Valentina Pfeifer is a junior studying Environmental Science & Management. She became enamored with the beauty of the natural surroundings at Humboldt State when her family dropped off her older sister off at HSU. Now she is really enjoying her own professors and classes. Outside of school, she enjoys hooping, hiking, and roller skating.

Riley Williams is a junior studying Kinesiology and hopes to attend medical school, specializing in orthopedic surgery or physical medicine and rehabilitation. During his time as a physical therapy aide, he has seen the positive impact the movement sciences has on improving  an individual’s quality of life. Riley is a member of two on-campus clubs, the Pre-Medical Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Outside of school, he enjoys going to the gym, trail running, and reading.

Samantha Doskocz is a junior studying Psychology and hopes to use her degree to help others. Her grandfather graduated from HSU in 1960 and was the first person in her family to go to college. Now Samantha will be the second person in her family to attend college. “Education is a privilege many of us take for granted. Once we have completed our studies and venture out using our achieved knowledge, we have a gift that will enable us to strive for and possibly obtain success and security with our goals,” she says.

Jonah Vevoda-Moore, whose father attended HSU and is the event coordinator for CenterArts, is a freshman studying History. He grew up in Humboldt County and was a member of the German Honor Society at Arcata Elementary School. Jonah became fascinated with World War II history at a young age and this has inspired him to become a high school history teacher. He hopes to impart a love of history on his students. “Being able to pass on knowledge is the greatest gift that one human can bestow on another,” he says. In his free time, Jonah enjoys reading, playing video games, fishing, walking, and biking.

Jessica has had a unique start at Humboldt with her mother. "I was fortunate enough to actually start HSU with my mom pretty much by my side. We were only able to take one class together, but it made the experience very special." In addition to being a mother, student, working as a tutor and in the Alumni Relations office, Jessica and her husband are planning to become foster parents after graduating at Humboldt State. "I feel that by learning all the aspects and outlooks offered through sociology I will be able to go into foster parenting with more of an open mind and a better understanding of the situations the children are coming from," said Jessica. "This is the first scholarship I've actually applied for and received, so I'm definitely excited. My husband is also going back to school this semester and the money will be greatly appreciated."

Jasmine Collins is a junior studying Chemistry and plans to become a pediatrician. Her parents, grandparents on her mother’s side, aunts, and uncles are all HSU alumni. Jasmine grew up in Humboldt County and noticed the positive influence the university has had on the surrounding community.She remembers going to basketball games and thinking how grand the university was. “I hope to see these same positive influences reflected during my time here at Humboldt State. The faculty and staff have shown so much support for me academically and in my efforts for my career goals.”