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Olivia Pelanconi, Spring 2022 Recipient

Olivia Pelanconi will be studying Environmental Science and Management and hopes to make a positive impact on the environment after earning her degree. She grew up hearing about Humboldt from her mom, who earned her BA from Humboldt State University in the 1990s and is now a high school teacher at Red Bluff High School. Her mom has made Humboldt sound like a safe and fun place with plenty of learning opportunities, and Pelanconi looks forward to her first year here.

Noé Niño, Spring 2022 Recipient

Noé Niño is studying  History & Cellular-Molecular Biology. He chose these two majors since both of these studies focus on developing research skills. Niño hopes to pursue a career in medicine after his time at Humboldt. He is in his second year as the social media manager for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Pre-Medical Society and posts an array of updates and reminders on behalf of the club to their Instagram page. Outside of school, he loves to read, go outdoors with his two pet huskies, and travel around Humboldt County with friends and family. 

Jay Schoenfield, Spring 2022 Recipient

Jay Schoenfield has spent the last three years working full-time in many different industries and will be studying social work as a graduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt. Through working these jobs, Schoenfield has met and spoken with people who work within at-risk communities, and the way in which these jobs impact the world has had a profound effect on him. Positive experiences at his previous internship this last semester have led him to decide to work within the public education system as a school counselor. Working with children is a passion of his and connections with the students come naturally.

Cecilia Souza, Spring 2022 Recipient

Cecilia Souza is choosing Zoology as her major because animals have always inspired her. Ever since she was a kid, she’d tell people she wanted to work with them in some form or another, from saying she wanted to be an “animal rescuer,” to a veterinarian, to marine biologist, and now to a zoologist. After graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt, she plans on working in species conservation but is not yet certain what she wants to do specifically. Outside of school, she participates in visual and performing arts, especially choir, band, musical theatre, and drawing. She also likes to take care of her chickens, cats, and dog. 

Lily Yassemi, Spring 2022 Recipient

Lily Yassemi chose Computer Science for her major as she has always been naturally STEM/STEAM minded and able to bring attention to problems that other people may not recognize. She hopes to get her Master’s degree and use what she has learned to help make the world a better place. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and going for drives. She is not yet involved in any clubs but thinks that the best part of Cal Poly  Humboldt has been being able to explore the variety of classes offered while making new friends.

Asia Brunell, Spring 2022 Recipient

Asia Brunell will be studying Theater Arts because she loves being on stage, working on productions, and helping people who are working on stage. After she graduates, she plans on getting her teaching credential and becoming a Drama and English teacher. She is currently the Vice President of the Drama Club and President of the Key Club. Outside of school she spends a lot of time with family, friends, and at Girl Scouts. She loves to paint and go to stores, or the park with friends. 

Riley Williams, Spring 2021 Recipient

Riley Williams is a junior studying Kinesiology and hopes to attend medical school, specializing in orthopedic surgery or physical medicine and rehabilitation. During his time as a physical therapy aide, he has seen the positive impact the movement sciences has on improving  an individual’s quality of life. Riley is a member of two on-campus clubs, the Pre-Medical Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Outside of school, he enjoys going to the gym, trail running, and reading.

Valentina Pfeifer, Spring 2021 Recipient

Valentina Pfeifer is a junior studying Environmental Science & Management. She became enamored with the beauty of the natural surroundings at Humboldt State when her family dropped off her older sister off at HSU. Now she is really enjoying her own professors and classes. Outside of school, she enjoys hooping, hiking, and roller skating.

Janelle Chojnacki, Spring 2021 Recipient

Janelle Chojnacki is working on her master’s degree in Natural Resources  and is passionate about conservation and understanding wildlife interactions and movement. She is the vice president of HSU’s Wildlife Graduate Student Society as well as the California North Coast chapter of the Wildlife Society and the Redwood Region Audubon Society. Outside of school, Janelle plays and coaches soccer and enjoys birding, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and crafting. After graduating from HSU she hopes to start a non-profit wildlife research organization in Humboldt County to continue studying the local wildlife and to collaborate on developing applied conservation solutions to environmental problems.

Brodie Lyons, Spring 2021 Recipient

Brodie Lyons is a freshman studying Biology as a pre-medical student. He chose Biology because he loves science. After graduating Brodie plans to go to medical school and become either an anesthesiologist, cardiologist, radiologist, or orthopedic surgeon. During the summer Brodie works for the City of Arcata as a counselor for their summer camps. At Arcata High School Brodie was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, and a new club about medicine.