Alexandra “Xan” Bernay (‘97, Journalism) is an esteemed lawyer at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, specializing in antitrust, consumer, securities, and unfair competition class-action litigation.

Among her many cases, Bernay is one of the lead lawyers in the most significant private antitrust class action settlement of all time, a lawsuit brought on behalf of merchants who argued that the largest credit card companies and card-issuing banks violated the antitrust laws by overcharging merchants who pay fees to accept transactions. The case settled for more than $5.5 billion. That case and other significant litigation have made Bernay a respected figure in the plaintiffs’ bar. Lawdragon recognized her efforts and honored her as a 2023 and 2019 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, and Super Lawyers Magazine, named her a Super Lawyer in 2023.

As a lawyer, Bernay has made significant contributions through pro bono work, representing at-risk children and low-income clients in their pursuit of justice through the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers’ Program, a program committed to making legal services accessible to those in need.

In addition to her legal expertise, Xan is also an inventive mind. She invented a self-soothing product called Calmios, a fabric square designed to calm the mind and body through tactile stimulation, providing comfort and tranquility to those overwhelmed. She has also written several screenplays, performed stand-up comedy in New York and San Diego, and participated in special events hosted by The Moth, a well-known storytelling program.

Kent Willis (‘69, Biology), a retired middle school science and math teacher from Fortuna, has left an indelible mark on education. Throughout his career, he received notable recognition, including being named "Humboldt County Teacher of the Year" in 1977 and earning the "Excellence in Teaching Award" from the Humboldt County Office of Education in 1989.

Beyond his classroom duties, Kent actively engaged in drug education, recognizing the importance of guiding young people toward a healthy and safe future. His efforts were acknowledged in 1990 when he received the "Certificate of Recognition" from the Humboldt County Superintendent of Education. This recognition highlighted Kent's significant contributions to improving the lives of young individuals on the North Coast.

Fortuna Middle School honored Kent as "Volunteer of the Year" for teaching advanced math and supporting school events. He established college scholarships for high school graduates in Humboldt County with his wife, Marsha. Kent Willis has made a lasting impact on education, inspiring and empowering students throughout his career.

Alyssa Harford is a freshman studying English. She chose English because she wants to know how to use her words to inspire others and teach others how to use their words for good. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys practicing her various musical instruments, hiking, surfing, and traveling. She plans on joining the Marching Lumberjacks thisFall. After graduation Alyssa hopes to be a high school English teacher so she can help her students grow academically.

Courtney Snyder is an Anthropology major focusing on cross-cultural birthing techniques. In 2010, she studied abroad at the Xi'an International Studies University in China, which helped her earn a minor in Chinese Studies. After graduating, Courtney hopes to become a certified midwife along with earning certification in other areas of perinatal care. Courtney's older sister is an HSU alum.

Brodie Lyons is a freshman studying Biology as a pre-medical student. He chose Biology because he loves science. After graduating Brodie plans to go to medical school and become either an anesthesiologist, cardiologist, radiologist, or orthopedic surgeon. During the summer Brodie works for the City of Arcata as a counselor for their summer camps. At Arcata High School Brodie was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, and a new club about medicine.

"It was an early Christmas present getting into Humboldt," said Mark Seymour. A stop on the way between Sacramento and his hometown of Bellingham, Washington around Thanksgiving led to a visit to Humboldt State University, and a very last-minute acceptance letter. "I knew I wanted to be in California and I'd been in Santa Cruz and then in Sacramento, but I wanted to be closer to home," said Mark. "Arcata is so similar to my hometown. Nature and the outdoors are a part of life here." Two years into his undergraduate degree, Mark plans on working with habitat restoration after graduation. "I want to be an integral part in bringing watersheds back nearer to their natural state. Reversing the effects of people and time is doable though it takes enormous effort on many facets," Mark said. A Master's degree may be in his future, but he's decided to have a go at the job market first. "I'm so grateful for it, every little bit helps," Mark said on receiving the scholarship. "After being in a crunch, everything helps."

Janelle Chojnacki is working on her master’s degree in Natural Resources  and is passionate about conservation and understanding wildlife interactions and movement. She is the vice president of HSU’s Wildlife Graduate Student Society as well as the California North Coast chapter of the Wildlife Society and the Redwood Region Audubon Society. Outside of school, Janelle plays and coaches soccer and enjoys birding, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and crafting. After graduating from HSU she hopes to start a non-profit wildlife research organization in Humboldt County to continue studying the local wildlife and to collaborate on developing applied conservation solutions to environmental problems.