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Sam Walker, Fall 2025 Recipient

Sam Walker hails from Redding, Calif., and has chosen to study at Cal Poly Humboldt because of its proximity to home and its renowned environmental science department. He is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science & Management with a focus on Ecological Restoration. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the environment, Walker aims to address environmental challenges and promote the health of the planet. He seeks to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a dedicated environmental steward, turning his passion into a lifelong career. Thriving on hands-on learning opportunities, Walker is excited about what Cal Poly Humboldt has to offer. In his free time, he finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and discovering new places.

Zane Stromberg, Fall 2025 Recipient

Zane Stromberg grew up in Arcata, graduating from Arcata High School in 2016. Drawn by the history and prestige of the Environmental Resources Engineering (ERE) program, he chose to pursue his studies at Cal Poly Humboldt. One of the oldest environmental engineering programs in the nation, the ERE major aligned perfectly with his passion for environmental conservation, restoration, and protection. Stromberg’s career mission is to integrate human and natural systems in the face of a changing climate. With a strong interest in design and innovation, he is dedicated to developing solutions that address environmental challenges. Outside of school, Stromberg loves spending time with friends and family. He is also an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a lover of the outdoors. Whether walking, hiking, running, biking, or camping, he enjoys anything that allows him to connect with nature.

Jim Thomas, Fall 2025 Recipient

Jim Thomas has called Humboldt County home for 30 years. A graduate of Jacoby Creek School, Arcata High, and College of the Redwoods, Thomas is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership at Humboldt. Deeply connected to the Humboldt community, Thomas chose Cal Poly Humboldt both for its local ties and the opportunity to grow as a professional. Currently working full-time for the city of Eureka’s Community Services Department, Thomas is committed to refining leadership skills through this program, with the goal of empowering staff and fostering future leaders. Looking ahead, he is excited to focus on career development and apply new management strategies to make a positive community impact. Outside of academics and work, Thomas enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, walking his dog, attending concerts, and traveling to new places to see the world.

Trinity Abercrombie, Fall 2025 Recipient

Eureka native Trinity Abercrombie has a strong affection for her hometown, which inspired her decision to study oceanography and scientific scuba diving at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her decision to attend Humboldt follows in her mother's footsteps. Growing up near the beautiful beaches of Humboldt sparked her interest in the ocean, driving her ambition for a career that keeps her close to the sea. Abercrombie aims to understand and responsibly utilize ocean resources while educating others on sustainable ocean stewardship. As a Humboldt student, she looks forward to her ocean labs and enjoys the campus's natural beauty, especially the marine lab in Trinidad. Outside of her studies, she stays active with surfing, rock climbing, hiking, and swimming, and enjoys sharing her love for Humboldt with newcomers while traveling during breaks to broaden her experiences.

Alexis Fierro, Spring 2023 Recipient

Alexis Fierro, a native of Oxnard, California, developed a passion for biology at a young age, which started with a fascination for bugs and expanded to include a variety of animals. When choosing Cal Poly Humboldt for its beautiful surroundings and Zoology program, Alexis eagerly embraces many available courses. While unsure of future career plans, he aims to use knowledge to enhance personal hobbies and may pursue a master's degree in research. Receiving a scholarship provides relief and support as he navigates independence away from home. Alexis's journey is driven by curiosity, a love for animals, and an unwavering appreciation for nature's wonders.

Benjamin Osborne, Spring 2023 Recipient

Benjamin Osborne's diverse upbringing in various places fueled his passion for creativity and the outdoors. As a storyteller, he aims to express his narratives through visual storytelling in filmmaking. Despite challenges as part of the LGBT community and facing financial constraints, Benjamin is determined to break film industry barriers and provide opportunities to aspiring filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. In his final semesters at Humboldt, the scholarship support brings comfort and allows him to focus on his studies, graduate, and fulfill his dream of creating impactful stories.

Jacob Goodbrod, Spring 2023 Recipient

Jacob Goodbrod, a native of Humboldt County, is an avid surfer with a deep passion for exploring waves along the remote coastline. He also enjoys meditation, woodworking, backpacking, and guitar playing. Jacob's positive experiences taking classes at Cal Poly Humboldt as a high school student led him to choose the University for his psychology degree, allowing him to stay close to his family and community. His interest in psychology stems from a curiosity about the mind and human consciousness, nurtured through his Buddhist studies. Through his journey at Humboldt, Jacob seeks personal growth and meaningful connections while fostering his passion for learning and helping others.

Olivia Rink, Spring 2023 Recipient

Olivia Rink, a Humboldt County native, is a passionate individual with diverse interests, including photography, soccer, yoga, French, painting, and cooking. Olivia will study business administration with a focus on finance. She values entrepreneurialism and aims to find a career that benefits herself and her community. As a student, she enjoys midterms events and cherishes the support of receiving a scholarship, fueling her determination to succeed. Olivia's journey is characterized by her commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact in her hometown.

Aidan Dugan-Culton, Spring 2022 Recipient

Aidan Dugan-Culton is a Spanish Major. Dugan-Culton looks forward to participating in internships and gaining work experience while they study at Cal Poly Humboldt. Both of their parents met and earned their degrees from Humboldt and some of Aidan’s first memories were their parents taking them on walks between the redwoods behind campus. Dugan-Culton is excited to experience Humboldt as their parents did and are grateful to be getting some financial help to do so. 

Ruby Gustafson, Spring 2022 Recipient

Ruby Gustafson will be studying Journalism and hopes to learn the skills necessary to embark on her mission of more virtuous and honest news reporting. She will be aiming to help individuals be able to precisely discern between fact and opinion and to show the world to those who need to see it, in its rawest, most honest form. Gustafson believes it takes an entire community of engaged individuals to help progress the next generation in a direction that is fruitful and sustainable.