Inspiring Stories

March 2023 —Cal Poly Humboldt legacy donors gathered Thursday, March 2 at Baywood Golf & Country Club for the inaugural 1913 Legacy Society luncheon, a celebration of those who have designated Humboldt in their estate plans. The Thursday luncheon recognized 16 donors in attendance, whose collective giving has surpassed $5 million. Their generosity will support students for generations to come. 

Feb, 2023—For more than four decades, Robert Gearheart has been dedicated to understanding wetland systems and sharing his wisdom and passion with others. He’s reached hundreds of students over the years.

January 17, 2023—When Jennifer Keller looks back on her college years, she recalls a financial landscape where students could go to school and work without being saddled with loans. Jennifer believes that isn’t the case today.

Oct 24, 2022—These donors, through their planned gifts, are creating a lasting legacy to provide a positive and meaningful educational experience for Humboldt students. They are all now recognized as members of the 1913 Legacy Society.

September 7, 2022—To Jacob Furgatch (‘82, Nursing), graduating from the Nursing program at Humboldt was about more than getting a bachelor’s degree. His Humboldt experience became the foundation for everything that came after – his wife, family, and a successful career. 

May 7, 2022—Inspired by their passion for Humboldt, history, and lifelong learning, Jerry and Gisela Rohde have made a transformational gift to the Cal Poly Humboldt Library and its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of more than $2 million through a planned bequest. The gift commitment is the second largest in University history. 

Apr, 2022—Cal Poly Humboldt’s Dennis K. Walker Greenhouse boasts one of the largest teaching collections of living plants in California.

January 13, 2022—The Humboldt State University Library has  received a generous gift that will support students and their success for years to come. 

May 3, 2021—For Connie Stewart (‘88, Speech Communication), the executive director of Initiatives at Humboldt State University, the hands-on learning experiences at HSU helped make her into who she is today: an activist deeply committed to rural communities along the North Coast. 

January 25, 2019—Humboldt State University makes a distinct and lasting impression on students, and Laura Fisher (‘84, Geology) believes that our students are in an excellent position to change the world for the better. “Attending HSU helps students learn to think beyond themselves--to take care of other people and our world. It’s about living true to who you are.” 

November 6, 2018—Jean Shipman left Humboldt State University $230,000 from her estate in a tribute to her husband, a former professor at HSU. Her bequest will support endowments that fund the Mark B. Rhea Soil Science Scholarship and the Mark B. Rhea Environmental Sciences and Management Scholarship.

June 3, 2016—Lance Hardie is a renaissance man. He’s been an electrical engineer, small business owner, writer, editor, radio host, and on-air programmer, and among his many interests is the future of our planet.

September 3, 2015—An HSU alum who worked as a student at the Library has left Humboldt State University a $200,000 bequest for the Library.

HSU alumna Alice Whitson (Education ‘53) recently left a $678,947 bequest to support future teachers at Humboldt State University. Alice’s bequest will go toward enhancing the Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential Program.