Snippets of History
Humboldt State 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 State has focused on producing alumni who make a difference in the world. In the words of Humboldt State'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.
Today, the 7,550 students at Humboldt are offered 49
baccalaureate degree majors, comprising 84 minors, 82 options/concentrations,
12 graduate programs, 21 credential programs (including 16 single subject
credentials) and several certificates of study.
Who's Who / Distinguished Alumni
Humboldt State began recognizing the achievements of alumni in 1960 when it launched its annual Who’s Who Award, which later became the Distinguished Alumni Awards. Distinguished alumni are individuals recognized as leaders in their fields, and/or outstanding contributors to their community, nation, or Humboldt State University.
Read about recent Distinguished Alumni.
"Humboldt State...what?"
Humboldt State has been known by many names through out the years.
1913 Humboldt State Normal School
1921 Humboldt State Teachers College and Junior College
1935 Humboldt State College
1972 California State University, Humboldt
1974 Humboldt State University