Alumni Updates

James Caton

History, 2011

The flexibility of HSU’s B.A. in History afforded James the opportunity to chart a path for the future by exploring topics that interested him. Upon completing his degree, he began studying economic theory. He completed an M.A. in Economics from San Jose State University in 2013 where he studied monetary theory and history. He completed my Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University in 2017 where he focused on non-equilibrium, agent-based models of systems of exchange. As of Fall 2017, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University where he teaches macroeconomics, entrepreneurship, economic computation, and economic development.

Omar Alejandro Garcia

International Studies, 2011

After working at Solar City, I am currently working in Taiwan as an English Teacher and preparing for an International Business Masters degree. I am still playing baseball and running my audio-blog about identity and cross-cultural interactions. I would like to thank Rosamel Benavides in the World Languages and Cultures Dept as well as the International Studies Dept for providing me a solid foundation to conquer career challenges, domestic and international.

Andrea Castillo

Art, 2011

Recently graduated in Art Studio and am working for a non-profit Center for the Arts in Los Angeles at a Summer Art Camp for kids.

Taylor Kilgore

Communication, 2011

I moved to Colorado accepting a sports anchor position at CBS KKTV. I now get to cover teams like the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and the Air Force Academy.

Tyler Evans

HistoryInternational Studies, 2011

Tyler Evans, 2011 History and 2014 Secondary Education Credential, received a Master’s of Arts in History from San Diego State University after graduating from Humboldt. Evans is currently the AVID program coordinator and elective teacher at Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Alexandra McGee

AnthropologyInternational Studies, Ethnic Studies, Spanish, 2011

I've transformed from a Humboldt Lumberjack to a Berkeley Bear. I have just started my first semester of graduate school as a Latin American Studies masters student. My last semester at HSU, I took an engineering course with Lonny Grafman which got me really excited about small-scale energy projects, particularly how they relate to community participation, rural development, energy independence and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, I've put my anthropology skills to use, moving into a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery to live with a high lama.

I'd love to hear from you. If you want to know more about my adventures, check out my blog:
throughaliseyes-chapterthree.blogspot.com

Brandon Chapin

Politics, 2010

Brandon joined the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in May 2025 as Deputy Director for Legislative and External Affairs. In this role Brandon is focused on strengthening the CCC’s legislative presence and sharing the inspiring stories of the corps members, deepening connections with external and local partners, and also serves as the CCC’s Tribal Liaison.

Kate Catanese

Anthropology, 2010

After graduating, I worked for six months as a research assistant on a project through Tulane University concerning the reproductive strategies of male capuchin monkeys. Although it was an amazing and life-changing experience, I came out of it knowing that I would much rather work with people than primates, and am currently seeking admission to HSU's elementary education program.

Jessica Peters

Anthropology, 2010

I have been accepted to UCLA's Anthropology PhD program, with full funding for four years, and will be studying under the guidance of renowned Anthropology professor Sherry Ortner starting in Fall 2011.

Tara Darlene Smith

English, 2010

Taraa's memoir essay collection, Sunflowers in Iraq: True Stories of Surviving & Thriving, was published last month. Further information is available on her website: https://www.taradarlenesmith.com, and she's happy to provide a press release and photos from the book's launch.