University hosts anniversary, preview

In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Chico State is hosting a community open house this Saturday, April 14.

Chico State Expo 125 will feature more than 60 tours, showcases and performances, including games for kids, from 1-5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission to campus museums, including the Gateway Science Museum, will be free during the event, as will tours of Bidwell Mansion and the Albert. E. Warrens Center (aka the President’s Mansion).

The anniversary celebration is on the same day that the campus is welcoming prospective students and their families for its Choose Chico! event (formerly Chico Preview Day). It’s an important occasion, since 80 percent of Chico State’s students come from outside of its service area. Joe Wills, Chico State’s director of public affairs, said the preview succeeds in drawing students: About 70 percent who show up actually enroll.