Alumni Updates

Ron Melin

Geography, History, 1971

Retired from teaching in LAUSD. Currently working at Madrona Marsh and Preserve in Torrance, Ca. doing restoration.

Ann Simas

English, 1971

Humboldt graduate and former Eureka resident Ann Simas (’71, Special Major, B.A., Business/English) announces the release of her latest book, Last Rites, number six in her Andi Comstock Supernatural Mysteries. Other titles in the series are Holy Smoke, Penitence, Angel Babies, Hellfire, and The Wrong Wicca. 

For more information about Ann Simas, go to annsimas.com or email ann@annsimas.com. She can also be found on Facebook at Ann Simas, Author. 

Judy Chance Hope

Art, 1971

Having worked as a ceramist and drafter (both mechanical and architectural) while painting when I could, I shifted my focus to painting 15 years ago. Last year I received a gold medal award for a painting of redwoods in Jedediah Smith Park from the Redwood Forest Foundation. I work in acrylic and oil and have work in collections all over the country and Europe.

My husband, also an HSU grad, and have one daughter who is an artist in NY. We have a small farm in rural Menocino county where we grow organic veggies, flowers and chickens. We have a wonderful pug to guard us.

Eileen Bostwick

Sociology, 1971

After graduating, Eileen had an interesting career path. Briefly, she was with the Humboldt County Office of Education, which led to a position as Director of Environment Services at General Hospital for almost 10 years. During that time, she started a family. 

Next, she joined Daly’s Department Store in Human Resources. Life changed, and she was hired by North Coast Opportunities in Ukiah to direct the Foster Grandparent Program in Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. She expanded that service area to include Del Norte and northern Sonoma Counties and added a Senior Companion Program. 

Eileen served on a national board in Washington, DC, for 22 years and was responsible for changing legislation. She was offered a scholarship for a Master’s degree in Gerontology and graduated from the University of Indianapolis.  With the knowledge and experience I gained, she was able to enrich the quality of programming offered across the programs she directed. Currently, she's retired but stays active as a governing board member of our Area Agency on Aging, a Regional Advisor and Advisory Council member of her Community Foundation, and a volunteer with United Disaster Relief of Northern California. She appreciates Humboldt State University, especially Dr. Dennis Winters and Kathryn Corbett, for the excellent education she received. 
 

James Smith

Sociology, 1971

James just published a new book- American Insomniac: Reflections on the Future of a Dying Democracy.  A collection of articles and essays on freedom, democracy, and other issues facing America today. Available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

David Clark

History, 1971

David Clark migrated to Australia in 1972 and taught high school until retirement in 2007.

Michael Stockstill

Journalism, 1971

Michael Stockstill ('71, Journalism) has authored a book on the history of the planning and development of the Irvine Ranch. The title is "Transforming the Irvine Ranch", available on Amazon. 

Louis A. D'Aria

Theatre, education, broadcasting, 1970 ba, 1973 ma

LOUIS D’ARIA, 1969 Broadcasting and 1977 Theater Arts and Teaching Credential, has more than 40 years of experience in commercial broadcast journalism, the majority of which was in San Francisco (NBC, ABC). During his professional life, he won seven Emmy's for photography, editing, lighting and producing. He has also won first place in the National Press Photographers feature category and first place at the New York Film Festival for best documentary, in addition to numerous other national and regional awards.

Alan Daniel

History, 1970

Alan Daniel, History, 1970, is retiring after 28 years as an HR Block franchisee in Hawaii. At the height of his career, he owned 11 franchise offices on three islands, had 86 tax pros under contract, prepared taxes, annually, for 14,000+ taxpayers, and provided bookkeeping/payroll services for 100+ small businesses. Between 2003 and 2005 he consulted with the IRS in the development of electronic filing that most of you use today. He and Kathleen Kenan recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Seattle. They live on the beautiful island of Kauai. a hui hou

James Donlon

Theatre, 1970

James Donlon, 1970 Theatre & History, has had a 47 year career as an internationally-known performing artist presenting his original physical theatre work throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America, having just returned from Cuba. Donlon has been a master teacher in many national and international acting conservatories like the Yale School of Drama, American Conservatory Theatre, and at UC Santa Barbara. Donlon has also been a film movement coach for Oscar winners Kathy Bates and Javier Bardem, and film star Benjamin Bratt.