Alumni Updates

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.

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.

Heather Sundblad Rhoade

Journalism, 2003

Own a Cake/cupcake Business...currently working on freelancing for various publications.

Heather Sundblad-Rhoade

Journalism, 2003

Heather Sundblad-Rhoade, 2003 Journalism, served on many nonprofit boards, and then as a paid staff member serving as development director for the Education Foundation of Forest Grove after graduating. After two years, she shifted career focus and accepted a seat on the foundation’s board as communications director. In 2016, she became the marketing and tasting room manager at the award-winning Plum Hill Vineyards in Gaston Ore.

Heather Sundblad-Rhoade

Journalism, 2003

Heather Sundblad-Rhoade moved away from journalism and public relations and entered the world of business ownership. She purchased a retail business in August 2022 and has now been the owner and operator of a gift shop - Willow & Ash - in Forest Grove, Oregon, for two years. 2024 has been a year of milestones: She celebrated her 20-year anniversary with her husband and watched her daughter graduate from high school and move on to college to work on completing a degree in welding technology.

Zoe H. Armstrong

Religious Studies, Minor: Geography, 2003

June 1, 2009 I began serving in Peace Corps Armenia as a Community and Business Development Volunteer. I am an NGO Development Specialist for a Women's Resource Center in Southern Armenia. I will be completing my service term and moving back to the east coast this summer. I credit my time with the Refugee Extension Program out of HSU's Youth Educational Services for getting me this position. I am very happy to be counted amongst the large and proud group of past HSU students who have served in the US Peace Corps.

Kristina Elizabeth Ryan

Politics, 2003

After meeting at Humboldt State some 20 years ago, James Catlin (2002- Political Science and Economics) and Kristina have been married since 2010 and have two children. James is the Chief Macroeconomist at Value Investors Edge where he specializes in research and analysis of maritime trade. Kristina works for the State of California at the Department of Social Services. They currently reside in Southern California. They both share fond memories of their days as HSU students. James misses surfing alongside redwood lined cliffs and Smug's Pizza. Kristina misses all the amazing natural scenery. They can’t wait to have their children visit HSU when they are older.

Benjamin Ebert

International Studies, Masters in Public Policy, Cal Poly SLO, 2003

Benjamin Ebert, 2003 International Studies, is now married, a father of two and runs a local investment and tax firm, Ebert Capital Management, in Arcata. Ebert is also on the HSU Centennial Planning Committee, is working on a patent for a quantitative investment strategy, and periodically hires HSU interns.

Hero Burke Smith

Art, Accounting, 2003

Hero Burke Smith, 2003 Art, is working in the media and textile industry, developing mad lib scripts for newish products.

Michael Hibma

History, M.A. History, CSU Sacramento (2007); Certificate in Land Use & Environmental Planning - University of California, Davis, Extension (2012), 2003

After graduating from the HSU, I enrolled in the History M.A. program at Sacramento State. Soon after enrolling I began a 2.5-year internship in the Community and Cultural Studies Office at the California Department of Transportations Headquarters in downtown Sacramento. While there I worked with architectural historians in research, writing, and general assistance in completing cultural resource reports for transportation projects all over the state. I also provided technical editing assistance for documenting agricultural properties in California. In 2007 I submitted my thesis titled: "Historic District Nomination of the Newton Booth Neighborhood, City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, California" and graduated with an M.A. in History.

Just prior to graduation I took a position with LSA Associates, Inc., a private environmental consulting firm as an architectural historian/cultural resources manager. I am very lucky to be doing what I am for a career. My undergraduate experience in the HSU History program definitely set me on a course of success and personal achievement. I will always be grateful for my time at HSU and the helpful, yet challenging professors I met, the stimulating learning environment, and the fun I shared with many of my peers.