Breadcrumb
History
Our history is made here.
On June 16, 1913, California Governor Hiram Johnson signed the law establishing “Humboldt State Normal School, for the training and education of teachers and others in the art of instructing and governing the public schools of this state.”
Today, Cal Poly Humboldt is the northernmost campus in the California State University system and the third polytechnic institution in the state. Students live and learn in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments and hands-on learning is an important part of a Cal Poly Humboldt education. Humboldt’s curriculum demonstrates a long-standing commitment to social and environmental responsibility and to the local community, providing students an extraordinary college experience.
Here’s how we started.
The History of Our University and Alumni Association
Cal Poly Humboldt opened its doors in 1913, under the name of Humboldt State Normal School. On May 26, 1915, the first graduating class participated in commencement ceremonies at the Minor Theatre. Fifteen women received certificates, becoming the first graduating class and our first alumni.
From the beginning, Humboldt has focused on producing alumni who make a difference in the world. In the words of Humboldt's first president, Nelson Blieau Van Matre, "The course of study offered in the Humboldt State Normal School will make the very best teacher that it is possible to make out of those who enter."
In 1924, just 11 years after the institution was founded, the Alumni Association was organized. The first officers were Hugh Stewart, president; Emily Duprey Murray, vice president; and Jessie Turner Woodcock, secretary. The Association sponsored the school’s first homecoming, honoring the not-so-distant class of 1917.
Not long after, the school became Humboldt State College and the curriculum expanded to include a Bachelor of Science degree in education and liberal arts degrees in economics and business. Speech and home economics were soon to follow.
With the end of World War II came a revitalization as enrollment boomed and the campus began offering programs in forestry and agriculture. Expansion continued in the 1950s. In 1974, the school was renamed Humboldt State University.
In the 1990s, the campus organized into three constituent colleges: The College of Natural Resources, the College of Professional Studies, and the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.
Today, students at Cal Poly Humboldt chose from a wide range of majors and minors, including graduate programs, credentials and certificates of studies.
"Cal Poly Humboldt…what?"
Humboldt has been known by many names through out the years:
- 1913 Humboldt State Normal School
- 1921 Humboldt State Teachers College
- 1935 Humboldt State College
- 1972 California State University, Humboldt
- 1974 Humboldt State University
- 2022 California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Alumni Association Timeline
Fall 1924
Original Humboldt State Normal School Alumni Association formed, and first Homecoming dance held.
Spring 1960
Alumni Association begins “Who’s Who” award to honor distinguished alumni. The first recipient was George Hogan (’33).
Fall 1979
Students begin the tradition of honoring elder alumni at Homecoming celebrations.
Fall 2014
Humboldt Alumni Association is combined with other groups to form Forever Humboldt.
