Each year, Cal Poly Humboldt alumni come together to support the next generation of students through the Humboldt Alumni Scholarship. Funded by alumni donations and Forever Humboldt fundraising activities, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, financial need, and a connection to Humboldt alumni.
This year, four outstanding students have been selected as recipients: Trinity Abercrombie (‘26, Oceanography), Zane Stromberg (‘26, Environmental Resources Engineering), Jim Thomas (‘27, Leadership Studies), and Sam Walker (‘27, Environmental Science & Management).
Born and raised in Eureka, Trinity Abercrombie followed in her mother’s footsteps by attending her hometown university. She is pursuing a degree in Oceanography with a minor in Scientific Scuba Diving. Growing up along Humboldt’s beaches inspired her love of the ocean and her dream of a career that keeps her close to the sea. Trinity hopes to use her education to responsibly steward ocean resources and educate others about marine conservation. Receiving a scholarship means a lot to Abercrombie, as it supports her academic goals and reflects her mother’s experiences at a similar age.
Raised in Arcata, Zane Stromberg graduated from Arcata High in 2016 before pursuing Environmental Resources Engineering at Cal Poly Humboldt. Drawn to one of the oldest environmental engineering programs in the nation, Stromberg is passionate about conservation, restoration, and protection. His career mission is to integrate human and natural systems to address climate change. Receiving a scholarship has provided Stromberg with the ability to focus more fully on his academic success, rather than splitting his energy between coursework and outside employment. He is confident that this support will have a direct and positive impact on his performance in the classroom.
Jim Thomas has lived in Humboldt County for 30 years and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership. A graduate of Jacoby Creek School, Arcata High, and College of the Redwoods, Thomas currently works full-time for the City of Eureka’s Community Services Department. He views his degree as a way to refine his leadership skills and empower others. The scholarship, he says, provides vital support as he focuses on career development and community impact.
Sam Walker, from Redding, Calif., is studying Environmental Science & Management with an emphasis in Ecological Restoration. His decision to attend Humboldt was shaped by its strong environmental science program and proximity to home. Committed to making a positive environmental impact, Walker hopes to develop the skills to become a lifelong environmental steward. Hands-on learning is what excites him most about Humboldt, and he shares that receiving the scholarship will give him more time to focus on his studies rather than financial stress.
The Humboldt Alumni Scholarship highlights the deep commitment alumni have to today’s students. By investing in their success, alumni ensure that future leaders, scientists, and innovators can thrive at Cal Poly Humboldt and beyond.
Read the full biographies at forever.humboldt.edu/scholarship-recipients.
Photo: (From left to right) Trinity Abercrombie, Zane Stromberg, Jim Thomas, and Sam Walker.