Since 1960, Cal Poly Humboldt has proudly recognized alumni who embody the spirit of excellence, service, and innovation through its prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. The 2025 honorees are extraordinary changemakers—visionary leaders who have transformed industries, empowered communities, and championed causes that shape a better world. From groundbreaking work in climate policy and public health to transformative leadership in education, civic engagement, and nonprofits, these alumni exemplify the values of resilience, equity, and bold thinking instilled at Humboldt. Their impact reaches far beyond the university, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose and passion.

Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni:

John Ballard ’80, Psychology

John Ballard exemplifies visionary leadership fused with kindness, wit, and strategic insight. With a career spanning executive leadership in large and small corporations, John served as president of SPX Communications Technologies for nearly a decade and previously held CEO, CFO, and COO positions at TCI International Inc. Known for his adeptness in project management, team leadership, and process improvement, Ballard is recognized by peers as an industry innovator.

Beyond his professional success, Ballard is a deeply committed community advocate. He chairs the board of Santa Cruz Local, a nonprofit journalism outlet addressing local issues, and supports New Way Homes, a nonprofit tackling California’s housing crisis by connecting investors with underserved communities. Alongside Dan Phillips  ('91, Business and Computer Information Systems), he also co-founded Lost Coast Ventures, an initiative to cultivate innovation in Humboldt County by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs from concept to funding.

Ballard and his wife, Kathy (‘79, Biology), have also been generous supporters of Cal Poly Humboldt’s Boldly Rising Campaign, demonstrating their shared commitment to creating opportunities and uplifting the broader community.

“While I'm surprised to receive this award, I'm honored to be recognized in this way,” Ballard says. “I'm pleased with what I've accomplished, and I look forward to continuing to ‘give back’ to Humboldt in meaningful and impactful ways through my involvement with Lost Coast Ventures, StartUp Humboldt, and the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation.”

Karen Diemer ’95, Wildlife Management

Karen Diemer’s 30-year career in public service is a masterclass in civic leadership, collaboration, and equity. As former City Manager of Arcata, Diemer led the city through complex crises and historic transitions. 

Diemer’s leadership extended far beyond Arcata city boundaries. She co-founded the Bay Cities Leadership Academy to train future public service leaders and partnered with regional agencies and universities. Her impact on Cal Poly Humboldt has been profound—she built strong inter-organizational bridges, supported student and faculty initiatives, and created enduring community-university collaborations.

Diemer also played a key role in sustainability projects, natural resource restoration, and inclusive public policy. In 2024, she was honored with the Cal Poly Humboldt President’s Distinguished Service Award.

A mentor, visionary, and bridge-builder, Diemer embodies Humboldt’s ethos of hands-on learning, turning vision into action for the greater good.

“Humboldt was my first real exposure to the sciences, and I fell in love with understanding how natural systems work and how to break things down to their most simplified components,” Diemer says. “While most of my career was not direct work in the sciences, the basic critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze and understand why things happen, and the ability to break down complex community concerns into simple, non-governmental jargon explanations served me well in local government,”

Anand Gopal ’03, M.S. Environmental Systems Engineering

Anand Gopal is a global leader in climate policy and clean energy innovation. As Founder and CEO of Elar Strategies, Gopal works with non-profit and foundation leaders to transform global livelihoods for the better while reducing pollution rapidly and equitably.  His nearly 20-year career spans roles with Energy Innovation - where he led a 30+ person climate policy innovation team- with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation—where he directed global grantmaking in clean power and transportation—and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he led international research on energy policy.

From humble roots in the coastal city of Chennai, India, Gopal received a bachelor’s from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and a Ph.D. in Energy and Resources from UC Berkeley. He contributes regularly to Forbes and serves on the boards of several influential organizations, the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Good Food Institute, Veloz, and Humboldt’s Schatz Energy Research Center.

He owes his clean energy career to the mentoring and generous financial support he received from the Schatz Center. Humboldt is where he met his wife and inherited a loving extended family.

“When I applied to the master's program at Cal Poly Humboldt my only degree was from a far away university in India that may not have meant anything to someone reading my application. But Environmental Resources Engineering Professor Peter Lehman saw in me some potential that even I didn't know I had and went out of his way to give me a full ride to come here. To receive the Distinguished Alumni award all these decades later means that I realized the potential that Lehman was able to see. It's an honor to be recognized by the university that changed my life more than any other,” Gopal says. 

Rakin “Rock” Hall ’97, Journalism and Mass Communication

Rakin “Rock” Hall’s remarkable journey from academic probation to national leadership in higher education is a story of resilience, transformation, and dedication to student success. Mentored through the Educational Opportunity Program at Cal Poly Humboldt, Rakin turned personal challenges into a lifelong mission to uplift others.

He began his professional path working in the Admissions office at Humboldt and advanced to senior leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including associate director of Admissions at the University of Southern California. He currently serves as vice president of Enrollment and Student Success at Ithaca College, where he champions inclusive access and equitable educational pathways for underrepresented students.

A powerful public speaker and advocate, Rakin shares his experiences to inspire others to persevere and thrive. He is also a contributing member of the Association of Chief Admission Officers of Public Universities, where he helps shape policies that enhance the student experience nationwide.

Rakin’s journey is a testament to the impact of support, community, and tenacity—qualities that define the spirit of Humboldt.

“This distinction means the world to me. As a first-generation college student, these types of accolades were never in my purview. I didn't play sports or "win the big game." I was a guy who showed up with a keen curiosity and did the work. To be acknowledged in this way is humbling,” Hall says. “Cal Poly Humboldt was the first true shift in the trajectory of my life. I met people from around the world who looked and talked differently from me. This lived diversity challenged my thinking. I had great professors, such as Mary Chinelo, Dave Silverbrand, and Dennis Hart, who believed in my potential and helped sharpen my acumen. Outside of the classroom, I had mentors like Dr. Edward Buzz Webb, who taught me a great deal about the larger world. Humboldt was a life-changing experience that helped shape me into who I am today.”

Tory Starr ’82, Nursing

Tory Starr is a transformative healthcare executive whose leadership has significantly impacted California’s healthcare systems and underserved communities. Since 2020, he has served as president and CEO of Open Door Community Health Centers, leading the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while championing equitable care across Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

With over 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Starr previously held senior roles at Sutter Health, including system vice president of care management. He also served as director of care management for Alameda Health System and led Starr and Associates, his healthcare consulting firm, for over two decades.

A proud Cal Poly Humboldt nursing graduate, Starr exemplifies the University’s spirit of service and community engagement. As a student, he was involved in student government, graduated magna cum laude and was awarded Man of the Year in 1982. Today, he continues to advocate for systemic solutions in rural health, including innovative payment models, workforce housing ,broadband expansion and healthcare workforce development.

His lifelong commitment to care, health equity, and innovation makes him a model alum and a guiding force in community health.

“Being recognized as a Distinguished Alum is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It represents a full-circle moment: returning to the institution that laid the foundation for my professional journey and personal growth. This honor is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but a testament to the mentors, peers, and community that supported me along the way. It reinforces my commitment to service, leadership, and the values that Humboldt instilled in me,” Starr says. 

Read each Distinguished Alumni’s full bio here.

Photo: A photo collage of John Ballard, Karen Diemer, Anand Gopal, Rakin "Rock" Hall, and Tory Starr, who were named 2025 Distinguished Alumni.

Since 1960, Cal Poly Humboldt has proudly recognized alumni who embody the spirit of excellence, service, and innovation through its prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. The 2025 honorees are extraordinary changemakers—visionary leaders who have transformed industries, empowered communities, and championed causes that shape a better world. From groundbreaking work in climate policy and public health to transformative leadership in education, civic engagement, and nonprofits, these alumni exemplify the values of resilience, equity, and bold thinking instilled at Humboldt. Their impact reaches far beyond the university, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose and passion.

Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni:

John Ballard ’80, Psychology

John Ballard exemplifies visionary leadership fused with kindness, wit, and strategic insight. With a career spanning executive leadership in large and small corporations, John served as president of SPX Communications Technologies for nearly a decade and previously held CEO, CFO, and COO positions at TCI International Inc. Known for his adeptness in project management, team leadership, and process improvement, Ballard is recognized by peers as an industry innovator.

Beyond his professional success, Ballard is a deeply committed community advocate. He chairs the board of Santa Cruz Local, a nonprofit journalism outlet addressing local issues, and supports New Way Homes, a nonprofit tackling California’s housing crisis by connecting investors with underserved communities. Alongside Dan Phillips  ('91, Business and Computer Information Systems), he also co-founded Lost Coast Ventures, an initiative to cultivate innovation in Humboldt County by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs from concept to funding.

Ballard and his wife, Kathy (‘79, Biology), have also been generous supporters of Cal Poly Humboldt’s Boldly Rising Campaign, demonstrating their shared commitment to creating opportunities and uplifting the broader community.

“While I'm surprised to receive this award, I'm honored to be recognized in this way,” Ballard says. “I'm pleased with what I've accomplished, and I look forward to continuing to ‘give back’ to Humboldt in meaningful and impactful ways through my involvement with Lost Coast Ventures, StartUp Humboldt, and the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation.”

Karen Diemer ’95, Wildlife Management

Karen Diemer’s 30-year career in public service is a masterclass in civic leadership, collaboration, and equity. As former City Manager of Arcata, Diemer led the city through complex crises and historic transitions. 

Diemer’s leadership extended far beyond Arcata city boundaries. She co-founded the Bay Cities Leadership Academy to train future public service leaders and partnered with regional agencies and universities. Her impact on Cal Poly Humboldt has been profound—she built strong inter-organizational bridges, supported student and faculty initiatives, and created enduring community-university collaborations.

Diemer also played a key role in sustainability projects, natural resource restoration, and inclusive public policy. In 2024, she was honored with the Cal Poly Humboldt President’s Distinguished Service Award.

A mentor, visionary, and bridge-builder, Diemer embodies Humboldt’s ethos of hands-on learning, turning vision into action for the greater good.

“Humboldt was my first real exposure to the sciences, and I fell in love with understanding how natural systems work and how to break things down to their most simplified components,” Diemer says. “While most of my career was not direct work in the sciences, the basic critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze and understand why things happen, and the ability to break down complex community concerns into simple, non-governmental jargon explanations served me well in local government,”

Anand Gopal ’03, M.S. Environmental Systems Engineering

Anand Gopal is a global leader in climate policy and clean energy innovation. As Founder and CEO of Elar Strategies, Gopal works with non-profit and foundation leaders to transform global livelihoods for the better while reducing pollution rapidly and equitably.  His nearly 20-year career spans roles with Energy Innovation - where he led a 30+ person climate policy innovation team- with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation—where he directed global grantmaking in clean power and transportation—and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he led international research on energy policy.

From humble roots in the coastal city of Chennai, India, Gopal received a bachelor’s from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and a Ph.D. in Energy and Resources from UC Berkeley. He contributes regularly to Forbes and serves on the boards of several influential organizations, the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Good Food Institute, Veloz, and Humboldt’s Schatz Energy Research Center.

He owes his clean energy career to the mentoring and generous financial support he received from the Schatz Center. Humboldt is where he met his wife and inherited a loving extended family.

“When I applied to the master's program at Cal Poly Humboldt my only degree was from a far away university in India that may not have meant anything to someone reading my application. But Environmental Resources Engineering Professor Peter Lehman saw in me some potential that even I didn't know I had and went out of his way to give me a full ride to come here. To receive the Distinguished Alumni award all these decades later means that I realized the potential that Lehman was able to see. It's an honor to be recognized by the university that changed my life more than any other,” Gopal says. 

Rakin “Rock” Hall ’97, Journalism and Mass Communication

Rakin “Rock” Hall’s remarkable journey from academic probation to national leadership in higher education is a story of resilience, transformation, and dedication to student success. Mentored through the Educational Opportunity Program at Cal Poly Humboldt, Rakin turned personal challenges into a lifelong mission to uplift others.

He began his professional path working in the Admissions office at Humboldt and advanced to senior leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including associate director of Admissions at the University of Southern California. He currently serves as vice president of Enrollment and Student Success at Ithaca College, where he champions inclusive access and equitable educational pathways for underrepresented students.

A powerful public speaker and advocate, Rakin shares his experiences to inspire others to persevere and thrive. He is also a contributing member of the Association of Chief Admission Officers of Public Universities, where he helps shape policies that enhance the student experience nationwide.

Rakin’s journey is a testament to the impact of support, community, and tenacity—qualities that define the spirit of Humboldt.

“This distinction means the world to me. As a first-generation college student, these types of accolades were never in my purview. I didn't play sports or "win the big game." I was a guy who showed up with a keen curiosity and did the work. To be acknowledged in this way is humbling,” Hall says. “Cal Poly Humboldt was the first true shift in the trajectory of my life. I met people from around the world who looked and talked differently from me. This lived diversity challenged my thinking. I had great professors, such as Mary Chinelo, Dave Silverbrand, and Dennis Hart, who believed in my potential and helped sharpen my acumen. Outside of the classroom, I had mentors like Dr. Edward Buzz Webb, who taught me a great deal about the larger world. Humboldt was a life-changing experience that helped shape me into who I am today.”

Tory Starr ’82, Nursing

Tory Starr is a transformative healthcare executive whose leadership has significantly impacted California’s healthcare systems and underserved communities. Since 2020, he has served as president and CEO of Open Door Community Health Centers, leading the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while championing equitable care across Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

With over 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Starr previously held senior roles at Sutter Health, including system vice president of care management. He also served as director of care management for Alameda Health System and led Starr and Associates, his healthcare consulting firm, for over two decades.

A proud Cal Poly Humboldt nursing graduate, Starr exemplifies the University’s spirit of service and community engagement. As a student, he was involved in student government, graduated magna cum laude and was awarded Man of the Year in 1982. Today, he continues to advocate for systemic solutions in rural health, including innovative payment models, workforce housing ,broadband expansion and healthcare workforce development.

His lifelong commitment to care, health equity, and innovation makes him a model alum and a guiding force in community health.

“Being recognized as a Distinguished Alum is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It represents a full-circle moment: returning to the institution that laid the foundation for my professional journey and personal growth. This honor is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but a testament to the mentors, peers, and community that supported me along the way. It reinforces my commitment to service, leadership, and the values that Humboldt instilled in me,” Starr says. 

Read each Distinguished Alumni’s full bio here.