Give Back

Eli Otto Cutting, Fall 2018 Recipient

Eli Otto Cutting is starting his freshman year at Humboldt State University and plans to pursue a degree in Wildlife. “I found that Humboldt was one of the few California schools to offer Wildlife, and it’s one of the best programs in the nation.”  Eli’s passion for wildlife started young and he has been volunteering at the Sacramento Zoo since he was thirteen years old. This opportunity has allowed him to run activity stations for zoo visitors and lead animal encounters with the zoo’s animal ambassadors.

Bonnie Winters, Fall 2017 Recipient

Following in the footsteps of her parents, Bonnie Winters is pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in HSU’s botany program. Winters has a deep appreciation for campus, from the class offerings to the architecture and the even the weather. For her, HSU was the only place during her search for a school that felt like ‘home.’ Winters has completed courses in botany, French, English, speech, and math, and says she can’t wait to work closely with her instructors and classmates as she enters her second year at HSU.

Caroline Ristuccia, Fall 2017 Recipient

As the daughter of two HSU alumni, Caroline Ristuccia came to HSU with stories of ultimate disc and Don’s Donuts. Ristuccia, a first-time freshman in Fall 2017, will join the Wildlife Management and Conservation program. She looks forward to the hands-on learning and classes filled with real-world experiences. A Northern California native, Rustuccia is also eager to take part in the adventures Humboldt State and Arcata have to offer.

Marghalera Komak, Fall 2017 Recipient

Marghalera Komak is following her two older brothers’ as an HSU student studying cellular molecular biology. She wants to focus her career on delivering affordable healthcare to Humboldt County and her ethnic homeland, Afghanistan. Komak credits HSU for providing her with the tools and guidance to develop her passions. She discovered a deep interest in dentistry and hopes to attend dental school after graduating.

Mary Elise Conzelmann, Fall 2017 Recipient

Mary Elise Conzelmann has been taking part in HSU’s community offerings since she was a young child. During elementary school, field trips brought her to the biology and history departments and she was a regular visitor to the Van Duzer Theatre and the MultiCultural Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration. As a student in HSU’s recreation administration program, Conzelmann says she is surrounded by people who support her education and she looks forward to giving back to the next generation of students.

Chantry Johnson, Spring 2016 Recipient

Chantry Johnson is looking forward following her grandfather’s footsteps by earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. As a seventh generation Humboldt County resident, Johnson feels deeply connected to the area. She’s volunteered with Hospice of Humboldt and worked as a certified nursing assistant in local nursing facilities. She’s currently an intern with St. Joseph’s Hospital’s cancer support program. After graduating, Johnson plans on earning a master’s degree in social work, focusing on gerontology.

Jacqueline R. Farrington, Spring 2016 Recipient

While majoring in Geography and Anthropology, Jacqueline Farrington says Humboldt has become a home, school, and community. She values the unique perspectives her classmates offer and values the support and guidance HSU’s alumni provide.

Morgan Saveliff, Spring 2016 Recipient

Morgan Saveliff makes the most of her time at HSU by taking advantage of all that campus has to offer. She has been a volunteer with the Youth Education Services (YES) Study Buddies program, and she participates in Center Activities’ outdoor offerings. As a Sociology major, Saveliff knows the importance of learning about new cultures and plans to study in Spain this summer with the Spanish language program.

Grace Douglass, Spring 2016 Recipient

As a student in the International Studies program, Grace Douglass is following her grandmother’s path in becoming part of the HSU community. Through volunteer work with the YES Program and serving with Associated Students, Douglass supports students from the elementary school level to her fellow classmates. She’s also part of the MultiCultural Center and the Learning Center. Recently, she became part of the Associated Students Lobby Corps and is a student ambassador in the Center for International Programs.

Aedan McCluskey, Spring 2015 Recipient

Aedan McCluskey, the daughter of an HSU alumna, has loved learning about animals since she was a child. By volunteering at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo and working in a veterinary office, McCluskey pursued her dreams of workingprofessionally with animals even before attending HSU.At the urging of her mother, who fondly remembers earning her Recreation Administration degree, McCluskey enrolled in HSU's wildlife program. She's also earning a minor in Spanish and hopes to enter a career protecting and conserving wildlife.