Alumni Updates

Maila L (Felper) Ogden

Sociology, Spring 1992

I have been been working in the social work field for over 20 yrs and I recently changed jobs. I now work as a Hospice Social Worker in Southern California(High Desert). I love the opportunity to be a part of the end of life journey. I have been married for the past 9 yrs and love living in Wrightwood(Angeles National Forest). I also Volunteer for Angeles National Forest Grassy Hollow Visitors Center.

Andy Powell

Philosophy, 2005

Since the last update given, I have been working at Lost Coast Communications as a DJ for KWPT "The Point" as the host of The Night Show. Outside of playing music on the show 6 nights a week, I also talk about current events (news, politics, foreign policy, and yes even some philosophy) and attempt to present a fair look at subjects or topics of debate in today's times.

As was stated in my last update, I am still playing music with my band Strix Vega as the bass player, keyboard player, and one of the composers. We're expecting to release our third album in early 2013.

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.

Michael Hibma

HistoryM.A. History, CSU Sacramento (2007); Certificate in Land Use & Environmental Planning - University of California, Davis, Extension (2012), 2003

After graduating from the HSU, I enrolled in the History M.A. program at Sacramento State. Soon after enrolling I began a 2.5-year internship in the Community and Cultural Studies Office at the California Department of Transportations Headquarters in downtown Sacramento. While there I worked with architectural historians in research, writing, and general assistance in completing cultural resource reports for transportation projects all over the state. I also provided technical editing assistance for documenting agricultural properties in California. In 2007 I submitted my thesis titled: "Historic District Nomination of the Newton Booth Neighborhood, City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, California" and graduated with an M.A. in History.

Just prior to graduation I took a position with LSA Associates, Inc., a private environmental consulting firm as an architectural historian/cultural resources manager. I am very lucky to be doing what I am for a career. My undergraduate experience in the HSU History program definitely set me on a course of success and personal achievement. I will always be grateful for my time at HSU and the helpful, yet challenging professors I met, the stimulating learning environment, and the fun I shared with many of my peers.

Joel Correia

Geography, 2004

Since graduating from the HSU Geography program I have worked in a variety of international development jobs from a non-profit in Kenya, to serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, and also designing my own projects to increase educational opportunities for rural youth in Paraguay. The last project took me on a six month, 5,000 mile bicycle tour through South America to raise funds and awareness about the project. In May of 2012, I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona. I am excited to continue my education in geography at University of Colorado at Boulder where I will pursue a PhD.

Rodney L Merrill

Sociology, 1975

Earned the PhD in Social Science in 2011 at Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Rashad Thomas

Politics, 2006

Rashad Thomas c/o 2006 and Imelda Fernandez c/o 2005 had their first child together. A baby girl by the name of Amira Thomas-Fernandaz.

Gordon Lester Bussell Indian name is Kigiwh ch

Native American StudiesPolitical Science (Politics), 2006

I work for Owens Valley Career Development Center a tribal consordium. working with revitaization of native languages. I give training on methodogy on both teaching and learning Native Languages. I have been working with up to 8 languages at once under ANA until Sept 2011. presently OVCDC services Paiute (3 dialects), Mono (2 dialects), Wukchumni and Yolumni, Tabatalabal, Kitamuk and Yaqui. I speak a Dene language daily, mostly Hupa and work with Mattole, Wailaki, Bear River, Redwood Creek and Tsenungxwe. I am a Hupa and Mattole Indian and member of the Yurok Tribe. I had 50 or more native teachers of Hupa for a beginning to this knowledge, starting with my Grandfather Clem I. Bussell Sr. and guided by my father Oswald N. Bussell. I used to teach Hupa on the Hoopa Reservation but now work with tribes here (Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties) and even present on language methods, at conferences at times (CA Indian Ed. Confer. at H.S.U. most recent presentation). I have worked with a number of linguists over the years as a student and speaker, most notable is Victor Golla at H.S.U.

Beverly (Freeman) Weber

Journalism, 1985

Completed two masters degrees, one in Adult Education/Distance Learning and one in Psychology; starting Ph.D. program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Gregory Day

History, 1986

Greg Day is an attorney in Oregon where he practices family, criminal and disability law. He served as an infantry officer in the Sinai, Egypt and in Afghanistan, and commanded an infantry battalion in Iraq. He is the recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and is currently a Colonel with the National Guard.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Humboldt State University, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Greg lives on the Rogue River in Grants Pass, Oregon where his family enjoys white-water rafting, scuba diving, and backpacking together.