Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Thana Brunges
NursingMinor in Biology, 1972
Thana Brunges ('72, Nursing) graduated from Mendocino College in 1976 with a degree in Liberal Studies, Santa Rosa Junior College in 1978 with a degree in Registered Nursing, and Sonoma State University in 1987 with a BS in Nursing and PHN in Public Health Nursing.
Rick M. Gardner
Psychology, 1965
After graduation, Rick Gardner ('65, Psychology) attended the University of Nevada Reno where he received his Ph.D. in psychology in 1969. He was a professor and department chair at two universities, most recently at the University of Colorado Denver. His research emphasis was on body image and retired in 2010. In recognition of Humboldt's many contributions to his journey into academia, Rick recently funded three annual scholarships for psychology undergraduate majors who are assisting psychology faculty in their research. He is most grateful for his experiences and the mentorship he received at Humboldt State.
Dave Albert
Kinesiology, 1994
Dave Albert ('94, Physical Education) recently retired from the City of Santa Cruz after 20+ years as a police officer. He currently works part-time in various law enforcement training capacities and lives in San Jose. He and his wife of 30 years are anxiously awaiting their first grandchild in December, and are enjoying the perks of retirement: traveling, Tahoe excursions, and lots of exercise.
Lawrence Wylie
Liberal Studies Elementary Education, 1997
Lawrence Wiley ('97, Liberal Studies) has recently retired from teaching full-time and completed training to be a CASA Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care in New Hampshire.
Eddie Shin
Psychology, 2014
Eddie Shin has just started working as a marriage and family therapist with children and adolescents who have gone through trauma of various levels, as well as working with their families in January 2022. Shin explains that it's been a really rewarding job so far and is incredible the impact respect and hope have in helping a child or teenager turn their perspective around to develop a better life. Shin finds it has been challenging, but well worth it!
G Shellye Horowitz
Psychology, 1995 (Social Science) and 1998 (Psychology)
After serving in K-12 education for 25 years, G Shellye Horowitz was named associate director of education of the Hemophilia Federation of America. Shellye recently coordinated a national webinar addressing outdated scientific nomenclature of "dominant" and "recessive" in reference to x-linked diseases. This terminology is a barrier to diagnosis and treatment for women who are heterozygous carriers and manifest X-linked diseases. Patients, healthcare providers, and advocates will continue the conversation on a national level to reduce health disparities and increase access to appropriate care for female carriers of x-linked diseases.
Timothy Rupiper
Liberal Studies Elementary Education, 2020
Timothy Rupiper received a job as an outreach advisor for Academic Talent Search at Sonoma State University. Rupiper is responsible for providing consistent, accurate, academic advising services to first generation, low income, college bound 6th to12th grade students. Advising includes exploring academic requirements of a specific program or major and assisting students in exploring careers, evaluating academic abilities, and setting goals.
Mark A Rayner
Kinesiology, 1999
After spending 15 years as a Park Ranger, Mark A Rayner moved on to his final career as Parks and Recreation Exhibit Designer/Builder in a city of one million people six years ago. Rayner's responsibilities include designing creative park features; from graphic design and engineering to signage to restoring historical features to theming entire amusement park rides, this career continues to challenge both his creative and administrative education and backgrounds all while affording his family a life living in the beautiful Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Kacie Hallahan
Kinesiology, 2020
Kacie has recently accepted a full-time permanent position with the Air Force in San Pedro, CA. As a Recreation Specialist, she will be planning and leading outdoor recreation programs for military members and their families, including backpacking, rafting, skydiving, deep sea fishing, and more! Thanks, REC fam!
Nicholas Fassl
Kinesiology, 2019
Nicholas is currently an Afloat Recreation Specialist aka Fun Boss on an aircraft carrier for the US Navy. He organizes daily activities, large events and schedules trips/tours for 5,500 navy sailors and personnel in San Diego & foreign ports.