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Alumni Updates
Recent Alumni Updates
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
Mildred (Milly) J. Correa
Art, Graphic Design, 2017
Mildred (Milly) J. Correa, 2017 Art, has begun a full-time graphic design job doing what she loves for an amazing non-profit, the Armory Center for the Arts, in Pasadena, Calif. Correa writes, “Thanks to my family, friends, and mentors who all encouraged me to pursue my goals to do what I love as a career. Contributing to my community while being able to do what I love is vital, which led me to take the Graduation Pledge. This is just the first step in my post-graduation life but I really look forward to it.”
Emily Frances Klee
Environmental Resources Engineering, 2017
After graduating from Humboldt State, Emily went off to grad school and got a Master's in Mechanical Engineering. She then moved out to Huntsville, AL, and worked at NASA in the Environmental Control and Life Support System Branch. After 2 years of loving her job, but hating the area, she decided to move to Fort Collins, CO. She is now an Operations Manager at a local non-profit food rescue, Vindeket Foods.
Jennifer Werthman
Politics, 2017
Jennifer Werthman, Politics, 2017, was engaged in January 2018 and had a baby boy named Jack on June 30. She began substitute teaching and will obtain a credential soon to become a high school government teacher!
Kaelie Peña
Rangeland Resource Science, 2017
Upon graduation in 2017, Kaelie worked as a Rangeland Management Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, first in the Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and then in the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. In February of 2024, Kaelie accepted the position of Nevada State Coordinator with Pheasants Forever where she will coordinate partnerships amongst NGOs, State, and Federal Agencies across Nevada to accomplish habitat restoration and conservation work.
Holly McLaughlin
Liberal Studies Elementary Education, Multiple Subject Credential, 2017
Holly McLaughlin, Liberal Studies Elementary Education, 2017, teaches fifth grade at Washington Elementary school.
Suzan Homsombath
Forestry & Wildland Resources, 2017
Suzan is living in the Sierra Nevada foothills, practicing forestry and growing her career as a forester.
Benjamin Woodruff
Biological Sciences, 2017
After graduating from HSU, Benjamin Woodruff, Biological Sciences, 2017, became a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges 2.0 scholar through Humboldt State and began his career as a researcher at Stanford University. There, he studied regenerative medicine as it relates to inner ear biology. Fueled by an enthusiasm for science and academia, he applied for graduate school and is currently a first year PhD student at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon.
Kristian Espinoza
Psychology, 2017
Kristian Espinoza, Psychology, 2017, is happily married and has a six-month old baby. Espinoza works with marginalized communities through a program called Wrap Around and before that they worked at a group-home serving the 6-12 year old children that lived there.
Clayton Kelley
, Recreation administration, 2017
Clayton has worked for Alpine county as the building and grounds supervisor. He over sees all buildings, parks, and open spaces in alpine county. He is also a captain on alpine county fire & spent this summer on the tamarack and candors.