Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates - Applied Humanities
Kimberly Nguyen
Philosophy, 2020
When Kimberly was pursuing her BA in Philosophy at Humboldt, her intentions were to continue on to law school to become an attorney. Instead, she made the decision to attend nursing school. Her training in critical thinking made nursing school much easier than she could have imagined. Kimberly now practices as a registered nurse and loves it! She has a feeling that her cravings for knowledge won’t stop here, though. She owes so much to the Philosophy Department for helping her build a solid foundation in her thinking and, consequently, opening her mind to what she can achieve. Kimberly can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
Andrew C. Torres
Philosophy, 2017
Since graduating from Humboldt, Andrew Torres earned his M.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where his research focused on the intersection of philosophy and anxiety, leading to published papers and academic presentations. Currently, he is pursuing an EdD in Education while teaching at the high school level, blending his philosophical background with practical pedagogy. His work continues to explore critical thinking, mental health, and student engagement in education.
Andy Powell
Philosophy, 2005
Still residing in Humboldt, Andy Powell ('05, Philosophy) finds that his degree in Philosophy easily influences not only his day-to-day being in the world but also his varied professional life since 2005. Powell started Powell Consulting in 2018, offering financial consulting for local businesses and specifically focusing on the local cannabis industry. Detailed analytical thought is quite useful when trying to take a long-term approach to financial regulation and planning as is asking his clients "What is the Good Life, really?" and "Is rapid accumulation of wealth a goal in itself?" He expects to be out of business by 2024.
Casey
Philosophy, Computer Science and French&Francophone Studies, 2018
Studying Philosophy at HSU has provided Casey with pleasure for taking on any difficult intellectual activity. It has kept him open minded when he approaches difficult subjects. Taking Philosophy 420 with Goodman has given Casey the language to talk about his own foundations of knowledge, metaphysical theories, science and epistemology which are tools he uses everyday in tackling his professional and social relationships. Casey fondly remembers taking classes in Modern Philosophy with Heise and having his world turned upside down everyday and Casey's first A on a Hegel paper with Cannon. He is now publishing papers in PhD Computer Science with relentless thirst for knowledge. The Phil degree is a compass for life.
Chad Kaufman
World Languages and Cultures, Spanish Language and Literature, 2008
After graduating from HSU in 2008 and working in a bilingual school for a bit, Chad then moved down to Cholula, Mexico to pursue a Master's degree. In 2011 he graduated with an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from La Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Mexico. After graduating he moved back to Minnesota with his amazing spouse to be close to family.
Going on 8 years working as a full-time Spanish Interpreter at Children's Minnesota: a fantastic system of pediatric clinics and hospitals.
Kristin Klamm-Doneen
Philosophy, 1992
Kristin Klamm-Doneen, Philosophy, 1992, serves as the Chair of our Philosophy & Humanities Department at Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. She obtained her Ph.D. in Practical Philosophy from Stockholm University, her M.A. in Individual Studies: Comparative Philosophy & Religion from Central Washington University and a M.A. in Practical Philosophy. When pursuing one of her advanced degrees she was so pleased to take a distance learning class in advanced logic from her Humboldt State University advisor, Michael Goodwin. She absolutely loves her job here in Minnesota, where she has taught full-time in Philosophy for the past 15 years. "Thank you HSU, for the great start!"
Laura Aguada-Hallberg
World Languages and Cultures, 1993
After 20 years as a public school teacher and school administrator, Laura Aguada-Hallberg, World Languages and Cultures, 1993, made the move to higher education. She was hired as an assistant professor at Benerd College, University of the Pacific in 2018. She launched a new doctoral program in the fall of 2019 and in July, 2020 was appointed assistant dean of Benerd's Learning, Leadership and Change graduate programs.
Laura Aguada Hallberg
World Languages and Cultures, 1993
After graduating from HSU, Laura Aguada Hallberg, World Languages and Cultures, 1993, returned home to the San Francisco Bay Area. She will be celebrating 24 years in education this August. After almost 20 years as a high school teacher (5 of them as a German teacher), she made the move into higher ed and is now an assistant professor and program lead of the EdD in Transformative Action in Education at University of the Pacific.
Jesus Pascual Cisneros
World Languages and Cultures, Spanish Education, 2018
Jesus Pascual Cisneros, World Languages & Cultures, 2018, was offered as Spanish Immersion teacher position at Dow's Prairie Elementary in McKinleyville, California after finishing the credential program with a Secondary Education credential. He will be starting his first year as a teacher this upcoming 2018 school year. Thank you for your support!
Jarad Petroske
World Languages and Cultures, -German, 2006
Jarad Petroske, 2006 World Languages and Cultures, and his wife and fellow alumni Angie Petroske ('09, Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation) had their second child, Henrietta, in July 2014.



