Alumni Updates

Benjamin Scott Endsley

Politics, 2024

Currently, Benjamin is a legislative aide in the office of Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, working on legislation related to housing, medical training and education, and agriculture.

Andrew C. Torres

Philosophy, 2017

Since graduating from Humboldt, Andrew Torres earned his M.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where his research focused on the intersection of philosophy and anxiety, leading to published papers and academic presentations. Currently, he is pursuing an EdD in Education while teaching at the high school level, blending his philosophical background with practical pedagogy. His work continues to explore critical thinking, mental health, and student engagement in education.

Pete Narensky

Journalism, 1995

Recently retired after 24 years of service with the U.S. Customs Service and Department of Homeland Security serving as a Criminal Investigator. Mr. Narensky most recently achieved the rank of Assistant Special Agent in Charge and led a Financial Crimes Taskforce in Long Beach, CA. Mr. Narensky has started a second career working as Head of Security for the West Coast for a large global logistics company. 

Edward Hendrickson

Theatre, 1973

Edward is still alive and a survivor of the HIV-AIDS epidemic and a violent act that caused a memory loss of eight years. But this year he will turn 75 and is glad for his connection to the creative art movement in Spokane. A new time in his life and a new voice. His two years at Humboldt (1971-1973) changed his life forever. He is grateful to the staff and students of that time period. Good thoughts to all!

Mark Pignatelli

Geography, 2004

Mark's time at Humboldt State in the early 2000s had a profound impact on the man he is today. His graduation pledge was to use his life to actively work toward a more socially and environmentally responsible world. 

Shortly after graduating, his professional career began in the renewable energy and energy efficiency space. For the past 20 years, his profession has focused on energy efficiency consulting. He is currently a Director with ICF and leads a team of consultants who design, implement, and evaluate programs that help our clients achieve energy, environmental, and economic goals. His skills include project management, sustainable development, energy assessments, and building science. His passion is to create innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and improve the quality of life for communities. The energy efficiency programs he supports are designed to help builders, developers, and homeowners adopt high-performance building practices, technologies, and standards that increase energy savings, comfort, and durability.

Mark says Humboldt was and will always be a magical and inspiring place to live, learn, and love. His Humboldt professors, friends, and family opened doors of perception that allowed him to see and understand the world through a new lens. These influences and learnings resulted in his passion for the environment and the precious home he calls Earth. 

Jeanette K Shribbs

International Studies, 2007

Jeannette is an elementary school teacher in Northern California. 

Nick De Anda

Music, 2023

Nick graduated this past summer with a master's in classical guitar performance from the University of Alicante in Valencia, Spain. He was one of twelve from around the world and one of two from the United States to be selected to attend this intensive, high-caliber six-month program on the gorgeous Iberian coast. Nick was also the founding member of Mariachi de Humboldt, and can now be found volunteering with Guitars4Vets, teaching guitar to local veterans with PTSD, on top of performing and teaching privately near his hometown in Garden Grove.

Mellisa Hannum

Journalism, 2005

Mellisa graduated with a B.A. in Journalism in 2005 and Liberal Studies/Elementary Education in 1999. She volunteered at many libraries including the Arcata Branch of the Humboldt County Public Library system. After working in many library roles in Nevada County, she was hired as the Branch Librarian for Coast Community Library in Mendocino County. Mellisa is now the Library Director for Mendocino County's public libraries. She works to support the Library's mission of enriching lives through free and equitable access to materials and programs centered on education, culture, and entertainment.

Melody Walker

Music, 2008

Music alumna Melody Walker was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best American Roots song for "American Dreaming," which she wrote with country musician Sierra Ferrell. The song appears on Farrell's album "Trail of Flowers," released in early 2024. The 2025 Grammy winners will be announced on Feb. 2, 2025.

Viola Leone Cottrell Adkins

Music, 1970

V. Leone Cottrell Adkins received her Bachelors (’68) and Masters (’72) degrees in music from Humboldt State. Leone was already a professional musician having played string bass for Portland and Seattle Symphonies as well as being a highly trained opera singer when life‘s turn of events brought her to Humboldt County. At Humboldt, Leone was on staff in the Music department as accompanist and Assistant Opera Workshop Director. Between 2016 and 2019 Leone made several road trips with her daughter to California, documenting the impressive motorcycle racing career of her oldest brother, Jack W. Cottrell.