Foreword

Dear Merced College Colleagues,

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this issue of the Blue Devil’s Advocate reminds us that change—the kind that transforms lives, industries, and communities—is never about one person alone. At Merced College, making changes to benefit our students is always more important than any one individual, as our theme this year emphasizes—change is greater than me (∆ > ME).

You see this spirit of transformation reflected across our agriculture programs, where innovation and tradition are working hand in hand to shape the future of our region.

Through the new Merced AgTech Alliance, Merced College is partnering with UC Merced, the Community Foundation of Merced County, and The Reservoir to create pathways that connect research, technology, and workforce development. Together, we are building a foundation that will allow our students, and our community, to lead in what we hope will become the “Silicon Valley of Agriculture.”

That same commitment to progress is evident in our Ag Systems Certificate program, which has quadrupled in size since its launch last year. Rooted in an innovative competency-based education model, this program is helping students and working professionals—from farm laborers to UC Merced students—gain the skills they need to grow their careers and their confidence. It’s a powerful example of how accessible education can open doors, elevate families, and strengthen our local workforce.

Our alumni profile this month highlights Adamaris Alvarez, a proud Latina, UC Merced graduate, and the first completer of our Ag Systems Certificate. Adamaris embodies what it means to honor your roots while building a new future. Her story reflects both gratitude and determination—and shows how higher education can prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Finally, you’ll get to know Jenny Barajas, a Student Support Coordinator who works tirelessly to connect students with opportunities and ensure they feel seen, supported, and inspired. Jenny’s outreach, especially among Hispanic and agricultural communities, is a reminder that meaningful change happens when we lift one another up.

These stories reflect the heart of Merced College as a place where change takes many forms: technological, educational, personal, and organizational culture. Together, they show how innovation grows from collaboration, and how every step forward is part of something greater than any one of us.