Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Ed Gullekson
Oceanography, 1973
After graduation Ed Gullekson, Oceanography, 1973, joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a commissioned officer where over six years he served on three different ships and at a NOAA fisheries lab at Tiburon, California. He then earned a master's degree in management science. From there he spent the next 30 years as a management consultant and executive coach. During that time he continued to scuba dive, enjoying the underwater world as a hobby. On retiring in 2014 he started volunteer scientific diving in Puget Sound for the University of Washington, helping on a variety of projects. One in particular, Sea Star Wasting Disease, he has contributed many hours of underwater observation. You can see his observations on his youtube channel.
Theodore "Ted" Smith
Geology, 1972
Following a 30-year career with the State of California, Ted Smith retired as Supervising Geologist with the California Geological Survey in 2001. Since then he earned a PhD in Education (Specialization: Teaching & Training Online) and for 18 years has taught courses online, mostly with Baker College (located in Michigan). In 2019, Ted moved to Whidbey Island, Washington and recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of Geology in the Public Interest, a nonprofit that focuses on use of geology for the public good in sustainable ways.
Mary Katherine Wicksten
Biological Sciences, 1972
Mary Wicksten, 1972 Biological Sciences, is a Professor of Biology at Texas A&M University, College Station, and just published her book "Vertical Reefs: Life on Oil and Gas Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.” Published by Texas A&M University Press, it is the only non-technical book on the subject. The illustrated book discusses the biota of these structures, its origins, and what happens to these organisms over the lifespan of a platform. A copy is on its way to the Humboldt Library.
Dr. GAry Joseph Stebbins
Wildlife, 1972
Gary Joseph Stebbins, 1972, Wildlife, has reentered the world of public education as principle of the Greenville, Calif., and Taylorsville, Calif., elementary schools after a career in public education as a teacher and administrator, and then professor of Educational Leadership at San Jose State University. Stebbins and his wife Maureen (a Humboldt alumna) built their retirement home at Lake Almanor, Calif., with the help of family. Stebbins enjoys his "born again" role as principal and Maureen also volunteers at the schools several days a week.
Richard Mattson
Fisheries Biology, 1971
Richard Mattson, Fisheries Biology, 1971, retired after 30+ years with Douglas Island Pink & Chum, Inc. (DIPAC) in Juneau Alaska. DIPAC is a major producer of hatchery chum, king, and coho salmon in southeast Alaska. He began in fish culture there and then spend most my career as an aquarist maintaining the visitor center marine aquariums and conducting our education programs. He still works part-time maintaining aquariums on contract to the NOAA Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute in Juneau. He also volunteers for various organizations and will be continuing to do more with his extra time. Travel with his wife Peggy is definitely on tap, and he also just enjoys reading, learning Finnish, and outdoor activities.
Michael M O'Boyle
Forestry & Wildland Resources, 1971
Michael O'Boyle, Forestry & Wildland Resources, 1971, spent 16 years with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, and ended up as a district conservationist. He then served in New Mexico and California. Afterward, O'Boyle completed 20 years with the Madera County Animal Control Department in California, retiring in 2010.
Mry K. Wicksten
Biological Sciences, 1970 (B.A.), 1972 (M.A.)
Mary Wicksten is a Professor of Biology at Texas A&M University. She just finished her major publication, "Decapod Crustacea of the Californiana and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces", Zootaxa 336=71, 307 pages long. This monograph contains keys, illustrations, short descriptions and information on range, depth, habitat and living color for all crabs, shrimps and lobster-like species, freshwater or marine from the shore to the abyss from Washington to mid-Baja California. Yes, I am sending a copy to the Humboldt Marine lab!
Terry Bowyer
Wildlife, 1970
R. Terry Bowyer, B.S. 1970, M.S 1976, is the 2025 recipient of the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award from The Wildlife Society for outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation , the highest honor that the Society bestows.
Captain Paul C. Golden, U.S. Coast Guard Ret.
Fisheries Biology, 1970
Paul joined the Coast Guard, with his marine environmental background was assigned to the White House to draft the first Federal Environmental Impact Statement, for the TransAlaskan Pipeline. He spent two years patrolling the Bering Sea protecting the “Deadliest Catch” fishing fleets. A second White House tour coordinated Pacific Basin interagency drug interdiction operations. Two years in the Persian Gulf/Africa dealing with Pirates, Smugglers & Terrorists. Retired from the Coast Guard, the next 14 years were with the Intelligence Community. Four Masters: Univ. Michigan-Environmental Management, Naval War College-National Security Planning & Risk Management, Salve Regina-International Affairs, CalState Hayward-Government Pandemic Management.
Gordon Dennis Wogan
Biological SciencesMS Plant physiology & Horticulture, UC Davis, 1975, 1970
After graduation, 3 years in the Coast Guard, an MS degree from UC Davis and work as a technician with the University of Idaho's horticulture program I was hired as a horticulturist with the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture's Nursery and Christmas Tree program. I retired after 29 years with the ODA. I married Patricia Hatfield nine years ago. Together we have 5 children (2 mine, 3 hers) and 3 grandsons. We're enjoying retirement, traveling wood woorking, birdwatching, gardening and anything eles that looks interesting.