Mary Elise Conzelmann has been taking part in HSU’s community offerings since she was a young child. During elementary school, field trips brought her to the biology and history departments and she was a regular visitor to the Van Duzer Theatre and the MultiCultural Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration. As a student in HSU’s recreation administration program, Conzelmann says she is surrounded by people who support her education and she looks forward to giving back to the next generation of students.

Benjamin Osborne's diverse upbringing in various places fueled his passion for creativity and the outdoors. As a storyteller, he aims to express his narratives through visual storytelling in filmmaking. Despite challenges as part of the LGBT community and facing financial constraints, Benjamin is determined to break film industry barriers and provide opportunities to aspiring filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. In his final semesters at Humboldt, the scholarship support brings comfort and allows him to focus on his studies, graduate, and fulfill his dream of creating impactful stories.

Marghalera Komak is following her two older brothers’ as an HSU student studying cellular molecular biology. She wants to focus her career on delivering affordable healthcare to Humboldt County and her ethnic homeland, Afghanistan. Komak credits HSU for providing her with the tools and guidance to develop her passions. She discovered a deep interest in dentistry and hopes to attend dental school after graduating.

Alexis Fierro, a native of Oxnard, California, developed a passion for biology at a young age, which started with a fascination for bugs and expanded to include a variety of animals. When choosing Cal Poly Humboldt for its beautiful surroundings and Zoology program, Alexis eagerly embraces many available courses. While unsure of future career plans, he aims to use knowledge to enhance personal hobbies and may pursue a master's degree in research. Receiving a scholarship provides relief and support as he navigates independence away from home. Alexis's journey is driven by curiosity, a love for animals, and an unwavering appreciation for nature's wonders.

As the daughter of two HSU alumni, Caroline Ristuccia came to HSU with stories of ultimate disc and Don’s Donuts. Ristuccia, a first-time freshman in Fall 2017, will join the Wildlife Management and Conservation program. She looks forward to the hands-on learning and classes filled with real-world experiences. A Northern California native, Rustuccia is also eager to take part in the adventures Humboldt State and Arcata have to offer.

Lily Yassemi chose Computer Science for her major as she has always been naturally STEM/STEAM minded and able to bring attention to problems that other people may not recognize. She hopes to get her Master’s degree and use what she has learned to help make the world a better place. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and going for drives. She is not yet involved in any clubs but thinks that the best part of Cal Poly  Humboldt has been being able to explore the variety of classes offered while making new friends.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, Bonnie Winters is pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in HSU’s botany program. Winters has a deep appreciation for campus, from the class offerings to the architecture and the even the weather. For her, HSU was the only place during her search for a school that felt like ‘home.’ Winters has completed courses in botany, French, English, speech, and math, and says she can’t wait to work closely with her instructors and classmates as she enters her second year at HSU.

Cecilia Souza is choosing Zoology as her major because animals have always inspired her. Ever since she was a kid, she’d tell people she wanted to work with them in some form or another, from saying she wanted to be an “animal rescuer,” to a veterinarian, to marine biologist, and now to a zoologist. After graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt, she plans on working in species conservation but is not yet certain what she wants to do specifically. Outside of school, she participates in visual and performing arts, especially choir, band, musical theatre, and drawing. She also likes to take care of her chickens, cats, and dog. 

As a student in the International Studies program, Grace Douglass is following her grandmother’s path in becoming part of the HSU community. Through volunteer work with the YES Program and serving with Associated Students, Douglass supports students from the elementary school level to her fellow classmates. She’s also part of the MultiCultural Center and the Learning Center. Recently, she became part of the Associated Students Lobby Corps and is a student ambassador in the Center for International Programs.

Jay Schoenfield has spent the last three years working full-time in many different industries and will be studying social work as a graduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt. Through working these jobs, Schoenfield has met and spoken with people who work within at-risk communities, and the way in which these jobs impact the world has had a profound effect on him. Positive experiences at his previous internship this last semester have led him to decide to work within the public education system as a school counselor. Working with children is a passion of his and connections with the students come naturally.