Awards

Meg Godlewski

Received: 2026

‘87, Journalism

Meg Godlewski ('87, Journalism) has built a remarkable career that combines investigative journalism, aviation education, and public service. Godlewski has spent nearly four decades translating complex aviation issues for broad audiences while advancing safety and professionalism throughout the industry.

As technical editor for FLYING magazine, the nation’s largest aviation publication, and a longtime reporter for General Aviation News, Godlewski has earned a national reputation for rigorous reporting and expert analysis. Godlewski’s influential investigative article, “Death by Time Builder,” exposed systemic safety concerns within the flight training industry and has become required reading at flight schools across the country. Through reporting that is both technically sophisticated and accessible, Godlewski has helped shape industry conversations and improve aviation education.

Godlewski’s path reflects the hands-on learning and adaptability fostered at Cal Poly Humboldt. Drawing on lessons from Journalism faculty members Howard Seemann and Mac McClary, Godlewski built a successful journalism career before transitioning fully into aviation. That early work funded flight training and launched a second career that would establish Godlewski as one of aviation’s most respected educators and communicators.

Beyond journalism, Godlewski is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor, Master Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) VIII, and Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) Master who has trained and mentored countless aspiring pilots. Godlewski’s commitment to advocacy also extends beyond the cockpit. A 2004 editorial highlighting the deteriorating condition of the historic Memphis Belle was read before Congress and helped spur efforts that led to the aircraft’s restoration and preservation at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Godlewski remains deeply connected to Cal Poly Humboldt through mentorship with the Aviation Club and other engagements, including her important role in establishing a flight simulator at the Library, campus visits, and creative work such as the novel The Tomboys of Cherry Lane, inspired by her experiences at KHSU. Through journalism, aviation, and service, Godlewski continues to exemplify the power of combining technical expertise with a commitment to educating and uplifting others.

"My time at Humboldt gave me the tools I needed to be successful as a journalist and an educator of flight. The friends I made while attending Humboldt are still with me today—the Marching Lumberjacks and ‘the jock girls’ are my chosen family. I learned a lot, I grew a lot. I made connections that I still rely on today," Meg Godlewski says. 

John McGuire

Received: 2026

‘74, Social Science 

John McGuire ('74, Social Science) has dedicated more than five decades to advancing education, mentoring students, and strengthening communities throughout California’s North Coast. A Humboldt County resident since childhood, McGuire graduated from Humboldt in 1974 while working in a local lumber mill, demonstrating the determination and work ethic that would define his career. McGuire later returned to earn his teaching credential and began a lifelong commitment to public education.

McGuire’s distinguished career has included service as an elementary and middle school mathematics teacher at Peninsula and Pacific Union Schools, a math specialist with Humboldt County Office of Education, principal and superintendent of the Pacific Union School District, and mathematics/science education lecturer at Cal Poly Humboldt. His commitment to his students’ education earned numerous honors, including California Teacher of the Year, Humboldt County Teacher of the Year, the Johns Hopkins SDB Fellowship, and finalist status for the California Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.

Beyond the classroom, McGuire became a leader in educational innovation. As a regional leader for NASA’s KidSat/EarthKam program, he connected North Coast students and teachers with the Space Shuttle Endeavor, providing opportunities to participate in real-time scientific research through a student-led Mission Operations Center. He collaborated with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on curriculum development and served as a national curriculum advisor for this project. In addition, he presented at multiple state, regional, and national conferences on integrating mathematics and writing in classrooms. McGuire also held leadership roles with the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Mathematics Council, and the California Mathematics Project, helping shape mathematics and science education statewide. 

McGuire’s commitment to service extends well beyond education. For more than 50 years, McGuire, a former Humboldt wrestling athlete, has coached, mentored, and officiated wrestling at the high school, community college, and NCAA levels. McGuire also served as board president of Changing Tides, a Humboldt County nonprofit that provides comprehensive family and youth services to the community, and helped foster international understanding through cultural exchange programs with Japanese educational institutes.

McGuire has positively influenced thousands of students, educators, athletes, and families, leaving an enduring legacy across the North Coast and beyond through his leadership, service, and commitment to educational excellence.

"Humboldt gave me the chance to grow not only as a student and athlete, but also as a husband and father. I was trying to carry a lot during those years, and the support I received from faculty, students, coaches, and my wife made all the difference. Humboldt taught me that people succeed when they are seen, supported, and given real opportunities to find their way," John McGuire says. 

Scottie Lee Meyers

Received: 2026

‘12, Journalism 

Scottie Lee Meyers ('12, Journalism) has built a distinguished career in public media, earning recognition as an Emmy Award-winning producer whose work elevates community voices and explores issues of public importance. Through journalism grounded in empathy, integrity, and service, Meyers has become a respected storyteller whose work reflects the values instilled during his time at Cal Poly Humboldt.

As a producer for Milwaukee PBS, Meyers has created impactful documentaries examining topics such as veterans’ experiences, the dairy industry, youth mental health, and refugee resettlement services. His documentary on youth mental health directly led to two new state laws. The powerful stories shared by youth in the documentary were championed by a bipartisan legislative task force, bringing crucial awareness and prevention resources directly into Wisconsin schools. 

Meyers’ work consistently highlights the human stories behind complex issues, helping audiences better understand the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. In addition to documentary production, Meyers serves as co-host and co-producer of the award-winning podcast Speaking of…, further expanding public conversations on issues that matter.

Before joining Milwaukee PBS, Meyers worked as a producer for Wisconsin Public Radio, including on The Kathleen Dunn Show, where he helped facilitate thoughtful discussions with policymakers, experts, and community leaders. Meyers has also reported for numerous news organizations, including Gannett Co., the North Coast Journal, and the Tribally owned Two Rivers Tribune, demonstrating a commitment to local journalism and community-centered reporting.

Meyers continued his academic and professional development at Marquette University, where he enrolled in a graduate school program for Journalism and served as the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s Public Policy Fellow. He is also a proud AmeriCorps alum, an experience that further strengthened his commitment to public service.

Throughout his career, Meyers has remained dedicated to journalism that informs, connects, and serves. Whether producing documentaries, facilitating public dialogue, or reporting on issues affecting diverse communities, Meyers approaches every story with curiosity, compassion, and professionalism. Meyers embodies the spirit of Cal Poly Humboldt alumni who use their talents to strengthen communities and advance the public good.

"Humboldt taught me that journalism isn’t just about covering a community—it’s about belonging to one. I left with a deeper sense of stewardship—not just for the stories I tell, but for the places they come from," Scottie Lee Meyers says.

Maeve Talamantes

Received: 2026

‘17, Political Science

Maeve Talamantes ('17, Political Science) has dedicated her career to advancing housing justice, strengthening communities, and advocating for society’s most vulnerable populations. Through leadership roles in local government, nonprofit organizations, and community-based services, Talamantes has become a respected voice in the effort to address housing insecurity and promote social equity.

As a Policy Analyst II for the City of Oakland, Talamantes supports program development, analysis, and improvement, and contributes to the stewardship of critical funding that supports residents experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Talamantes has earned recognition for her ability to identify funding opportunities, manage complex grant programs, and ensure resources are distributed equitably to those most in need. Her work has helped communities access essential services and build pathways toward long-term housing stability.

Prior to her work in Oakland, Talamantes served with organizations including the Seattle Housing Authority on its HUD-funded Housing Choice Voucher Program, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington in Seattle, and St. Vincent de Paul in Marin County. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Talamantes played a vital role in helping numerous individuals and families secure and maintain stable housing amid unprecedented economic and social disruption. Talamantes’ efforts provided critical support at a time when housing insecurity reached crisis levels across the nation.

Talamantes’ commitment to public service began at Humboldt, where she studied Political Science and interned with the Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office. Inspired by a desire to serve others and address systemic inequities, Talamantes continued her education at the University of Galway, earning a master’s degree in Sociology and Politics. Her academic background and early experiences working with vulnerable populations laid the foundation for the policy and community‑based work that has shaped her understanding of community development and her passion for social justice

Throughout her career, Talamantes has combined technical expertise with deep compassion for the people she serves. Whether developing policy, securing resources, or supporting individuals facing housing challenges, Talamantes remains guided by a commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity.  

"As a Political Science student, my courses challenged me to think critically about government, public policy, and social systems—skills that ultimately guided me toward a career in public service and housing. My education at Humboldt challenged and reshaped my thinking. I still return to the foundational concepts I encountered as a student, and they continue to inform the way I approach my work and the world around me," Maeve Talamantes says.