Remarks by Dr. Timothy P. White – ​March 3, 2017​

Remarks by Timothy P. White
Chancellor, California State University
CSU Chico Investiture Ceremony
Chico, CA
​March 3, 2017​

Thank you, Dr. Zimbelman…

It is my great pleasure to join all of you today to celebrate the investiture of Gayle Hutchinson as president of California State University, Chico.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with this story… that one hundred and thirty years ago, in 1887, General John Bidwell – arguably, the first Wildcat and a founding father of modern California – donated eight acres of his cherry orchard to what would later become the Northern Branch State Normal School of California

Which became the Chico State Teachers College

Later, Chico State College

And finally, today, California State University, Chico.

Certainly, while this naming history makes for great questions during Trivia Night at The Hub, it is also a great illustration of the long history and powerful legacy that Chico State has fostered and strengthened throughout the region, state and world.

It is a legacy fortified by your promise toward access, diversity and quality… ensuring opportunities and a lifetime of success for thousands of Chico State students, faculty, staff and alumni.

It is a legacy built on your dedication to environmental sustainability and community service, including the 3 million plus hours of community service performed by Chico State students over the past half-century.

It is a legacy of a university community that is stubbornly optimistic and fearless, respectful of its history, yet with a rebellious spirit and penchant to buck old trends and blaze new trails…

And it is a legacy that has brought us all here today, to Laxson Auditorium, to celebrate the investiture of the 12th president of Chico State… and the first woman president… Gayle Hutchinson.

Since her first days on this campus as an assistant professor of kinesiology in 1990, through her tenure at Cal State Channel Islands, and now as your president… President Hutchinson has embodied all that makes Chico State a beacon of enlightenment, knowledge and hope for so many Californians:

A commitment to teamwork… to shared governance and transparency… to rigorous and persistent curiosity… to research and academic excellence… to community service… and to diversity, respect and acceptance for all.

President Hutchinson, I know that you are driven by the mission and values of this university... wholly focused on your shared vision and direction for the future of Chico State and, indeed, the California State University.

Certainly, you have my deepest respect, admiration and support. I know your colleagues throughout the CSU share in this view as well.

Therefore, by the authority granted to me by the Trustees of the California State University, I hereby invest you, Gayle Hutchinson, with the Office of President of California State University, Chico, with all the honors, privileges, and most importantly the authority, responsibilities, and accountability pertaining thereto.

Congratulations.