Karen is a Zoology major. She hopes to go on to veterinary school after receiving her bachelors degree. She spends most of her free time playing soccer for HSU. In addition to soccer, Karen enjoys volunteering at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter and the Sunny Brae Animal Clinic. Helping to care for rescued animals has inspired her to learn more and move forward in her career choice.

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.”

"The trees, the coast, the small town atmosphere, and yes, even the weather are all extremely appealing to me," said Brenda Lush about her lure to Humboldt State. "Once I was here, I knew I made the right choice." A transfer student from Santa Rosa, Brenda is planning on graduating this May from Humboldt State with a BS in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Psychology. In addition to a full-time load, Brenda is also VP of the Kinesiology Club and working in both the Human Performance Lab and Biomechanics Lab on campus as well. "Along with my own research that I am conducting comparing different accuracies of BMI measures, I'm also helping conduct some research with a professor here on gait analysis, along with helping to build an anti-gravity simulator," said Brenda. After graduating, Brenda hopes to continue on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. "I'm so glad and extremely grateful for receiving this scholarship, it's helping me a great deal in finishing up my academic career here at Humboldt State."

Jacob Begorre is a senior studying Chemistry and Physics. Both his mother and uncle graduated from HSU and his uncle is a Chemistry Professor at Humboldt State. After graduating from HSU, Jacob hopes to attend graduate school to further his abilities in science and the laboratory. He is specifically interested in the application of atmospheric chemistry and materials science to the long-term impacts of climate change.“Humboldt State has made me realize that learning new things is what makes you grow as a human. Nothing makes you feel better as a person than to learn something new and exciting, allowing you to apply new knowledge to your daily life.” 

"I had no idea what to expect, but I do love the school and I'm proud to be an HSU student," said Brian Lancaster. "It came at a really good time too, when I really needed it. So, I'm definitely excited about having it." Brian plans on joining the Peace Corps after graduating in Spring 2009, then attending graduate school. His mother attended Humboldt State as well. "She has shared with me that Humboldt State provided a wonderfully diverse atmosphere with small classes and personal relationships with many of her professors," said Brian.

Claire Bareilles is a senior studying Environmental Resources Engineering. She is also a student athlete on HSU’s Soccer Team.  “It is at times very hard to juggle being a full time engineering student and a student athlete, but as an underrepresented female engineering student I think it is very important to continue to push myself every day to prove that I am just as qualified as my male colleagues, as well as proving that I don’t have to pick between my passion of sports and my future as an engineer,” said Claire.Claire comes from a long line of HSU alumni going back to three great-grandparents who graduated from Humboldt State in the ‘30s.

Matthew is a Secondary English Education major.  Throughout his academic experience certain English teachers have been mentors for him, helping him through the hard periods of life.  He is a very dedicated English student and hopes to share his enthusiasm for the subject with high school students. "As a teacher you become one of the most direct conduits of change in a community," says Matthew.  Since he began at HSU in 2006, Matt has been fund raising for the Humboldt Loyalty Fund reaching out to a diverse range of alumni all over the country. He has developed a sincere interest in the well being of the University. "I look around at the changes on campus and I'd like to think I have had something to do with them."

Margaret, daughter of Marlo ('91) and Stephen ('91) Bradley, is a Psychology major. She has been a very active member of her school and community, while maintaining excellent grades and a job.  Margaret hopes one day to have a career in a field related to psychology and a family to go home to.