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.”

"The trees, the coast, the small town atmosphere, and yes, even the weather are all extremely appealing to me," said Brenda Lush about her lure to Humboldt State. "Once I was here, I knew I made the right choice." A transfer student from Santa Rosa, Brenda is planning on graduating this May from Humboldt State with a BS in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Psychology. In addition to a full-time load, Brenda is also VP of the Kinesiology Club and working in both the Human Performance Lab and Biomechanics Lab on campus as well. "Along with my own research that I am conducting comparing different accuracies of BMI measures, I'm also helping conduct some research with a professor here on gait analysis, along with helping to build an anti-gravity simulator," said Brenda. After graduating, Brenda hopes to continue on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. "I'm so glad and extremely grateful for receiving this scholarship, it's helping me a great deal in finishing up my academic career here at Humboldt State."

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.” 

"I had no idea what to expect, but I do love the school and I'm proud to be an HSU student," said Brian Lancaster. "It came at a really good time too, when I really needed it. So, I'm definitely excited about having it." Brian plans on joining the Peace Corps after graduating in Spring 2009, then attending graduate school. His mother attended Humboldt State as well. "She has shared with me that Humboldt State provided a wonderfully diverse atmosphere with small classes and personal relationships with many of her professors," said Brian.

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.

Matthew is a Secondary English Education major.  Throughout his academic experience certain English teachers have been mentors for him, helping him through the hard periods of life.  He is a very dedicated English student and hopes to share his enthusiasm for the subject with high school students. "As a teacher you become one of the most direct conduits of change in a community," says Matthew.  Since he began at HSU in 2006, Matt has been fund raising for the Humboldt Loyalty Fund reaching out to a diverse range of alumni all over the country. He has developed a sincere interest in the well being of the University. "I look around at the changes on campus and I'd like to think I have had something to do with them."

Margaret, daughter of Marlo ('91) and Stephen ('91) Bradley, is a Psychology major. She has been a very active member of her school and community, while maintaining excellent grades and a job.  Margaret hopes one day to have a career in a field related to psychology and a family to go home to.

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.“

Daniel received his bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2010 and is currently working on his Certificate of Study in Geographic Information Systems. Daniel has been a dedicated member of the Y.E.S. House (Youth Educational Services) and even received the President's Volunteer Service Award for his work.

Hannah Thesell is a freshman majoring in Sociology. She is excited to attend Humboldt State because she feels HSU shares her values of environmental consciousness and social justice. In high school, Hannah co-founded and served as president of her school’s Human Rights Club. She hopes to use her HSU education to fulfill her dream of serving in the Peace Corps. Hannah’s mother attended HSU and has been bringing her on trips to visit the campus since she was a little girl. Hannah feels these visits greatly contributed to her desire to attend Humboldt State.