Alumni Updates

Melanie Bettenhausen

Sociology, 2005

Promoted to Outreach Director at the North Coast Co-op. Now responsible for Marketing & Membership. I use my background in Sociology (specifically what I learned at HSU) to inform my work in the community around access issues (food, bathroom, exercise, etc.)

Kate Nixon

Journalism, 2005

Since graduating and spending a life-changing week in New Zealand, Kate Nixon ('05, Journalism) has survived 11 years in broadcast news, working their way up from Humboldt County to Southern Oregon as a newscast director, technical supervisor, and eventually accomplished producing a 3-part series about school teachers and the costume department at the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. After a few years back in their native San Francisco Bay Area where they served as an apprenticeship manager, they finally moved cross country to live in Asheville, NC, where they now run a national conference on the historic Arts & Crafts Movement.  

Carleigh Kude

Politics, 2005

Carleigh Kude, 2005, Politics, has been working in advocacy, accessibility and ADA compliance since leaving HSU. Kude earned an Masters of Public Administration from CSU Long Beach in 2014 and was honored to be named on the Dean's List of Arts and Humanities Scholars. She is currently working at Holy Names University, a diverse, public-service and social justice-oriented private University in Oakland, Calif.

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.

Kyle C. Knopp

Politics, 2005

Kyle Knopp (2005) works as a Senior Analyst for budget policy and intergovernmental relations in the Executive Office of the County of Mendocino. Received his Masters in Public Administration in 2009 at SSU.

Andy Powell

Philosophy, 2005

Since the last update given, I have been working at Lost Coast Communications as a DJ for KWPT "The Point" as the host of The Night Show. Outside of playing music on the show 6 nights a week, I also talk about current events (news, politics, foreign policy, and yes even some philosophy) and attempt to present a fair look at subjects or topics of debate in today's times.

As was stated in my last update, I am still playing music with my band Strix Vega as the bass player, keyboard player, and one of the composers. We're expecting to release our third album in early 2013.

John Compaglia

Religious Studies, 2005

Life post-Humboldt state is great. I went on to do a Master's degree in medieval Islamic intellectual traditions with an emphasis on Islamic philosophy, science, and mysticism. I have decided for the time being not to pursue a PhD but you never know. right after completing my Master's (2009) I was awarded a Henry Luce fellowship to study the history and origins of Islam in Indonesia for a semester at Gadjah Mada University in the city of Yogyakarta. My research there is going to be included in a book published by the university I studies at which will be completed by the end of the year. I am also currently working on a book on similarities and differences of mythological and scientific methodologies with retired Auburn University professor (and my father in law) Dr. James Bradley.

Mellisa Hannum

Journalism, 2005

Mellisa graduated with a B.A. in Journalism in 2005 and Liberal Studies/Elementary Education in 1999. She volunteered at many libraries including the Arcata Branch of the Humboldt County Public Library system. After working in many library roles in Nevada County, she was hired as the Branch Librarian for Coast Community Library in Mendocino County. Mellisa is now the Library Director for Mendocino County's public libraries. She works to support the Library's mission of enriching lives through free and equitable access to materials and programs centered on education, culture, and entertainment.

Rebecca Kellawan

Anthropology, 2005

Rebecca Kellawan, 2005 Anthropology, went on to graduate studies in the U.K. earning a Master’s of Arts with Distinction in Historical Archaeology from the University of Bristol. Kellawan is currently employed as a Senior Archaeologist with Far Western Anthropological Research Group located in Davis, California. Kellawan specializes in the historical archaeology of Northern California. She has also previously conducted research on African-American troops stationed in Britain during World War II and the Indian diaspora in the West Indies.

Joe Newnam

Music, 2005

Joe Newnam, 2005 Music, moved to Mammoth Lakes, Calif, upon receiving his music teaching credential. Newnam rebuilt a district-wide public school music program, which resulted in developing middle and high school jazz bands and choirs. After marrying his soulmate in 2009, the couple purchased a small ranch in Trinity County, where Newnam again rebuilt a very successful district wide music program. During this same time, Newnam released “Sitar Joe, Venus Tribe.” Selections from the album have been featured on syndicated radio shows, and broadcast worldwide from the Middle East to India and the U.S. Last year Newnam and his wife moved to a mountain forest log home on 20 acres in Washington, where the couple raises organic food and animals while caring for their lush forest. Newnam is currently the owner and lead instructor of a private music instruction studio in Washington, plays and studies Kirtan music with a working ensemble, and works professionally as an actor for a SyFy Channel series currently being filmed.