Give Back

Alyssa Harford, Spring 2021 Recipient

Alyssa Harford is a freshman studying English. She chose English because she wants to know how to use her words to inspire others and teach others how to use their words for good. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys practicing her various musical instruments, hiking, surfing, and traveling. She plans on joining the Marching Lumberjacks thisFall. After graduation Alyssa hopes to be a high school English teacher so she can help her students grow academically.

Cianna Jermanon, Spring 2021 Recipient

Cianna Jermanon is a first-generation student and a sophomore studying Business Administration.She chose Business Administration because she wants to start her own small business someday. Cianna balances her time between work and school. She says HSU has helped her find herself and has made her proud of who she is. She says the best part of attending HSU is feeling like she matters.

Lexis Gillette, Spring 2021 Recipient

Lexis Gillette is a junior studying Kinesiology. She chose Kinesiology because she has a passion for understanding the complexity of the human body and wants to learn more about alternative therapies. After graduating Lexis plans to further her education by entering a RN program and eventually a masters program to become a family nurse practitioner. Outside of school, Lexis loves to spend time with her daughter, cook new recipes, paddle board, skate board, and hike.

Jonah Vevoda-Moore, Spring 2020 Recipient

Jonah Vevoda-Moore, whose father attended HSU and is the event coordinator for CenterArts, is a freshman studying History. He grew up in Humboldt County and was a member of the German Honor Society at Arcata Elementary School. Jonah became fascinated with World War II history at a young age and this has inspired him to become a high school history teacher. He hopes to impart a love of history on his students. “Being able to pass on knowledge is the greatest gift that one human can bestow on another,” he says. In his free time, Jonah enjoys reading, playing video games, fishing, walking, and biking.

Samantha Doskocz, Spring 2020 Recipient

Samantha Doskocz is a junior studying Psychology and hopes to use her degree to help others. Her grandfather graduated from HSU in 1960 and was the first person in her family to go to college. Now Samantha will be the second person in her family to attend college. “Education is a privilege many of us take for granted. Once we have completed our studies and venture out using our achieved knowledge, we have a gift that will enable us to strive for and possibly obtain success and security with our goals,” she says.

Cessair McKinney, Spring 2020 Recipient

Cessair McKinney is a senior majoring in Environmental Science & Management with a concentration in Ecological Restoration. “Studying Ecological Restoration here is providing me with the tools to truly make a difference in the ecosystems around me in my future career,” says McKinney who is also a long distance runner on HSU’s Cross Country team. “To me, Humboldt State University represents a unique opportunity to better myself through academics, athletics, and new experiences. Humboldt State is a very special institution and I am glad to be able to attend it. I have met an amazing community of people here, I have seen beautiful places, and I have grown as a person since moving here.“

Claire Bareilles, Spring 2020 Recipient

Claire Bareilles is a senior studying Environmental Resources Engineering. She is also a student athlete on HSU’s Soccer Team.  “It is at times very hard to juggle being a full time engineering student and a student athlete, but as an underrepresented female engineering student I think it is very important to continue to push myself every day to prove that I am just as qualified as my male colleagues, as well as proving that I don’t have to pick between my passion of sports and my future as an engineer,” said Claire.Claire comes from a long line of HSU alumni going back to three great-grandparents who graduated from Humboldt State in the ‘30s.

Jacob Begorre, Spring 2020 Recipient

Jacob Begorre is a senior studying Chemistry and Physics. Both his mother and uncle graduated from HSU and his uncle is a Chemistry Professor at Humboldt State. After graduating from HSU, Jacob hopes to attend graduate school to further his abilities in science and the laboratory. He is specifically interested in the application of atmospheric chemistry and materials science to the long-term impacts of climate change.“Humboldt State has made me realize that learning new things is what makes you grow as a human. Nothing makes you feel better as a person than to learn something new and exciting, allowing you to apply new knowledge to your daily life.” 

Jasmine Collins, Spring 2020 Recipient

Jasmine Collins is a junior studying Chemistry and plans to become a pediatrician. Her parents, grandparents on her mother’s side, aunts, and uncles are all HSU alumni. Jasmine grew up in Humboldt County and noticed the positive influence the university has had on the surrounding community.She remembers going to basketball games and thinking how grand the university was. “I hope to see these same positive influences reflected during my time here at Humboldt State. The faculty and staff have shown so much support for me academically and in my efforts for my career goals.”

Benicio Benavides-Garb, Fall 2019 Recipient

Benicio Benavides-Garb is a freshman majoring in International Studies and playing for HSU men’s soccer team. Benicio is interested in International Studies because of his fascination with the world and its diversity, as well as his desire to improve the quality of life for those within and beyond our human-made borders. He is excited to participate in the residency abroad program, which is a requirement of the International Studies Major. Benicio grew up in Humboldt County and went to McKinleyville High School.