Alumni Updates - Sociology

Caleb Chen

Sociology, 2025

Caleb Chen was recently interviewed about Cannabis research on mycannabis.com.

Patrick M Orr

Sociology, 1982

Retired from American Airlines after 34 years of flying. 

Eileen Bostwick

Sociology, 1971

After graduating, Eileen had an interesting career path. Briefly, she was with the Humboldt County Office of Education, which led to a position as Director of Environment Services at General Hospital for almost 10 years. During that time, she started a family. 

Next, she joined Daly’s Department Store in Human Resources. Life changed, and she was hired by North Coast Opportunities in Ukiah to direct the Foster Grandparent Program in Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. She expanded that service area to include Del Norte and northern Sonoma Counties and added a Senior Companion Program. 

Eileen served on a national board in Washington, DC, for 22 years and was responsible for changing legislation. She was offered a scholarship for a Master’s degree in Gerontology and graduated from the University of Indianapolis.  With the knowledge and experience I gained, she was able to enrich the quality of programming offered across the programs she directed. Currently, she's retired but stays active as a governing board member of our Area Agency on Aging, a Regional Advisor and Advisory Council member of her Community Foundation, and a volunteer with United Disaster Relief of Northern California. She appreciates Humboldt State University, especially Dr. Dennis Winters and Kathryn Corbett, for the excellent education she received. 
 

Stacy Bricco

Sociology, 2013

Stacy is a social worker for the county of Humboldt. 

James Smith

Sociology, 1971

James just published a new book- American Insomniac: Reflections on the Future of a Dying Democracy.  A collection of articles and essays on freedom, democracy, and other issues facing America today. Available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

Bonnie D Gavey Napier

Sociology, 1967

After Humboldt, Bonnie went on to other degrees, and later became an Occupational Therapist and professor of occupational therapy and physical therapy. The third edition of her textbook, The Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Survival Guide 3rd Edition, will be out this fall. 

Neil L Aaland

Sociology, Geography emphasis, 1979

Neil recently retired after 16 years as a sole proprietor environmental/natural resources planner and 25 years in local and state government service in Washington State. After obtaining his B.A. from HSU, he spent a year in Ohio at Bowling Green State University where he received a M.A. in Geography. He has fond memories of his time at HSU and intends to visit in retirement.

Barbara Brovelli-Moon

Sociology, 1967

Awarded the 2021 Alaska SeaLife Center's Marine Science Outreach Award. This award is given to a person or team that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy. It is sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Observing System. After retiring from over 40 years in education, Barbara Brovelli-Moon’s passion for teaching and Alaska’s wildlife continues through her company, Ocean Otter Publishing. Barbara has written and published six field guide books for children and families about Alaska’s animals, filling a niche previously unavailable to youth. Her work is a valuable resource that helps children connect to the living creatures here in Alaska and teaches them they can make a difference.

Joseph E. Torr

Sociology, 1996

Joseph Torralba, Sociology, 1996, recently retired from the Department of Justice-Bureau of Prisons after 22 years. Torralba served previously in Los Angeles and Lompoc, California. and Hazelton, West Virginia.

Vanessa Vrtiak

Sociology, 2017

Vanessa Vrtiak, Sociology, 2017, recently gave a Ted Talk about her life, and would like to share it with the Humboldt State Family. "Thank you for being there for me and helping me shape the woman I am today. I'm so grateful I was able to go to a University with people that truly believe in their students and champion their success." Watch the Ted Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/vanessa_vrtiak_how_to_save_a_life?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare&fbclid=IwAR154LL1hsMJPaH4_68QAGF1gUqQveVUG8UBAD5QMamSoeuIn_TpNxws_vM