Provost Communication, Monday, May 11, 2026

Dear Colleagues, 

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Awards, a proud Cal Poly Humboldt tradition honoring excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Selected through a collaborative, campus-wide process, these awards reflect our faculty’s strong commitment to academic excellence. 

Since 1964, the program has expanded to recognize achievements in up to five categories. Recipients exemplify outstanding contributions to the university through scholarship, service, and teaching and are invited to further engage the campus and broader community through public scholarship. We celebrate their dedication, impact, and contributions to the intellectual and cultural life of Humboldt. 

Please join me in congratulating the following faculty members for their achievement:

• Dr. Paul Michael Leonardo Atienza, Assistant Professor of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies, recipient of the Outstanding Service Award
• Dr. Paul E. Bourdeau, Professor of Marine Biology, recipient of the Scholar of the Year Award
• Dr. Brandon L. Browne, Professor of Geology, recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award – Tenure Line
• Dr. AmyK Conley, Program Leader of and instructor for Liberal Studies Elementary Education, recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award – Lecturer
• Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy, Associate Professor of Native American Studies, recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award 

University Senate & Distinguished Faculty Awards Reception: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Join us in celebrating the end of the academic year and our distinguished faculty at the University Senate & Distinguished Faculty Awards Reception tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm in the Kate Buchanan Room on the second floor of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center (GSAC 225). The program begins at 5:30 pm. Food and beverages will be served. 

Turning Ideas into Impact: Cal Poly Humboldt Library Hosts Engineering Student Showcase in the Hall of Simulation: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

The Cal Poly Humboldt Library invites you to a dynamic showcase of student innovation taking place Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm in the Hall of Simulation, 2nd floor of the Library. Nine teams from the Engineering 205 prototyping class will present interactive exhibits that transform complex scientific concepts into hands-on learning experiences.

Part of the Cosmos in the Stacks initiative, these projects integrate engaging displays throughout the library, connecting classroom learning with real-world application. Exhibits explore topics such as renewable energy, flight mechanics, local ecosystems, and interactive design. Course instructor, Lonny Grafman, has emphasized the caliber of these projects and what can be done with real partnerships and real projects, especially leveraging the new engineering makerspaces. Learn about the projects at Appropedia/Cal Poly Humboldt Library. 

Finally, I and the OAA leadership team send you all well-wishes this Finals Week!

Sincerely,

Shawna Young