Alumni Updates

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.

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.

Devin Theobald

Politics, 2004

After 20 years of service working with the County of Humboldt, Devin moved to rural Northern Alabama with his wife and two daughters, where he started a small family farm raising pigs, turkeys, chickens, and produce. For his 'retirement job', he oversees operations at a small landfill. 

Jenny Farrell (Perez)

Communication, 2004

After earning my M.A in Communication Studies at University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2009 I was hired as a full-time lecturer there. I teach Interpersonal Com, Public Speaking, and Honors Public Speaking. I have been happily married for 10 years now and we had our first son last year! Couldn't be happier!

Joel Correia

Geography, 2004

Since graduating from the HSU Geography program I have worked in a variety of international development jobs from a non-profit in Kenya, to serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, and also designing my own projects to increase educational opportunities for rural youth in Paraguay. The last project took me on a six month, 5,000 mile bicycle tour through South America to raise funds and awareness about the project. In May of 2012, I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona. I am excited to continue my education in geography at University of Colorado at Boulder where I will pursue a PhD.

Joshua Brookshire

Geography, 2004

Is working for bandelier National Monument as a lead helitack crewmember.

Devin Theobald

Politics, 2004

Devin Theobald, Politics, 2004 is employed by the County of Humboldt Public Works Department, Environmental Services Division.

Nicholas J Osborne

Sociology, 2004

In 2010, I completed my doctorate in educational administration and leadership at the University of California-Davis. I was recently hired at the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Veterans Programs. My research areas include veterans, emotional intelligence and community-building, and gender –specifically men and masculinities. I miss the sacred and tranquil Humboldt region!

Mark Pignatelli

Geography, 2004

Mark's time at Humboldt State in the early 2000s had a profound impact on the man he is today. His graduation pledge was to use his life to actively work toward a more socially and environmentally responsible world. 

Shortly after graduating, his professional career began in the renewable energy and energy efficiency space. For the past 20 years, his profession has focused on energy efficiency consulting. He is currently a Director with ICF and leads a team of consultants who design, implement, and evaluate programs that help our clients achieve energy, environmental, and economic goals. His skills include project management, sustainable development, energy assessments, and building science. His passion is to create innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and improve the quality of life for communities. The energy efficiency programs he supports are designed to help builders, developers, and homeowners adopt high-performance building practices, technologies, and standards that increase energy savings, comfort, and durability.

Mark says Humboldt was and will always be a magical and inspiring place to live, learn, and love. His Humboldt professors, friends, and family opened doors of perception that allowed him to see and understand the world through a new lens. These influences and learnings resulted in his passion for the environment and the precious home he calls Earth. 

Robert P. Robinson

English, English Language Arts with a minor in Ethnic American Literatures, 2004

After teaching K-12 for 11 years, Robert Robinson, English, 2004, pursued a PhD in Urban Education with a concentration in Africana Studies at The Graduate Center, City University of New York. In March 2020, he remotely defended his dissertation with distinction. His doctoral research project, Stealin’ the Meetin’: Black Education History & the Black Panthers’ Oakland Community School, tells the story of the Panthers’ educational center as a site for understanding Black self-determination, the Black radical imagination, and the shift in mainstream curriculum.