Fall Commencement Graduates Celebrate New Beginnings (PHOTOS)
With cheers echoing through Lumberjack Arena and the support of family, friends, and the Humboldt community, nearly 300 Cal Poly Humboldt graduates crossed the stage on Friday, Dec. 19, during Fall Commencement.
Latest News
Big Wins, Bold Discoveries: Humboldt’s Best Stories of 2025 (VIDEO)
This year has been an extraordinary one for Cal Poly Humboldt. It has been a year defined by remarkable discoveries, standout achievements, and meaningful growth across our campus community. From groundbreaking research to national recognition, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni have continued to raise the bar and showcase what Humboldt can accomplish.
The ‘Pocket Prairie’: A Living Laboratory
The old swath of lawn where the Jensen House once stood is transforming into something extraordinary: a vibrant, living coastal prairie. Soon, this hillside will be home to dozens of native grasses and wildflowers—a space designed to teach, inspire, and restore.
Finishing Strong, Finding Balance and Support Through Finals Week
As finals week approaches Dec. 15-19, Cal Poly Humboldt students are gearing up for one last push before winter break. And while exams and projects take center stage, finishing strong is about more than study sessions; it’s about taking care of yourself, finding balance, and tapping into the support systems all around you.
Celebrating Our Fall 2025 Graduates!
Cal Poly Humboldt will honor its newest graduates at Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 19, marking a day of celebration, reflection, and promise.
Alumni & Donor Stories
A Life Rooted in Wonder: Kathy Simpson Honors Husband’s Legacy
When Kathy Simpson talks about her late husband, Don Berry (‘76, Forestry), there’s a light that rises in her voice, an unmistakable glow of a life deeply loved and profoundly shared. Don was a scientist at heart, and, as Kathy puts it, “He was the funniest, kindest person I ever met. His joy in the natural world was infectious.”
Alum Brings Humboldt to Screens Nationwide
Ray Olson (‘86, Natural Resource Planning & Interpretation) has always had a passion for the outdoors. He came to Cal Poly Humboldt because of his love for the North Coast, which felt like home to him. Many years later, that same passion to explore a place, understand it, and share those experiences has become the driving force behind his TV series, Humboldt Outdoors.
A Legacy of Opportunity: Alum's Gift Empowers Chemistry Students and Faculty
Daniel Walker (‘74, Biology) embodies both gratitude and purpose through his generosity to Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Generational Giving from the Harris Family Expands Educational Opportunity
The Harris family’s philanthropy began, as Jim Harris tells it, around a dining room table.
Campus Achievements
Scholarly Communications Librarian Kyle Morgan published the article “Using AI to Auto-Tag Graduate Theses” in Information Technology and Libraries, 44(4),…
Dr. Laura Johnson has joined the Embodied Philosophy teaching community to offer a transformative course,…
Dr. Sarah Jaquette Ray interviewed Alexander Menrisky, author of a new book called Everyday Ecofascism, about the violent side of environmental politics for the University of Wisconsin web-…
California’s old-growth coast redwoods hold record-breaking biomass (organic material in wood, bark, and leaves) and provide vital habitats for tree-dwelling plants, animals, and fungi. Over 95%…
I have been invited by the United States Geological Survey to speak at their annual Northern California Earthquake Hazards Workshop (February, 2026) to discuss a recent paper of which I was lead…
Humboldt in the News
Recognizing the expertise and achievements our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Know of a story we should consider for Humboldt in the News? Email us at news@humboldt.edu.
Native American Studies Professor Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy discusses Ishi, the sole survivor of the Native American Yahi people of California, who used his skill and intelligence to make sure their knowledge didn’t die with him.
Human Intelligence (BBC) - Jan 2026
Great leaps in cannabis research expected after marijuana rescheduling »
The path to descheduling and federal legalization will require more research. Trump's marijuana rescheduling order should make that easier.
MJ Biz Daily - Jan 2026
In California’s redwoods, scientists rebuild lost ecosystems high up in the canopy »
In Northern California’s redwood forests, scientists are pioneering techniques to restore canopy ecosystems by transplanting aerial gardens into younger trees to rebuild habitat, bolster biodiversity, and help forests better withstand climate change.
Mongabay - Jan 2026
Meet five new species discovered in 2025 »
From high up in the mountains to the deep sea, take a tour across the world to meet five new species discovered in 2025.
Short Wave (NPR) - Jan 2026
Cal Poly Humboldt named Bicycle Friendly University »
Cal Poly Humboldt University received a bronze award from the League of American Bicyclists, recognizing it as a Bicycle Friendly University for promoting and enabling accessible, safe bicycling on campus.
Jefferson Public Radio - Jan 2026
