Last week, we celebrated an Ag Leadership milestone with our first seminar at CSU Chico. For many, Chico was a new area to explore, and for our North State colleagues, it was a point of pride to welcome us to their home region. We are thrilled to welcome Chico State and Dr. Kasey DeAtley (Class 52) as core faculty to the Ag Leadership family.
For Class 54, this seminar was bittersweet, with curriculum reflecting our changing focus—from developing and realizing our potential to crafting our story and learning how to share our refined influence within our communities and industries as alumni. As we set our foundation for continued success, we learned the importance of a strong base through our personal Boards of Directors and the guardrails to help keep us curious, continue growing, and making a difference. We leaned into our personal motivators and explored how to let them guide our energy moving forward. We also gained incredible insight through mini sessions with remarkable alumni who shared their stories—full of “aha” moments, cautions, and invaluable advice. A special thank you to all the alumni who generously shared their time with us. For me, the seminar underscored a powerful truth: while the program may be ending, the journey is just beginning.
We also officially welcomed Class 55 and cherished our time together. It was exciting to see their potential and hear their perspectives on the journey so far, while reflecting on our own paths to this point. It feels like a lifetime ago when we were in their shoes, yet we know their journey is only just beginning. We eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for them as we pass the torch and watch their unique class culture, experiences, and gifts to the program take shape.
As we prepare for commencement, a mix of emotions is inevitable — excitement for what’s next, sadness as our formal time together ends, relief at having more time with family, a commitment to keep our class connections strong, and admiration for the growth we’ve experienced. As we gathered to present our impact portfolio drafts, I was truly in awe of my classmates. We have grown and learned so much together, each of us digging deep to give our best to this program, and we are better for it.
Unlike the major milestones of other commencements, we may not know exactly what our next phase will be. What we do know is that we are supported by a strong alumni network, that our communities and industries need our talents, and that we carry with us a million memories from our 17 months together—memories we will never forget. We are forever grateful to those who support CALP and make this experience possible, and we are committed to carrying our influence forward.
With Gratitude,
Kelly Bishop and Class 54
One Response
It was such a pleasure to spend time with Kelly and all of class 54. I echo the mix of emotions and class 55 learned so much from this unique opportunity to crossover in Chico. Looking forward class 54 again in Fresno and what wonderful things they will do!