Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Shawna Joy Hernandez
Philosophy, 1996
While I did not pursue an advanced degree in Philosophy - my bachelors in Philosophy has served me well. I feel that my written communication, critical thinking and "outside of the box" perspective have come in very handy as I have navigated my way through the business world.
Jennifer Moline
Journalism, 1996
After multiple layoffs from newspapers, magazines and tech websites, I've settled into deadline-free blogging and lite marketing for a small, Bay Area-based printing company. I might not be changing the world, but I'm stress-free, loving living in Oakland with my sister and two cats!
Sophia Habl Mitchell
Geography, 1996
After 11 years in the private sector, I recently started my own environmental consulting firm, Sophia Mitchell & Associates. The firm focus is on CEQA/NEPA documentation and project management.
Jenni
Journalism, 1996
Jennifer Moline, 1996 Journalism, resides in Oakland, Calif., and takes public transportation to her job in San Francisco as the social media manager for Skout, a geo-location based app for meeting people. She lives with her two cats and still tries to get up to Arcata annually to bask in the redwoods and drink the local beers.
Joseph E. Torr
Sociology, 1996
Joseph Torralba, Sociology, 1996, recently retired from the Department of Justice-Bureau of Prisons after 22 years. Torralba served previously in Los Angeles and Lompoc, California. and Hazelton, West Virginia.
Marie (Laurey) McHaffie
History, 1996
Marie never thought she would be living in Arkansas, but there she is in a truly beautiful state. Marie teaches English, Journalism, Yearbook, and Theatre in a small rural school. She earned her MA in English in 2017 and is entering her 19th year of teaching. She's also studying art, too, and loves it! She carries a piece of Humboldt with her in my heart. Marie appreciates all the trees and waterfalls out there. She hopes she can get back to campus for a visit someday.
Marie McHaffie (Laurey)
History, 1996
Marie McHaffie ('96, History) is currently teaching in Mulberry, Arkansas. She received a Master's in English from National University and now works as an English, Journalism, and Theatre teacher, as well as a Social Media Administrator and FACE Facilitator. She created a reading incentive program and has 18 years of working in education. She now has two kids, two dogs, and two cats, and is still a lover of history, reading, and nature. McHaffie claims Arkansas is as green as Humboldt but super hot in the summer.
Carly Velez Huston (Carly Velez-Balay)
SociologySocial Science, 1996
Carly Velez Huston (née Velez-Balay), 1996 Sociology, moved back to her hometown, Sacramento, after graduation and began working for various community non-profit organizations. From 2000 to 2015, Velez Huston worked for the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency as a Redevelopment Planner and as a Site Manager for the Public Housing Authority. In November 2015, she started working for the State of California as an Asset Manager for the California Housing Finance Agency. She married an awesome Nebraska boy, Doug Huston, in 2002 and they have one child. She writes, “Our handsome son was born in 2005. I am truly grateful for my HSU education and wonderful friends that I met and continue to be connected with.” Velez Huston lives in College Greens in Sacramento.
Kenneth Shonk, Jr.
History, 1996
I earned my doctorate in Irish History from Marquette University in May of 2010, and upon graduation, accepted a position as Assistant Professor of History and Social Studies Education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. In addition to courses on global and Irish history, I supervise student teachers and offer courses in the methodologies of social studies education. In 2009 I served as a Research Fellow with the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Learning.
John Jamison
English, 1996
After graduation in 1996, I moved over to China for a "short" teaching stint, and I've been over here ever since. In 2001 I got my Master's in English from Iowa State. I'm now working for Intel as their Chengdu site employee communication manager and working on their China staffing online engagement strategy.