This endowment empowers Cal Poly Humboldt’s Nursing program students who show unwavering dedication to their chosen field.
The scholarship honors the late Calvin and Virginia Kernen, two devoted, hardworking local community members whose lives were rooted in service, family, and resilience. Karla’s father, Calvin, served as a medic in World War II and worked in the lumber mills and construction, while her mother, Virginia, a registered nurse, cared for generations of families in Humboldt County. Together, they lived in the same Humboldt County home for 67 years and were married for 73.
“My parents always emphasized the importance of education,” Karla says. “They believed that no one could take your education from you, and they knew firsthand that practical training opened doors—especially in nursing. My mother could always get a job wherever they lived. My father often told us, “‘Work smarter, not harder.’”
That message stuck with Karla and her siblings—Kurt Kernen (‘83, Industrial Arts), who is a local contractor, and Kay Becker (‘79, Business Administration, ‘92, German,), who taught financial literacy and management in local high schools—both also graduated from Humboldt. The Kernen family is proud to support and grow this legacy over time.
The idea to establish the scholarship came from a deep desire to “pay it forward” and recognize the impact their parents and grandparents had, not only in their family’s lives but in the wider community.
“We were helped by scholarships in our academic journeys,” Karla says. “We know how much of a difference they can make. It’s not just about easing financial burdens. It’s about feeling supported, knowing someone believes in your goals.”
The family hopes this scholarship will allow nursing students, many of whom are already serving the community, to deepen their skills, expand their education, and continue delivering the kind of care her mother was known for.
“My mom was the neighborhood nurse,” Karla says. “She cared for everyone, whether she knew you or not.”
Karla remembers her time at Humboldt fondly, especially the connections she made with professors who were passionate about their fields and invested in their students. “Professors like Walter LaDue in Speech Pathology and Peter Shaffer in German made a lasting impact on me. They were supportive, kind, and enthusiastic—exactly the kind of educators who shape your life,” she says.
Among her most memorable moments was student teaching with Leighton McClaskey during her master’s program, a pivotal experience that brought her classroom knowledge into real-world practice. “That’s when it all came together,” Karla says. “You see the impact firsthand and realize the importance of strong mentorship.”
The family hopes this scholarship inspires a new generation of nursing professionals committed to working in Humboldt and giving back to the region, just like their parents did. “This is about legacy,” Karla said. “It’s about honoring the values our parents lived by—kindness, integrity, hard work, and generosity. And it’s about building a better future for students and for this community we love.”
The Kernen family welcomes additional donations to grow the fund and invites others who share their commitment to healthcare and education to join them in supporting Humboldt’s nursing students. Please consider giving to the Calvin and Virginia Kernen Family Endowment at
giving.humboldt.edu/calvin-and-virginia-kernen-family-endowment.
To honor your family’s inspiring legacy of determination, similar to the Kernen family, consider establishing an endowment by calling (707) 826-5200 or emailing giving@humboldt.edu.