Alumni News

Garrett Edward Spears, 2007

After graduating from Humboldt in 2007, life has been difficult for me. I have had freelance camera work for KCSB (City of San Bernardino) from February 2008 to April 2008. I was let go because they could not afford to pay freelancers any more. So far no major career in my degree. On the good side I have had work for Empire Wrestling Federation with my first match on March 15, 2008 and hardcore wrestling legend Mick Foley wished me good luck on my first match. Now I am part of a new pro wrestling show called Wrestling Revolution. We will begin taping on October 11, 2011. For more info wrestlingrevolutionproject.com

Sandra Lee Mathews, 1990

My Journalism Degree served me well in business. I worked in telecommunications for 20 years after graduation.  I was a re-entry student graduating in 1990 with the tools that enabled me to succeed. The writing and presentation skills,learned in the journalism dept. along with speaking skills, gave me the impetus to compete and win jobs for my company.  I am currently retired and now volunteer in the Community Relations Department at Mercy Medical Center Redding. Here I am contributing to the hospital newsletter and serving in public events hosted by the hospital.

Arnie Braafladt, 1974

As I approach my 60th birthday, I’m thrilled my older daughter, Nicole, an engineer with CalTrans, will be married in September to Tim Farrell,a CDF firefighter and also a HSU alum.  Nicole and Tim live on Kneeland and are planning a “hoe down” on their mountain property (with two bands!) as their wedding reception.  I’m also happy to be “on the mend” from recent neck surgery and am looking forward to my next trip to Kauai in October to celebrate my 60th!

Laura Tankersley Landoll, 2003

After working the past 7 years for global and local PR agencies, I now manage public relations activities for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. I help market and promote beef on behalf of the U.S. beef farmers and ranchers. I’m expecting my first child in November and live with my Husband and dog in Denver, CO. I’m happy to help all undergrads with networking or PR job leads.

Brian Akre, 1980

I recently moved my family to The Hague to become senior speechwriter for the CEO and senior leadership of Royal Dutch Shell. I previously worked as head of Executive Speaker Services at Nokia in Finland. Earlier this year, I received a Cicero Speechwriting Award for a speech I wrote with Nokia’s former CEO, which was delivered at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2010.

Katy Tahja (Kathleen Alban), 1970

Pleased that her Arcadia Publishing Campus History “Humboldt State University” is selling well. Contemplating writing a new book on the 49 railroads that existed in Humboldt & Mendocino counties.

Lynn Enemark Pretzel, 1988

Currently the College Counselor and Executive Assistant to the Dean of Students at St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Eureka, CA. I also freelance for the Times-Standard. Live across the street from a small, quiet forest overlooking the bay south of Eureka with my 10 year old son and seven year old daughter, three scottie dogs, a cat and a hamster.

Heather Sundblad Rhoade, 2003

Own a Cake/cupcake Business...currently working on freelancing for various publications.

Jennifer Moline, 1996

After multiple layoffs from newspapers, magazines and tech websites, I’ve settled into deadline-free blogging and lite marketing for a small, Bay Area-based printing company. I might not be changing the world, but I’m stress-free, loving living in Oakland with my sister and two cats!

photo: journalism students