Alumni Updates

Steven York

Business Administration, 1986

Steven's research, “Escalation Without Intent: A Structural Reframing for Systems Research,” has been published in Systems Research and Behavioral Science. The paper explores how complex systems can move toward instability through the interaction of disturbance, interconnectedness, feedback, and time—even when no individual part of the system is driving that outcome intentionally.

That systems perspective has applications across many fields, including the environmental and natural systems that were such an important part of his education at Humboldt. From ecosystems and forests to organizations and other complex systems, the underlying question is similar: what allows a system to absorb disturbance, and what causes it to begin losing stability?

As a Cal Poly Humboldt alumnus, he's especially proud to share this milestone with the Humboldt community.

Rohit Kundu

Kinesiology, 2023

Rohit Kundu earned his Master of Science in Kinesiology from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in December 2023. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Health and Kinesiology, specializing in Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience, at the University of Utah. His research focuses on foot and ankle biomechanics, gait energetics, assistive devices and footwear interventions, aging and mobility, and the neuromechanics of human locomotion.

Claudine Bibeau Parks

Business Administration, 2024

Claudine is set to obtain a nonprofit leadership and management degree from Arizona State University (ASU) in May, which will complement her leadership studies degree program at Humboldt.

Jeanne Landon-Campbell

Nursing, 1982

After 44 years in nursing (the last 24 in Nurse Education in the UK), Landon-Campbell was invited to Holyrood House in Edinburgh to attend a Royal Garden Party to celebrate her contributions to Nurse Education.  It was a huge honour and a total surprise.  King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne were all in attendance. 

Daniel Pizzuto

Business Administration, 1987

After 37 years working for two manufacturing companies, Dan retired as the Executive Vice President of Sales, Products, & Marketing for Hensley Industries of Komatsu Ltd. 

John Hollister

Economics, 1968

John completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) and then an MBA. He is a father of two daughters. He has worked in social services for seven years, specifically with troubled teens, and for two years as a social worker for individuals with developmental disabilities. Additionally, John has served as a paralegal advocate for ten years, managed programs for another ten years, and spent ten years as a financial and program auditor. Now I am retired. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, photography, organic gardening, and promoting peace.

Jim Truitt

Business Administration, 2001

Jim Truitt ('01, Business & Economics) has been with Farallon Capital Management, LLC for the past eighteen years. Farallon is among the world’s largest and most established hedge funds, managing capital on behalf of leading institutions and investors globally.  In his current role as Managing Director, Jim leads a cross-functional project team focused on enhancing operational efficiency and advancing technology solutions within the firm’s hedge fund operations. His work emphasizes the integration of innovative systems, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making to support Farallon’s investment and risk management activities.

Kathy Koester

Nursing, 1980

Kathy's maiden name was Jacobs. She recently retired as an RN after working 44 years. She enjoyed her four years at Humboldt State University. 

Haley Goetsch

Psychology, 1994

Haley is now working for Lutheran Community Services Northwest at two elementary schools.

Matias Solorzano

Psychology, 2025

Matias will start a PhD program in Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the Fall 2025 semester. He also received an Education Graduate Research Scholars fellowship from the School of Education at UW-Madison to assist him in pursuing his research interests. At UW-Madison, Matias will conduct research on the transition to adulthood in employment for autistic individuals. He seeks to connect more autistic adults to resources that will help them find employment. Recently, Matias completed an internship with the California Department of Developmental Services in the Autism Services Branch. This internship helped him make connections at DDS and made him realize that working in civil service is a good career path for individuals interested in making the world a better place for individuals with disabilities.