In 2010, the Free Speech Area was renamed Trinity Commons, and it was decreed that “a student-designed plaque will be created and placed to commemorate the free speech history of Trinity Commons” (Executive Memorandum 10-0-17). Students in Professor Jason Nice's Introduction to Public History (Fall 2025) completed a project to bring this to fruition from start to finish, including research, design, fundraising, and consultation with the campus and community. Their work is featured in the exhibits and oral histories on this website.

Students in the class are Celeste Aguirre, Jack Bergmann, Summer Collins, Kiera Colorado, Thatcher Damon, Jack Delong, Septen Flores, Dezlynn Foster, Gavin Griffiths, Darien Heyl, Victoria Hunt, Imogen Jennings, Jack Keller, Scarlett Klemm, Andy Linville, Penny McHugh, Tyler Morgan, Allison Perez, Autumn Pratt, Larisa Robinson, Clare Schaefer, Jesus Serrano, and Darcy Winters.

This project would not have been possible without Ryan Browar, Archives Specialist, and the staff at Meriam Library Special Collections who helped students locate, access, and digitize documents related to Chico State's history of free speech. Rod Thomson (History) generously shared his own research and expertise. Christian Burke (Creative Director) and Geoff Wintrup (Senior Graphic Designer) helped students' vision for a physical monument on Trinity Commons become a reality.

Tracy Butts (Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts) and Chela Mendoza Patterson (Retired Associate Vice President for Student Life and Leadership) recommended oral history participants, and we are extremely grateful to Kenneth Edson, Terris Grimes, Matthews Jackson, Diane Miller, and Adin White for their interviews.

Over the course of the semester, students learned about the history of memory and commemoration and are grateful to members of the campus community who provided valuable insights and feedback, including: Stefani Baldivia (Meriam Library), Matt Beale (Commissioner of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Associated Students), Cirilo Cortez (Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, and Free Speech Facilitator),  Zion Fozo (Commissioner of Community Affairs, Associated Students), Ashley Gebb (Chief of Staff to the President, and Executive Director of University Communications), Gloria Lopez, (History), Rachel McBride-Praetorius (Yurok, Director of Tribal Relations), Cole Morales (Susanville Indian Rancheria, Associate Director of Tribal Relations), Joseph Morales (Chief Diversity Officer), Kendall Ross (Senior Director for Student Life and Leadership, and Free Speech Facilitator), Laurie Sevier (Chair of Campus Facility Use Committee), Randy Southall (Associate Vice President of Facilities Management & Capital Projects), Adin White (2024-25 Commissioner of Sustainability Affairs, Associated Students), and Kendra Wright (Director, Government Affairs, Associated Students). Andy Tang (Meriam Library) and August Germar (Enterprise Systems) provided technical assistance for the maintenance of this digital exhibit.

Meriam Library Special Collections hosts and maintains this website. Do you have memories or artifacts to share? Please contact specialcollections@csuchico.edu.