Alumni Updates

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

M. Rose "Shoshanna" Anthon

Art, Dance minor, Psychology minor, 2003

Lecturer Rose “Shoshanna” Anthony created and performed a collaborative dance tribute for Nawal El Moutawakel, the first Olympic Gold Medalist from Morocco, first woman Gold Medalist from all of Africa and International Olympic Committee (IOC) leader, as she was inducted into the International Hall of Fame of the International Women’s Forum in San Francisco on Friday, October 26, 2012. She was joined in this endeavor by her Ya Habibi Dance Company (including many HSU students and alumni) and a group of Moroccan style dancers led by Bay Area dance artist Hannah Romanowsky in a colorful and festive dance celebration.

Kristin Peters

Politics, 2003

I am living in San Antonio, TX with my husband and fellow HSU grad, Gil Peters.