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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Brynna Garcia

Brynna Garcia, Reporter

Brynna Garcia is a third year student at Chico State studying communications with a minor in journalism and public relations. This is her first semester with The Orion and she is very excited to push herself out of her comfort zone as a writer. In her free time she is probably hanging out with friends and family or baking and you will almost never see her not listening to music.

All content by Brynna Garcia
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...

President Steve Perez connecting with graduates in the crowd to create a more interactive ceremony

President Steve Perez connecting with graduates in the crowd to create a more interactive ceremony

Students standing and showing respect while the National Anthem is sang at graduation

Students standing and showing respect while the National Anthem is sang at graduation

Students eagerly walking into the stadium in anticipation of their graduation ceremony

Students eagerly walking into the stadium in anticipation of their graduation ceremony

Confetti canons explode, signifying the end of the ceremony and transition from student to alumni

Confetti canons explode, signifying the end of the ceremony and transition from student to alumni

Further celebration after confetti explosion as now proud alumni of Chico State

Further celebration after confetti explosion as now proud alumni of Chico State

Confetti canons explode, signifying the end of the ceremony and transition from student to alumni

Confetti canons explode, signifying the end of the ceremony and transition from student to alumni

The final graduate walking off the stage after receiving his diploma hearing cheers from the crowd

The final graduate walking off the stage after receiving his diploma hearing cheers from the crowd

Student Waylon Miller excited after receiving his diploma in nutrition and food sciences

Student Waylon Miller excited after receiving his diploma in nutrition and food sciences

student celebrating their graduation as they walk off the stage

student celebrating their graduation as they walk off the stage

multiple students celebrate as they walk off the stage, diploma in hand

multiple students celebrate as they walk off the stage, diploma in hand

student waving at family in the crowd after walking of the stage and being congratulated by old professors

student waving at family in the crowd after walking of the stage and being congratulated by old professors

Many students took time out of their busy schedules to decorate their grad caps in ways that showed their personality and major off

Many students took time out of their busy schedules to decorate their grad caps in ways that showed their personality and major off

commencement speaker Miles Trejo addressing his classmates during his reflection speech

commencement speaker Miles Trejo addressing his classmates during his reflection speech

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...

The tassels still sat to the right as students listened to President Perez addressing the graduates and everyone in the stadium that supported them on this part of their collegiate journey.

The tassels still sat to the right as students listened to President Perez addressing the graduates and everyone in the stadium that supported them on this part of their collegiate journey.

President Steve Perez brought a wonderful energy and passion to the proceedings.

President Steve Perez brought a wonderful energy and passion to the proceedings.

Faculty members, often looking just as excited as the students, waited at the end of the stage to congratulate the graduates and shake their hands.

Faculty members, often looking just as excited as the students, waited at the end of the stage to congratulate the graduates and shake their hands.

Over 600 students from the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management received their diplomas Friday evening.

Over 600 students from the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management received their diplomas Friday evening.

Graduate Evan Goertzen walked off the stage in celebration. President Perez shook the hand of every student after they received their diploma.

Graduate Evan Goertzen walked off the stage in celebration. President Perez shook the hand of every student after they received their diploma.

The evening started relatively warm, but cooled a bit as the ceremony went on and became more comfortable for all the robe-clad attendees.

The evening started relatively warm, but cooled a bit as the ceremony went on and became more comfortable for all the robe-clad attendees.

The lawn was filled with ecstatic students as the commencement was closing. It was clear that the celebrations were just getting started.

The lawn was filled with ecstatic students as the commencement was closing. It was clear that the celebrations were just getting started.

Student Speaker Cyanna Iniguez walked off the stage beaming with the pride in her achievement.

Student Speaker Cyanna Iniguez walked off the stage beaming with the pride in her achievement.

The explosion of confetti cannons marked the end of the ceremony. Tassels had been moved to the left and the hard hats had been raised high.

The explosion of confetti cannons marked the end of the ceremony. Tassels had been moved to the left and the hard hats had been raised high.

Some graduates just spent a number of years learning how to construct buildings. It was not surprise to see that many chose to wear a hard hat instead of a graduation cap.

Some graduates just spent a number of years learning how to construct buildings. It was not surprise to see that many chose to wear a hard hat instead of a graduation cap.

A variety of locally grown produce is one of the main attractions of the Thursday Night Market.

Thursday night market’s impact on downtown businesses

Brynna Garcia, Reporter
April 16, 2025

As the Thursday Night Market kicked off its 27th season on April 10, the streets of downtown Chico were filled with people, vendors, music and entertainment.  Downtown businesses usually close around...

Thursday Night Market will be returning to downtown Chico every thursday until Sept 13.

Thursday Night Market is coming back April 10

Brynna Garcia, Reporter
April 9, 2025

Thursday night farmer’s market sprouts back up again on Thursday. This year's season lasts from this Thursday to Sept. 25. Each night market begins at 6 p.m and ends at 9 p.m.  The market takes place...

Police investigate the scene of alleged murder following high speed chase Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Chico, Calif.

Chico State student killed, one other dead following shooting

Brynna Garcia, News Reporter
April 3, 2025

Update April 4: The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Athena Passidakis, a health services and administration major at Chico State. She had been a part of the campus community since fall 2023....

The protesters walking with their signs through the Chico State campus Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Protestors rally against ICE on campus

Brynna Garcia, News reporter
February 25, 2025

On Monday a protest against the presence of ICE on campus took place from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.  The group started off small, but as time went on, the number of attendees began to rise.  Beginning outside...

The menu of Lovebird Coffee has something for coffee and non-coffee drinkers alike, however does not include the seasonal menus. Photo taken by Damon Gallegos on Feb. 19.

Spring has sprung for Lovebirds

Damon Gallegos and Brynna Garcia
February 25, 2025

Lovebird Coffee announced the release of spring drinks: Tiramisu Cold Brew, Greena Colada and Pistachio Rose Latte. We went to Lovebird Coffee and tried them all, so you know what to get next time you...

The team poses after winning their first title Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 in Anaheim, California. Courtesy of Francesca Smith

Chico State dance team takes home first place

Brynna Garcia, News reporter
February 24, 2025

For the girls of the Chico State dance team, this competition was far more than just another dance. It was their chance to make themselves, each other and Chico State proud.  “It’s a two minute...