This year’s Distinguished Alumni
Humboldt State University
Forever Humboldt Families
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September 2019

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Alumni Stories to Inspire Your Student

Every year, Humboldt State awards alumni that have gone on to successful careers that make a difference in the world. These connections are important for so many reasons, and they show students how they, too, can go on to success.

Two of this year’s Distinguished Alumni will return to campus this month to share stories, answer questions, and inspire this generation of HSU students.

On September 19, City of Arcata Director of Environmental Services Mark Andre (’79, Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation) will talk about 60 years of the city’s nearly 2,500-acre Community Forest. Andre recently helped lead the acquisition of 967 acres of public forest in the Jacoby Creek watershed, of which 884 acres will be given to HSU. Read more about the event here.

On September 30, CSU Sacramento Professor Lisa William (’92, Journalism, ’96, English) will discuss her work in education, writing, and publishing. William is committed to improving opportunities for all her students and teaches popular courses on topics like urban education, discourse on race and gender in educational settings, and social and psychological foundations of multicultural education. Read more about the event here.

Read about all of this year’s Distinguished Alumni here.


HSU Invests in Children’s Center for Community Support and Student Opportunities

HSU has received $8.6 million to rebuild the Trinity Annex to house the University’s Children's Center. The Child Development Laboratory is also exploring opportunities to relocate to the remodeled space.

This project will allow more children to receive services, improve efficiency of operations and sustainability, provide hands-on learning and research opportunities for students, and help them engage with the community. Early Childhood Education and the mission and values of the University are profoundly interrelated, and child care is central to campus life for many students, staff, and faculty.


Forever Humboldt Families 101

College is an opportunity for learning—new concepts, with new people, in new ways. And that’s not limited to the students. We encourage you to learn alongside your student with our free, online class, Humboldt Families 101.

The nine-week course is designed for new family members to learn how to support their student while at HSU. As part of the course, you'll get a free book for you and a Humboldt State sweatshirt for your student when you finish.

Topics include transitioning into the first semester, getting involved in clubs and other activities, seeking academic support, and enjoying Humboldt’s beautiful outdoors. You will also learn more about financial aid, find important housing resources, and learn about HSU’s commitment to keeping your student safe and healthy.

Visit family.humboldt.edu to sign up for Forever Humboldt Families 101.

Also on the website, you will find Parent & Family guides on a variety of important topics that will help you help your student navigate the complexities of college.


Parents & Family Weekend

Parents & Family Weekend, October 11-13, features a host of new fun events, and is the perfect time for you to visit your student at Humboldt State.

Staying connected is important, and there’s no better way to understand your student’s college life than by experiencing it. You can attend class with your students, meet professors and administrators, and enjoy community events like Arts Arcata, stargazing at the observatory, a kayak tour of Humboldt Bay, and more.

Register and read the full schedule of events on the Parents & Family Weekend website.


New Faces:

Students returning to campus will notice some new faces joining President Tom Jackson, Jr. in leadership roles across campus. They include:

  • Jason Meriwether was appointed Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, indicating the high importance President Jackson is placing on enrollment. Read more about Meriwether online.
  • Sherie Gordon is the President’s Interim Chief of Staff, responsible for coordinating important initiatives and working with constituents on and off campus. Read more about Gordon online.
  • Eboni Turnbow was named the Interim Dean of Students, and brings a student-centered background in equity and inclusion. Read more about Turnbow online.
  • Pedro Martinez is the new Director of Admissions, and will focus on University recruiting strategies.Read more about Martinez online.
  • Shawna Young is the new Dean of the College of Professional Studies, and will focus on fundraising and research. Read more about Young online.
  • Kimberly Perris is the new director of HSU’s nursing program, which plans to enroll its first class of students as soon as Fall 2020.Read more about Perris online.
  • Jill Willson, of Double L Consulting, will provide leadership of the Athletics Department until a new director of athletics is in place. Read more about Willson online.

Join the Conversation

Social Network hsufamilynetwork.org »

Website family.humboldt.edu »

Email family@humboldt.edu »


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Humboldt Parents & Family Fund

You have the opportunity to make a gift that will help not only your student but also help your their friends and peers. Donations to the Parents & Family Fund are immediately put to use on campus, improving students' experiences inside and outside the classroom, by going to programs focused on student support. Your gift could help remodel a lab, provide a student with a paid internship opportunity, and purchase much needed equipment for an outdoor learning experience all at the same time.

Learn more and give today.



Welcome Home to Humboldt

featured Flickr photo

Move-in day is always emotional and exciting.

View photo online »

More HSU photos visit Flickr »


Events & Deadlines

Saturday, Sept. 14
Forever Humboldt Beach Cleanup

Wednesday, Sept. 18
Community & Belonging Fair

Thursday, Sept. 19
Mark Andre: Distinguished Alumni Speaker

Monday, Sept. 30
Lisa William: Distinguished Alumni Speaker

October 11-13
Parents & Family Weekend


HSU Events Calendar


» Important campus phone numbers
» Send your ideas and comments to family@humboldt.edu.

Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street Arcata, CA 95521

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