Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Jason Atherton
Communication, 2009
After graduating HSU in 2009, Jason went to graduate school at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. He lived with his HSU classmate while studying Educational Leadership and Policy. After completing his Masters degree, Jason held positions at universities in Florida, Michigan, and Utah. In 2019, Jason won Outstanding Academic Advisor for the local, state, and national advising conferences. He now lives in Salt Lake City and works with two other HSU Alumni who share his same birthday. Jason appreciates how ahead HSU was in diversity and social justice issues and is amazed how conversations that were happening in Arcata 10 years ago are now in public discourse. Go Jacks!
Nick Entsminger
History, 2009
Nick Entsminger, 2009 History, graduated with a Master’s of Medical Science from Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa., and a Certificate in Clinical Proficiency from Stanford University. Entsminger returned to Humboldt to begin a career in rural primary care and emergency medicine. Despite these accomplishments, he still misses his days at Humboldt State. Entsminger writes, “The education and experiences that I gained during my time here were paramount in influencing my educational pursuits. Additionally, my love of history has never ceased, and I hope that Humboldt someday offers a Master’s degree in History, so that I may enroll once again. I would like to thank Drs. Marschke, Pasztor, and Mays.”
Monica Topping
Journalism, 2009
City of Eureka's 2020 Artist of the Year (announced in April 2021)
Heather Frambach
PoliticsMinored in Latin American & Latino Studies, 2009
Heather is currently an urban agriculture planner at the City of Austin, Texas, the Community Outreach Manager for a small East Austin farmers market, and an organizing fellow with Real Food Challenge, a national campaign that organizers for more local and sustainable food on college campuses. She completed her master's degree in Community & Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin in 2012.
Gema Ortiz Lombardo
World Languages and Cultures, 2009
Gema Ortiz Lombardo, 2009 Spanish, earned her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Bilingual Education from New Mexico State University in 2011. While pursuing her M.A., Lombardo worked with NMSU as a School Garden Curriculum Coordinator. Lombardo also served as a managing editor for the resource book, “Implementing a school and Community Garden.” In 2013, She provided college and career guidance to special-needs students at high school level. She is happily married and is currently an Admissions Counselor for Humboldt State and a recruiter for HSU’s College of Natural Resources & Sciences, focusing on promoting opportunities for hispanic students.
Nicholas N Entsminger
History, 2009
I am a Humboldt Alumni currently attending the Primary Care Associate Program (Physician Assistant) at Stanford University. Also, I will be applying to the Master's of Medical Science program at Saint Francis University this December. My history training at Humboldt State has been invaluable to my success. My knowledge in history has allowed me to better understand the historical backgrounds that brought about socioeconomic and cultural boundaries that plaque healthcare today. This understanding has helped me understand the need for primary healthcare in underserved areas, often representing those affected by these boundaries. Additionally, the history deparment at Humboldt State has trained me to effectively organize and communicate (both written and one-on-one) to both patients and other members of the healthcare team and to critically evaluate pharmaceutical updates, which may contain a high level of bias. I would like to especially thank Drs. Marschke, Mays, and Pasztor.
Jenine Torres formerly Prus
International StudiesGlobalization, 2009
Jenine Torres, International Studies, 2009, is from Grand Rapids, MI, where she has been living since 2009. After receiving her BA from HSU while studying abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico, she received her Masters of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University in 2014. She is a member of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2016, GR Area Chamber of Commerce, Center for Community Leadership. Currently, she has the privilege of being a Development Officer at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Michigan's oldest community foundation. She was married in June 2017 and has three stepchildren.
Shannon Edam
International Studies, 2009
Shannon Edam, 2009 International Studies, is passionate about human rights, social justice, and international affairs. She graduated from American University's School of International Service with a master's degree in ethics, peace and global affairs in 2014, and earned a master's in education from Lesley University in May 2016. She studied abroad in Belgium, Ghana, Cuba, and Mexico, focusing on international studies and human rights, then shifted her focus to 'bringing human rights home' by teaching in inner city schools for free in 2014. Edam currently serves individuals with mental illness and a history of chronic homelessness through her work at Pathways to Housing, DC.
Mark Martinez
Anthropology, 2009
For the past two years I have been advocating and empowering youth to make non-violent, healthy choices as a mentor for the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. Influenced by anthropology of development, I hope to continue my work with non-profit organizations, while attaining my masters in social work.
Sofia Pereira
Communication, 2009
I recently came back from Washington DC from a political fellowship with the Women's Campaign Fund. I'm now the Deputy Campaign Manager on a Congressional campaign in the newly formed 2nd district.



