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

All content by Olyvia Simpson
Team chemistry and bonds formed through countless games together made the Chico men's rugby team the brothers they are now. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

[Video] Chico State Men’s Rugby Club fights for national title

Chico State’s Men's Rugby Club has done what no other alumni group has in Chico State history by securing their spot in the USA Rugby national playoff game. They will represent the Pacific Western...

“I didn’t want to know facts,” Hernandez said, “I wanted to hear stories.” Hernandez took the audience along on his journey of what went into writing his book. He described how he was able to get in contact with some of the families in Mexico of the immigrants who died in the plane crash. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Tim Hernandez featured at Chico’s Book in Common for ‘All They Will Call You’

Olyvia Simpson and Mitchell Kret
March 16, 2019

Chico’s Book in Common hosted Tim Hernandez in Laxson Auditorium on March 13 to talk about his book “All They Will Call You” and related experiences. Book in Common is hosted jointly...

Jeff Duncan addressing the crowd during "Unconditional love for the hood" Photo credit: Julian Mendoza

Undocuweek redefines what it means to be successful from the ‘hood’

The belief that children who grow up in the "hood" aren't interested in reading was challenged by a man with a $100 bill.
Gloria Abbate closely studies the features and form of the model, Kijeong Jeon during the open studio portrait drawing session on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2019. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Student artists connect with campus through still portraits

Olyvia Simpson
February 27, 2019

I had the eyes of the entire class on me. No small movements could be made during the 15-minute time period. As I sat emotionless, the only sound was the diligent scratching of over a dozen pencils. Every...

Comedian TJ Hudson gave the "ABC's of Mike G Ride." Mike G's dog, 'Lil G' sat quietly with Mike G for most of the night and received more love than comedic roasts on Feb 24, 2019. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Mike G takes insults for a good cause, raising money for Camp Fire survivors

Olyvia Simpson
February 25, 2019
Chico brings back comedic roasts, raising over $1,000.
Grant Larson, a junior at Chico State, pitches an overhand serve against a Stanislaus State batter during a doubleheader game on Sunday. Feb. 17, 2019. Teammate and defensive shortstop, JT Navarro, watches the Stanislaus runner on second base.

[Photo] Larson throwing his way to MLB draft

Brandon Downs
February 22, 2019

Grant Larson, a junior at Chico State, pitches an overhand serve against a Stanislaus State batter during a doubleheader game on Sunday. Feb. 17, 2019. Teammate and defensive shortstop, JT Navarro, watches...

A lonely light casts a glow on the corner of Fourth and Ivy St. in Chico, CA, on Tuesday,  Feb. 5, 2019. Many students complain about the lack of lighting on the lower campus streets after the sun goes down. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico’s street lights (or lack thereof)

Reed Mccoy and Olyvia Simpson
February 13, 2019

At Chico State, we enjoy a privilege that much of Chico doesn't seem to have, and it isn't the academics.The last time you went beyond campus at night, have you noticed how dark it seems to be? If you...

The audience enjoys a quintet Serenata in Zingg Recital Hall on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2019. The arrangement included string and horn accompaniments. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Mid-Century classical music inspires modern musings

Olyvia Simpson
February 12, 2019

The 19th and 20th centuries were brought back to life for a couple of hours through the joyful concert music of composers like Alfredo Casella and Erwin Schulhoff on Sunday afternoon. The "Mid-Century...

David Yogi and Alejandro Diaz, Environmental Protection Agency representatives, look at the informational map showing the addresses in the Paradise area that have been cleared with Phase I debris removal. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Phase II of Camp Fire debris removal to begin Tuesday

Olyvia Simpson
January 29, 2019

Dozens gathered at Elk's Lodge Monday night to hear the status of debris clean-up in Paradise and surrounding areas. With the Camp Fire breaking out almost three months ago on November 8, many were concerned...

Terrie Baune, John Chernoff and Dan Nebel perform Horn Trio in E Flat major. “The horn isn’t typically an accompaniment of piano and violin,” Nebel said, but the French Horn addition enhanced the composition of the piece. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

‘Astronomic’ chamber music by Brahms serenades

Olyvia Simpson
January 29, 2019

There were many events happening on and around campus Saturday night. But the melodious tune from the trickling of piano keys and plucking of violin strings from within the Zingg Recital Hall of the Arts...

Kozette McGowan and Miranda Hanley, a volunteer, work on sorting the donated toys into categories based on age. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico local organizes Camp Fire Toy Drive for impacted children

Olyvia Simpson
December 11, 2018

Among all of the shops in downtown Chico, there is one that stands out with a bright banner and hundreds of toys stacked in the window, as if it were Santa's Workshop. It doesn't belong to Santa however,...

A Camp Fire Toy Drive is located on Main Street in downtown Chico. Kozette McGowan organized the event with the children affected by the Camp Fire in mind so that they can have something of comfort. The toy drive will be going on until Dec 17. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
December 10, 2018

A Camp Fire Toy Drive is located on Main Street in downtown Chico. Kozette McGowan organized the event with the children affected by the Camp Fire in mind so that they can have something of comfort. The...

Laxson Auditorium usually hosts recitals, plays, concerts and musical productions but during the Camp Fire, it was the location for the Town of Paradise meetings and Cal Fire briefings. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

University Box Office helps to organize meetings during the Camp Fire

Olyvia Simpson
December 4, 2018

During the two weeks of the Camp Fire emergency, many of the meetings and briefings providing information to the community were held at Laxson Auditorium. Box Office coordinator Christopher Zinna said...

Children happily run up to greet Santa as he pulls up in a vintage firetruck to help light the Christmas tree in the downtown plaza. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Downtown Christmas event brings joy to community and relief to Camp Fire victims

Olyvia Simpson
December 4, 2018

Members of the community gathered in Downtown Chico during the cold weather Sunday night to enjoy the 40th Annual Christmas Preview, where a portion of proceeds went toward Camp Fire relief efforts. The...

Jan Reale, NVADG volunteer since 2008, with Pericles, one of the sheltered dogs being cared for at the shelter by the Chico Airport. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Volunteers seek to reunify Camp Fire animals with owners

Olyvia Simpson
November 27, 2018

Thousands of people have been displaced by the Camp Fire, and so have their pets. Hundreds of animals have been rescued from evacuation sites but many are still waiting to be reunited with their owners. “We...

Jan Reale, North Valley Animal Disaster Group volunteer since 2008, with Pericles, one of the sheltered dogs being cared for at the shelter by the Chico Airport. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
November 27, 2018

Jan Reale, North Valley Animal Disaster Group volunteer since 2008, with Pericles, one of the sheltered dogs being cared for at the shelter by the Chico Airport.

Students get prepared with their harnesses and look at the different rock climbing courses to choose from the one they want to attempt to climb to reach the top. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

[Photo] Wildcats get shredded at the WREC

Justin Jackson
November 5, 2018

Students get prepared with their harnesses and look at the different rock climbing courses to choose from the one they want to attempt to climb to reach the top. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Eli Urlie puts his rock climbing skills to the test at The Shredding event on Sunday at the Wrec Climbing Gym. The climbing wall had new top rope courses for students to master. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the Day

Olyvia Simpson
November 5, 2018

Eli Urlie puts his rock climbing skills to the test at The Shredding event on Sunday at the Wrec Climbing Gym. The climbing wall had new top rope courses for students to master.

Students practice the one, two, three; five six, seven-step process for salsa dancing. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Ballroom dance is a beneficial art form for students

Olyvia Simpson
November 5, 2018

The studio room is illuminated by bright incandescent lights with a soft purple hue. You can see your reflection in the giant wall mirror in front of you and in the shining wood floor beneath you. The...

Stacy Lazzarino and her daughter are illuminated by the eerie blue light while shooting zombies at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Sunday night. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
October 30, 2018

Stacy Lazzarino and her daughter are illuminated by the eerie blue light while shooting zombies at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Sunday night.

Magic is a longstanding tradition in Dean Waters' family. He has been practicing the art form since he was 18-years-old. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Dean Waters brings magic to Chico’s bar scene

Ricardo Tovar and Olyvia Simpson
October 30, 2018

Chico is famous for having a vibrant nightlife, one that entices and has a reach nationwide. The bar scene is a watering hole for those thirsty for social engagement but many don't have a formula that...

Aryanna Guitron feeds leaves to a friendly goat at TJ Farms Estates. Guitron went with friends from the group Christian Challenge to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
October 28, 2018

Aryanna Guitron feeds leaves to a friendly goat at TJ Farms Estates. Guitron went with friends from the group Christian Challenge to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween.

Marifer Martinez places the lantern she decorated to the lights string. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates shining cultures

Olyvia Simpson
October 23, 2018

Glenn Lawn was lit up with many colorful, glowing lanterns on Monday night as the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center at Chico State hosted their first Mid-Autumn Festival. Students had the opportunity to...

When learning how to code, HTML and CCS markup language and the beginning steps before getting into JavaScript and more advanced coding development programs. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico State Alumnus talks web tech and Javascript

Olyvia Simpson
October 20, 2018

A Computer Science seminar series was hosted by The College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction. Eric Mellum, a 2015 Chico State alumnus, presented on development coding and job opportunities...

Hayrides are offered for a drive around the pumpkin patch. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico High Future Farmers Of America pumpkin patch returns after five years

Olyvia Simpson
October 15, 2018

For the entirety of their summer vacation, anywhere from one to eight students came out to the field for a few hours every Monday through Friday, to individually pull out weeds growing between pumpkins...

President Gayle Hutchinson and Marqia Smith share a moment of celebration of the new science building groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. Smith was walking by the ceremony when President Hutchinson invited her to grab the last shovel and hard hat and break ground for the new building alongside her. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
October 15, 2018

President Gayle Hutchinson and Marqia Smith share a moment of celebration of the new science building groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. Smith was walking by the ceremony when President Hutchinson invited...

President Gayle Hutchinson and faculty members of the College of Natural Sciences use their golden shovels to break ground for the new science building on Wednesday. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

New science building breaks ground

Olyvia Simpson
October 10, 2018

Dozens of members from Chico State and the community gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Science building on Wednesday. President Gayle Hutchinson spoke to those who came to witness the...

Ashley Brown adjusts her headphones during the biking portion of the Wrec's Tough Cat event on Friday. The event was a triathlon with swimming, biking and running. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
October 8, 2018

Ashley Brown adjusts her headphones during the biking portion of the Wrec's Tough Cat event on Saturday. The event was a triathlon with swimming, biking and running.

Child Development major Patty DeLeon shows off a ceramic piece she made at Trinity Commons. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
September 27, 2018

Child Development major Patty DeLeon shows off a ceramic piece she made at Trinity Commons. Check out The Orion's coverage of the pottery sale.

While heading to their classes, students cast curious glances at the dozens of plastic cups laid out. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Garbage display shows a year’s worth of cups

Olyvia Simpson
September 27, 2018

Dozens of clear plastic cups reflecting the afternoon sun captured the attention of students passing by between the Student Services Center and Bell Memorial Union Monday. Approximately 365 plastic cups...

Signs throughout campus advertise Wednesday's career fair that welcomes students of all majors to attend. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Career fair brings companies like Intel, Pepsi Co. and Yelp

Olyvia Simpson
September 25, 2018

Signs are posted all around campus for the upcoming career fair, and here is everything to know in order to be prepared for this Wednesday. Students will have almost 100 companies to speak with face-to-face...

Students part of Christian Challenge hang out at One Mile over the weekend to barbecue and play a game of volleyball. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
September 3, 2018

Students part of Christian Challenge hang out at One Mile over the weekend to barbecue and play a game of volleyball.

Chico State student Peter Bagaoisan leads a conga line with Esmeralda Aguilar, Ryan Reyes and Laavni Castro trailing behind.

[Photo] Chico State students wrap up Welcome Week with WREC n’ Roll

Kathryn Sykes
September 1, 2018

Chico State student Peter Bagaoisan leads a conga line with Esmeralda Aguilar, Ryan Reyes and Laavni Castro trailing behind.

Performer Tucker Noir entertains onlookers with dance rendition to "Singing in the Rain" during the Stonewall Chico Pride celebration in the downtown plaza on Saturday. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Photo of the day

Olyvia Simpson
August 27, 2018

Performer Tucker Noir entertains onlookers with dance rendition to "Singing in the Rain" during the Stonewall Chico Pride celebration in the downtown plaza on Saturday.