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. 

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.

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.

Benjamin Ebert

International Studies, 2003

Benjamin Ebert, 2003 International Studies, moved his office ot Eureka in 2014. Ebert owns an investment firm, Ebert Capital Management, and a software development company named Ravenlight Technologies, LLC.

Laura Tankersley Landoll

Journalism, 2003

After working the past 7 years for global and local PR agencies, I now manage public relations activities for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. I help market and promote beef on behalf of the U.S. beef farmers and ranchers. I'm expecting my first child in November and live with my Husband and dog in Denver, CO. I'm happy to help all undergrads with networking or PR job leads.

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.

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.