The Goods

Zoom, zoom
Chico State’s manufacturing technology program took the grand prize at the Western Tool Exposition and Conference (WESTEC) Manufacturing Challenge last week. Students in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers designed an off-road-vehicle chassis and suspension system for the Society of Automotive Engineers to compete with next month during the International Baja event in Peoria, Ill. Chico State has won the grand prize for five of the last six years, as well as in 1987, 1993, 1995 and 1998.

Walk on the wild side
Looking for a clean and sober party this weekend? Head to The Ridge for “Recovery Gone Wild.” Butte College’s Wake Up Club is hosting the event at the Paradise Senior Center (877 Nunneley Road) from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday (April 12). Check out guest speaker Willie Cosgrave, enter a prize drawing and eat some snacks. Tickets cost $2.50 in advance (available at the center, Zucchini & Vine and The Music Connection); $3 at the door.

A model, indeed
Chico State students participating in the Model United Nations took New York by storm last month, bagging the distinction of Outstanding Delegation for their role as Saudi Arabia during the national conference. The Chico delegation was chosen from among more than 290 other schools. In addition to that honor, individual awards went to six students: Chelsea Schick, John Carter, Anna Birch, David Vielhaber, Aki Matsushima and Sara Haskall.

High society
Butte College’s chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (pictured) has been named “Most Distinguished Chapter” and now holds the title of the No. 4 chapter out more than 1,200 throughout the world. Announced at the international society’s recent 90th annual convention, the recognition ups the chapter’s standing last year, when it ranked No. 6 in the same field. Students also received individual awards: Melissa Nall earned Distinguished Chapter President, John Mantle took Distinguished Chapter Officer, Sheila Burson was recognized as the Distinguished Chapter Member, and Roger Ekins was recognized with the Distinguished Adviser award.

Trial on hold
Three Chico State students and a Butte College student who were slated to appear in Oroville’s Butte County Superior Court for criminal hazing next week have been given a reprieve. Instead, the four members of the now-defunct Beta Theta Pi fraternity—or their attorneys—will be headed to the Chico courthouse for an appeal at the end of May. If the case heads to trial, the men will be the first in the state prosecuted under Matt’s Law, so named for Matthew Carrington, who died about three years ago during a bizarre fraternity hazing rite at an unrecognized Chico fraternity.