On September 3, 2022, Humboldt had its first published anthology of painters, Looking for Beauty. The publishing was designed and compiled by Cyndy Phillips ('98, English), a former English faculty. For nearly four years, the project was advised by Cal Poly Press and professor, James Woglom (who wrote the foreword). In August of 2022 at the Redwood Art Association (603 F St, Eureka), the final 80 limited edition books were on sale as a fundraiser to support the Redwood Art Association’s Annual Paint Out. The event was ushered in by gypsy jazz, North Story Wines, and free food.

As the first geology graduate of Humboldt State in 1968, George FitzGerald went to work as an underground mine geologist in Grants, New Mexico. Using investigative skills taught by my Humboldt professors, he directed the quality-based safe extraction of uranium ore for over 15 years.  Great education and experience in field geology provided him with the skills to successfully hold positions in industry, teaching, consulting and government regulation for environmentally protective mineral production. FitzGerald thanks Humboldt's first geology professors Dr. Young, Dr. Kilmer, and Dr. Longshore for creating one of the great programs at Cal Poly Humboldt.

After graduation, Rick Gardner ('65, Psychology) attended the University of Nevada Reno where he received his Ph.D. in psychology in 1969. He was a professor and department chair at two universities, most recently at the University of Colorado Denver. His research emphasis was on body image and retired in 2010. In recognition of Humboldt's many contributions to his journey into academia, Rick recently funded three annual scholarships for psychology undergraduate majors who are assisting psychology faculty in their research. He is most grateful for his experiences and the mentorship he received at Humboldt State. 

Dave Albert ('94, Physical Education) recently retired from the City of Santa Cruz after 20+ years as a police officer. He currently works part-time in various law enforcement training capacities and lives in San Jose. He and his wife of 30 years are anxiously awaiting their first grandchild in December, and are enjoying the perks of retirement: traveling, Tahoe excursions, and lots of exercise.

Matthew Nelson ('04, Zoology, '09, M.S. Biology) has worked as a biological technician for Olympic National Park, a marine biologist for the City of San Diego, and is currently a Shellfish Biologist for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in Washington. This position involves working closely with other state and tribal managers to maintain healthy and productive fisheries while ensuring that the resource will be around for the benefit of future generations.

The third volume of the SciFi series "H2LiftShips - Bosons Wave" by local author, Bob Freeman, is now out in the wild. The author is a graduate of HSU with a Masters in Biology and a retired Public Health Laboratory Director (Imperial County). In the classic Space Opera SciFi style, he takes the reader from one end of California to the other. They ditch the red roadster and the trip continues to Luna, the asteroid belt, and beyond. More information, sample chapters, and the dreaded 'Trigger Warning' can be found here.    

Jay Brandes recently gave a talk titled “Microplastics: A Local Problem with a Local Solution” at the 2022 TEDx Savannah Event. He is presently a Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia Athens, working out of UGA’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah Georgia. His work encompasses a variety of areas including nutrient and carbon cycling, biogeochemistry, and marine pollution. This fall (2022) he will begin teaching an Oceanographic Cruise course for Marine Science majors, and hopes to impart the knowledge he gained having experienced a similar transformational course in his education at HSU.

Carole Pavlik-Selby (Theatre, '73) became a first-time grandma in January to little girl Cassidy Juniper. Her son Tylan and his wife Tina are the proud parents. Pavlik-Selby still does theatre occasionally and she hopes to be in a play with her actor and director son, Liam. Pavlik-Selby was in “Oliver” as well as “Shadowbox” with him! She has not totally retired from nursing yet and has spent the last year and a half administering COVID vaccines, so she has been busier than ever. Pavlik-Selby recently picked up the ukelele and is now singing in a duo. 

Evan Blair ('13, Political Science) earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2017. He is currently the Associate Director of Admissions at UC Davis Graduate School of Management.

Laura Werner (International Studies, '21) is enjoying a position as an AmeriCorps VISTA Outreach Specialist, and Community Harm Reduction and Youth Educator with the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition. Werner has also recently accepted a position with the Peace Corps as a Community Educator in Mongolia. Werner is extremely thankful for the multitude of absolutely fantastic opportunities delivered to her after graduation from HSU, despite the many fluctuations that have recently taken place. International Studies has proven to be the most flexible major option, providing freedom in all of her professional pursuits and educational explorations.