Alumni Updates

Find classmates by name, major, or year of graduation

Philip Ross DeMontigny, History, 1995

Submitted: September 20, 2025

Philip attended Humboldt State University from 1992 to 1995, where he was a student athlete competing in cross-country and track. He currently serves as a Brigadier General in the Oregon National Guard, having recently completed a tour as Chief of Staff for NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR). In his civilian career, he is the Agency Risk and Emergency Manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, overseeing enterprise risk management, safety, and emergency preparedness for the state capital campus. He lives with his family in Olympia, Washington.


 

James Smith , Sociology, 1971

Submitted: September 19, 2025

James just published a new book- American Insomniac: Reflections on the Future of a Dying Democracy.  A collection of articles and essays on freedom, democracy, and other issues facing America today. Available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

Kathy Koester , Nursing, 1980

Submitted: September 19, 2025

Kathy's maiden name was Jacobs. She recently retired as an RN after working 44 years. She enjoyed her four years at Humboldt State University. 

Debra (JB) Brayfindley, Elementary Education (Liberal Studies), 2011

Submitted: September 17, 2025

Debra is a retired Special Ed teacher, but decided to work part-time as an adult school teacher teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship.

Haley Goetsch, Psychology, 1994

Submitted: September 16, 2025

Haley is now working for Lutheran Community Services Northwest at two elementary schools.

Richard Caldwell , Music, 1969

Submitted: September 15, 2025

Richard retired in 2015 after 20 years as a Navy musician, followed by 25 years of band instrument repair in the Seattle area. He made the trip to Humboldt in 2018 for the Marching Lumberjack band's 50-year celebration.

Reginald Jonker, Oceanography, 1980

Submitted: September 15, 2025

Reginald Jonker is retired. 

Terry Bowyer, Wildlife, 1970

Submitted: August 18, 2025

R. Terry Bowyer, B.S. 1970, M.S 1976, is the 2025 recipient of the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award from The Wildlife Society for outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation , the highest honor that the Society bestows.
 

Brian Law, Applied Anthropology, 2024

Submitted: August 14, 2025

Hello, I enjoyed my time in the BA Leadership Studies program, so I decided to join the MA Applied Anthropology program in the Fall of 2024. I just had my first anniversary as a Teaching Assistant and Peer Advisor, and I will continue to do so as long as I am eligible for student employment.

Gabby Connors, Dance Studies, 2019

Submitted: August 4, 2025

Dance Studies alumni Gabby Connors ('19) and Ethan Ambler ('20) tied the knot on May 23, 2025!

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