Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Andrew C. Torres
Philosophy, 2017
Since graduating from Humboldt, Andrew Torres earned his M.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where his research focused on the intersection of philosophy and anxiety, leading to published papers and academic presentations. Currently, he is pursuing an EdD in Education while teaching at the high school level, blending his philosophical background with practical pedagogy. His work continues to explore critical thinking, mental health, and student engagement in education.
Vanessa Vrtiak
Sociology, 2017
Vanessa Vrtiak, Sociology, 2017, recently gave a Ted Talk about her life, and would like to share it with the Humboldt State Family. "Thank you for being there for me and helping me shape the woman I am today. I'm so grateful I was able to go to a University with people that truly believe in their students and champion their success." Watch the Ted Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/vanessa_vrtiak_how_to_save_a_life?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare&fbclid=IwAR154LL1hsMJPaH4_68QAGF1gUqQveVUG8UBAD5QMamSoeuIn_TpNxws_vM
Aaron Louis Cobas
PoliticsMinor: Environmental Policy, 2016
Since graduating, Aaron Louis Cobas, Politics, 2016, has been trying to acquire his dream position that he has wanted since the age of nine years old. Last December, that dream came true. Cobas has accepted a full-time position as a Park Ranger for New Mexico State Parks. Ever since he was little his fondest memories have been going up into the Sierras, as well as Yosemite and Joshua Tree, looking at the majesty that is our public lands. Because of the education and training he received at HSU he has an exciting new chapter in life and the new adventures that come with it.
Javier Rojas
Journalism, 2016
After taking on various reporter roles in Southern California, in April Javier accepted a dream job as a media relations specialist at Cal State Northridge. The transition from daily reporting to a communication position in higher education is something that Javier has been working towards since graduating from Humboldt State. While his love for writing never wavered, he's excited to return to a role in the CSU system where he can highlight the work of students.
Rocio Avila
Politics, 2016
Rocio Avila, 2016 Politics, started working with Humboldt County’s North Coast Rape Crisis Team as an advocate for survivors.
Rosie Slentz
AnthropologyApplied Anthropology MA, 2016
2020 Ed.D from University of New England in Transformational Leadership
John Soener
International Studies2nd Major: Spanish, 2016
After having completed two years of Peace Corps service in Nicaragua John Soener, International Studies, 2016, will be attending graduate school at Indiana University. John will be pursuing a Masters in Public Affairs, focusing specifically on nonprofit management and policy analysis. His International Studies and Spanish degrees were a great way to start his career in public service and Peace Corps was an incredible career booster that has provided him incredible opportunities to fund graduate school.
Mia Kennel
Anthropology, 2016
Mia Kennel, 2016 Anthropology, started graduate school at the University of Wisconsin Madison's Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies. Kennel is in the the graduate Environmental Conservation program, widely considered the best program of it's type in the United States.
Fernando William Manzanera
International StudiesEuropean Studies, 2016
Fernando William Manzanera, International Studies, 2016, moved to the Czech Republic February 1, 2017, to be with his girlfriend. He's been living here for 20 months now and works as a teacher and in IT Support for a Swiss insurance company. Life is pretty great. :-)
Shiloh (Green) Soto
Environmental Studies, 2016
After graduating from Humboldt, Shiloh earned her M.A. in interdisciplinary humanities at UC Merced, where she will also graduate with her Ph.D. in the spring of 2024. Her graduate work is housed in the Department of History & Critical Race and Ethnic Studies and analyzes a public history project she directed with the San Joaquin Valley's city of Livingston. Shiloh moved back to Humboldt in 2022 and eventually found exciting work on campus in Cal Poly Humboldt's College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences as the College Graduate Programs & Recruitment Coordinator!