Alumni Support of Scholarships

Humboldt’s alumni demonstrate their dedication to the core university mission of providing a high quality, hands-on, affordable education to students through their record setting giving, which supports several important scholarships on campus. 

Alumni Association Scholarship

The HSU Alumni Association sponsored two $1000 scholarships for the Spring 2009 semester.  Join us as we congratulate Rae Kromschroeder, Business Administration major, and Brenda Lush, Kinesiology major. 

Scholarship recipients were selected on their academic achievement, activities, and need.  The Association's scholarship committee thanks all the applicants for their submissions and their enthusiastic interest in the Humboldt State Alumni Association. On behalf of the Alumni Association Award Committee and the entire membership of the Alumni Association, we congratulate our recipients and wish them well in their educational and professional pursuits.

Alumni Association scholarships are funded by member dues and Association fund raising activities.

Spring 2009 Recepients

Brenda Lush

“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.”

Rae Kromschroeder

“Before I attended Humboldt State, I had two jobs and worked close to 70 hours a week,” said Rae Kromschroeder, Business Administration junior. “Most people would assume I was doing it for the money, but truthfully I was working those jobs to earn enough money to go to Humboldt.”  With two Humboldt State alumni cousins, Rae had heard a lot about Humboldt before deciding which university to attend. “They raved constantly on how amazing the school was, from the teachers, to the campus life, and everything in between.” As a member of the Business and Economics Club, soccer player and frequent theatergoer, Rae has set her sights high. “My goals in life are simple: get a degree in business and then take the business world head on, and one day own my own company.”

Fall 2008 Recipients

Mark Seymour

“It was an early Christmas present getting into Humboldt,” said Mark Seymour. A stop on the way between Sacramento and his hometown of Bellingham, Washington around Thanksgiving led to a visit to Humboldt State University, and a very last-minute acceptance letter. “I knew I wanted to be in California and I’d been in Santa Cruz and then in Sacramento, but I wanted to be closer to home,” said Mark. “Arcata is so similar to my hometown. Nature and the outdoors are a part of life here.” Two years into his undergraduate degree, Mark plans on working with habitat restoration after graduation. “I want to be an integral part in bringing watersheds back nearer to their natural state. Reversing the effects of people and time is doable though it takes enormous effort on many facets,” Mark said. A Master’s degree may be in his future, but he’s decided to have a go at the job market first. “I’m so grateful for it, every little bit helps,” Mark said on receiving the scholarship. “After being in a crunch, everything helps.”

Griffin Bacik

Griffin Bacik claimed to have never been one of those people who were good at everything, but with a few experiences with some inspiring teachers, he found his passion in science. “I was good at it – really good!” said Griffin. Currently a senior at Ukiah High School, Griffin is looking forward to studying biotechnology at Humboldt State, the alma mater of both his parents. “I like the idea of Humboldt as a small college; I think it will be more comfortable. Plus there are such great sciences here,” said Griffin. Coming from a supportive family and a friendly town, Griffin says he is a lucky guy. Knowing this, he wants to help those he thinks aren’t as lucky as he. “I wish to help those who have suffered devastating injuries, and perhaps, someday even help to prolong human life,” said Griffin. “With the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe there is a real need for such research. I hope my luck will be someone else’s gain.” Receiving this scholarship wasn’t all luck, however, and the funds will help Griffin defray the cost of books and tuition. “I’m honored to receive the award and I absolutely appreciate the help.”

Spring 2008 Recipients

Brian Lancaster

“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.

Jessica Poletski

Jessica has had a unique start at Humboldt with her mother. “I was fortunate enough to actually start HSU with my mom pretty much by my side. We were only able to take one class together, but it made the experience very special.” In addition to being a mother, student, working as a tutor and in the Alumni Relations office, Jessica and her husband are planning to become foster parents after graduating at Humboldt State. “I feel that by learning all the aspects and outlooks offered through sociology I will be able to go into foster parenting with more of an open mind and a better understanding of the situations the children are coming from,” said Jessica. “This is the first scholarship I’ve actually applied for and received, so I’m definitely excited. My husband is also going back to school this semester and the money will be greatly appreciated.”