Alumni Updates

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

H.A. Nethery IV

Philosophy, 2003

H.A. Nethery IV, 2003 Philosophy, received an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Memphis, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Duquesne University.
Nethery is currently an assistant professor of philosophy in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Florida Southern College.