that they have and the hustle and bustle and the falling and just the whole crowd. It's very exciting.”

From hits to hugs: The spirit of roller derby

Jenna McMahon, Copy Editor
May 19, 2025

The cheers and screams encompassed me as I stood in the middle of the track, the clack of roller skates ringing in my ears as the players went buzzing by and a slight thud at my feet every time a player...

Student line leaders prepare to lead their classmates into graduation right before it begins.

The final Chico State commencement of 2025 honors the graduates of humanities, fine arts, and natural sciences

Brynna Garcia, Reporter
May 18, 2025

As the city of Chico was just beginning to wake up Sunday morning, over 550 students, along with their family and friends were awake and excited about their graduation to come. With a cool breeze in...

Graduating students took their seats and searched the crowd for their supporters as soon as they made their way onto the main field. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on May 17.

Second group of Graduates from the College of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences accept their bachelor’s degree

Chris Hutton, Entertainment and Features Editor
May 18, 2025

Energy and excitement commanded the Saturday night 2025 graduation commencement ceremony honoring the college of business. It was the second ceremony of the day for the college of behavioral and social...

As soon as the students get to the field the search for family and friends in the bleachers begins. Photo by Sean Shanks

Graduates from the College of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences accept their bachelor’s degree

Sean Shanks
May 17, 2025

A steady breeze battled the warming sun to a fairly comfortable stalemate Saturday morning as the College of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences celebrated the first of their commencement ceremonies. Provost...

The students check in for their names to be called with their phones as they approach the stage, allowing for the graduates to both wait and walk with their friends.

Graduates from the College of Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Management and Agriculture accept their bachelor’s degree

Brynna Garcia, Reporter
May 17, 2025

As the sun set on Friday night and cheers echoed through the air, over 600 graduating Chico State students from the college of engineering and the college of agriculture became alumni. The college of...

Celebrations popped up randomly among the students waiting in the field as they found their people in the bleachers. Photo by Sean Shanks

Graduates from the College of Communication and Education accept their bachelor’s degree

Marianne Akre and Sean Shanks
May 16, 2025

White, airy clouds stretched over the stark blue sky and made the world look full of opportunity – the gorgeous evening matched perfectly with the palpable optimism of the graduating students. On...

At 8:24 the cannons went off, marking the end of graduation. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on May 14.

The class of 2025 graduate students walk the stage to receive their masters degree

Chris Hutton, Entertainment and Features Editor
May 14, 2025

Under a cloudless Wednesday sky, with sunlight radiating down to the anxious and excited crowds below, graduate students march onto the lawn of University Stadium. The expanse of grass was covered in black,...

Provost Leslie Cornick shared her love for the community and dedication to working more closely with the campus community. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on April 4.

Provost Leslie Cornick avoids vote of no confidence in the Academic Senate

Chris Hutton, Entertainment and Features Editor
May 8, 2025

Provost Leslie Cornick avoided a resolution for a vote of no confidence at the last Academic Senate meeting Thursday. While the senators discussed the feedback from their constituents, none of the senators...

Some student IT workers have had their hours reinstated following what is being called a "miscommunication."  Photo credit: Carly Campbell

ITSS student employee shifts reinstated following a ‘miscommunication’ that led to shifts being cut

Chris Hutton and Sean Shanks
May 1, 2025

Several student employees in the IT services department have had their hours reinstated following what has been characterized as a “miscommunication,” according to Vice President of the Division of...

Some student IT workers are facing an uncertain future after being told by their supervisor that their last day of work is Wednesday. Illustration by Trevor Moore

Student IT workers face potential cuts in hours and early termination of employment

Update 11:30 a.m. Two anonymous sources that spoke with The Orion reached out and shared that their hours were reinstated following a meeting with Director of ITSS Amandeep Grewall. Grewall told a source...

Orion News graphic created by Jessica Miller on Aug. 30

Orion news weekly highlights: April 20 to 26

Jessica Miller, Reporter
April 29, 2025

From Governor Gavin Newsom on campus to the 2025 time capsule, here are this week’s –- April 20 to 26 –- news stories: Governor and first partner visit Chico State University Farm to celebrate sustainable...

Seniors shovel dirt over the 2025 time capsule. Photo taken by Lexi Lynn on April 23.

Class of 2025 keeps timeless tradition alive

Lexi Lynn and Chris Hutton
April 23, 2025

Graduating students, friends, faculty and community members gathered outside Kendall Hall to preserve the graduating class of 2025’s memorabilia, commemorating their time at Chico State.  The ceremony...