Alumni Updates

Shannon Barger

Kinesiology, 2014

After 6 years working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I’ve gone back to get my Master’s in Education from the University of Washington in addition to a graduate certificate in Education for the Environment and Community at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island, WA.

Jeff Hernandez

Social Work, 2009

This past August Jeff celebrated his 12th year anniversary serving in the US Army. On Thursday, October 7th of this year he was promoted to Warrant Officer II (Chief) at the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Command (CID). Jeff's current job in the army is a team chief to investigate felony level crimes with military subjects. he is able to use the knowledge gained from obtaining a degree in Social Work to help assist victims in their time of need, direct them to appropriate services, and enable them to have a voice to speak out against any wrong doings.

Wendy Woodward

NursingPast Nursing Faculty and Chair, Retired, NA - nursing faculty/chair

Jaime Hannans is the contact email and address provided and is next of kin for Wendy.

Obituary: Dr. Wendy L. Woodward RN, PhD, 69, died Sunday at home with her family present after her battle fighting cancer. She was born in Bremerton, Washington, spending nearly all of her adult life in Humboldt County. Wendy was a registered nurse and nursing faculty for Humboldt State University program from 1979 through her retirement as the Chair of the Nursing Program. A celebration of life will be planned in Humboldt County in the near future. Messages, memories, or inquires for Wendy can be sent to jaime.hannans@gmail.com

Allan Ekberg

Business AdministrationCIS, 1984

Allan Ekberg, 1984, Business, is the City of Tukwila’s mayor. Upon graduating from HSU, he became active in community, fighting a county rezone and annexing his neighborhood into Tukwila. From his education at HSU, Allan became an Internet technology project/program manager and consulted at a wide variety of organizations. While working in technology, he served on the Tukwila City Council where he used his HSU Speech Communication minor often. Allan originated the charter and commenced the Computer Information System Club at Humboldt State; he also served a term as the School of Business student council representative. He thanks HSU for empowering him to become who he is.

Rick M. Gardner

Psychology, 1965

Rick met the woman of his dreams in graduate school. They were married in 1967. Their happy marriage lasted 50 years until her death in 2017. Rick has 2 children, a boy and a girl.

Brian Woodland

Liberal Studies Elementary Education, 1986

Brian has retired from public school teaching 8th grade history after 34 years. He taught for three years in Sacramento County, then taught at the same junior high in Placer County for 31 years. Brian also taught various subjects from English, journalism, video classes, and psychology. Although teaching 8th graders can be quite challenging, that age can also be the most rewarding to teach. His years at Humboldt State were very influential to his career and life, and he can't imagine attending any other college because of the small, family-like atmosphere. More cycling, travel, and genealogy research are planned for his retirement.

Rae Miller

Business Administration, 2010

Four years ago, Rae and her husband quit their jobs and hit the road to travel in an RV full-time. They started a blog (getawaycouple.com) and began sharing everything we've learned about RVing there. Along the way, they've made incredible friends that live the same lifestyle and they created a business with them called RV Masterclass. This is an online education platform for new RVers who wanted to learn how they too can live life full-time on the road.

She wants to share with HSU that they recently sold their first business, RV Masterclass! She gives credit to her Business degree for helping her live this exciting lifestyle.

Mohsin Aziz

Business Administration, 1992

Mohsin has worked in IT since graduating from HSU. In 1997 he started his own IT services company, NYLEX.Net, which is now the most prominent IT services company in Humboldt County. The company has hired numerous HSU graduates as IT support technicians and engineers as it continues its growth.

Julie Tyler

Liberal Studies Elementary Education, 2016

Julie Tyler recently got their multiple subject credential and moved back to Humboldt County over the summer. They are now working at a local elementary school in Arcata in a place they love with all their heart.

Veronica Sirkis Dunning

EconomicsSpanish, 1984

Veronica Dunning's, Economics, 1984, new book, Violet Ribbons, became a finalist in the San Diego Book Awards. The book is available on Amazon and Kindle and is an enjoyable read for escaping with fiction in these trying days. Violet Ribbons provides positive, encouraging messages of self-worth, and dignity.