Alumni Updates

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.

Jennifer Elizabeth Wood

Communication, 1972

Jennifer thought it would be interesting to report that she wrote and published two books in recent years: “What Did Uncle Harold Know?” in 2016, and “Defying Adversity as I Race to Achieve My Dreams” in 2024. The first book imagines what her long-deceased great-uncle might have learned in his long career as a bartender at the famous Copacabana in New York and then at The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. The second book is a memoir about her long career and life joys, such as becoming the first intern in 1973 of an unknown new U.S. Senator named Joe Biden, as well as spending a weekend at the Kennedy Compound and sailing with Ethel Kennedy and several of her children in 1978. Jennifer later worked on the White House Staff. But a nightmare was following her during all these wonderful years: terrible physical symptoms that defied medical diagnosis and inspired dismissive reactions from doctors. The future development of MRI technology would at last confirm what she had believed. She had  Multiple Sclerosis. Both books are available on Amazon.

Joe Van Sambeek

Biological Sciences, 1993 Biology, Spanish, 1995 SS Teaching Credential

Joe is in his 28th year of teaching high school Science and Spanish in the Bay Area, still trying to make it relevant and "not boring" every day.  He says he still has a snake in his classroom, is still overextended, and is still causing headaches for his principal. Joe enjoys traveling and camping with his family and friends, having completed the Pan-American Highway last summer, 21 years after the first leg. He makes it up to Humboldt when possible and stays in touch with numerous friends from the Marching Lumberjacks. March or Die!

Caleb Chen

Sociology, 2025

Caleb Chen was recently interviewed about Cannabis research on mycannabis.com.

Debra Whitall

Environmental Science & Management, 1984

Debra recently published her first picture book. "The Fox and the Labyrinth" is a compelling life story featuring a beautiful labyrinth and a magical fox who leads a young girl on a journey of self-discovery. Inspired by a dream about a real labyrinth in Northern California after her mother’s death, the illustrations and story flowed from her grieving, with Fox as her guide. When not writing and drawing, Debra enjoys walking her own labyrinth in Santa Fe, New Mexico, traveling, hiking, and playing Mah Jongg. The book is available at: authorhouse.com/bookstore 

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. 

Tracy Alvarado

Art, 2025

As an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) State of California DMHC for the Provider Complaint Branch (PCB) for 25 plus years, your core responsibilities center on protecting the financial stability of California's healthcare system by ensuring health plans pay providers accurately and on time.
As an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) on the DMHC Equity in Action team, l analyze internal and external data sets to identify inequities and recommend strategies for promoting a more diverse, inclusive workplace. You are responsible for coordinating equity activities, such as healing circles and training sessions, to normalize conversations around race and ensure that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are integrated into the Department's day-to-day operations.

Bob Freeman

Biological Sciences, 1977

Bob is still retired from his career as a Public Health Laboratory Director and is moving forward with the fun stuff.

The fifth book in his space opera series, H2LiftShips, has been published, and he is working on developing the project for TV/Film. Trying to figure out FinalPro for screenwriting takes him back to 1970's software.

In the meantime, Beyond the Now, and Time travel, but not like that, have been published in all the usual vendors. 

Check out the websites for more:

https://www.h2liftship.com

https://imdb.com/name/nm16970808

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 G. Webb

Natural Resources, 1988

John recently published his book, “So You’re Thinking About Becoming a Game Warden”. It can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.