Alumni Updates

Janet Morlan

Geography, 1985

I retired July 1, 2011, and received the best retirement "gift." In May I was flown to Washington D.C. to receive a National Wetlands Award. And it all began at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary many, many years ago. Here's the link to the award information & photos: http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/

John Compaglia

Religious Studies, 2005

Life post-Humboldt state is great. I went on to do a Master's degree in medieval Islamic intellectual traditions with an emphasis on Islamic philosophy, science, and mysticism. I have decided for the time being not to pursue a PhD but you never know. right after completing my Master's (2009) I was awarded a Henry Luce fellowship to study the history and origins of Islam in Indonesia for a semester at Gadjah Mada University in the city of Yogyakarta. My research there is going to be included in a book published by the university I studies at which will be completed by the end of the year. I am also currently working on a book on similarities and differences of mythological and scientific methodologies with retired Auburn University professor (and my father in law) Dr. James Bradley.

Gary "Eduardo" Perless

Geography, 1984

After many years as a public school Science teacher, I'm now teaching Spanish and World Geography/History at a small, university prep school in Poulsbo, WA. West Sound Academy is a good fit for me, emphasizing global citizenship, critical thinking, and service learning--and I can ride the bus to work. I live near Port Townsend, with my wife Jocelyn and children Will(9) and Serena (4). Would love to hear from any Geographers or students who went to Oaxaca in '84.

Libby Maynard

Art, 1971 & 1982

Co-founded The Ink People, a community arts organization, with Brenda Tuxford (MA in Art 1980, deceased) in 1979. I have continued to be an active artist. The Ink People has facilitated over 200 community arts projects and currently oversees more than 60. In 2011, I received the Selina Roberts Ottum Award from Americans for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts for excellence in community arts leadership. In 2005, I received the Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from the California Association of Nonprofits, as examples of many other awards.

Kim T. Griswel

English, 1995

Recently moved from my position as senior editor for Highlights to the position of Developmental Editor at Portable Press in Ashland, Oregon, known for the amazing Uncle John's Bathroom Readers. I'll be developing books in the For Kids Only series.

Morgan Eaton

Geography, 1979

Living it up it in the dry side of Washington state. Looking forward to retirement soon!

Judy Chance Hope

Art, 1971

Having worked as a ceramist and drafter (both mechanical and architectural) while painting when I could, I shifted my focus to painting 15 years ago. Last year I received a gold medal award for a painting of redwoods in Jedediah Smith Park from the Redwood Forest Foundation. I work in acrylic and oil and have work in collections all over the country and Europe.

My husband, also an HSU grad, and have one daughter who is an artist in NY. We have a small farm in rural Menocino county where we grow organic veggies, flowers and chickens. We have a wonderful pug to guard us.

Joshua Brookshire

Geography, 04

Is working for bandelier National Monument as a lead helitack crewmember.

Rashad Korah Thomas

Politics, 2006

I am the project manager (country director) for Uganda Village Project. A non-profit orgainzation decited to improving the quality of life for citizens in the villages that make up the Iganga District. We have programs in well construction, nets, fistula repair, among others.

Elaine Hogan

Politics, 2007

After serving as a Health Volunteer for the Peace Corps in Honduras, I am back in Arcata. I work for Northcoast Children's Services as a Bilingual Family Service Specialist serving high-needs families with children enrolled in Head Start.