Foreword

Dear Merced College Colleagues,

One of the most rewarding aspects of serving at Merced College is witnessing how our institution transforms lives and strengthens communities.

This month in the Blue Devil’s Advocate, we shine a light on the inspiring ways our alumni, employees, and trustees are making an impact through public service—from local boards all the way to the halls of Congress.

Indeed, Merced College’s influence extends from the grassroots to the national stage. Adam Gray, one of our distinguished alumni, recently became the first Blue Devil elected to Congress. Closer to home, several alumni and employees have also stepped into local leadership roles, including city councils and school boards.

This is a great source of pride for all of us at Merced College. The decision to enter the political fray in order to better one’s community, city, state or nation is not one that can be taken lightly. It is encouraging to know that many of our local elected officials have Merced College roots, and that some of their most formative experiences happened right here on our campuses.

Likewise, our district is fortunate to be led by a Board of Trustees full of dedicated public servants who truly understand the value of education and the role of a community college. The board helps to establish the vision for our district and makes critical decisions that guide our work, while also serving often as cheerleaders and advocates for Merced College at the local, regional and state level. Read on to learn more about who our trustees are and why they’ve chosen to serve in this way.

Speaking of trustees, our alumni profile this month is none other than Trustee Mario Mendoza, who crossed the commencement stage and earned his associate degree in May 2024. I hope you’ll enjoy this inspiring story of a trustee who, like so many of our students, restarted his educational journey later in life and has now put himself on a solid foundation and a clear path to success.

Lastly, as we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded of the powerful example of service set by President Jimmy Carter, who visited Merced College during his reelection campaign in 1980. Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024 before passing away on Dec. 29, left an unparalleled legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to revisit our recent article honoring Carter’s visit to Merced College.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our elected officials, and especially to those who give of their time and energy to serve at the local level. Please join me in appreciating their service and celebrating their impact in our communities.

Sincerely,