Team: Raul Alvarez
ASMC Student Support Coordinator
Welcome, Raul
What is your role at Merced College? As the Student Support Coordinator for the Associated Students of Merced College (ASMC), I handle many tasks that are related to everyday student life on campus. My most important duties are working with the ASMC Executive Council to assist them in planning events and bringing their ideas to life.
I also find myself answering so many questions from students about Merced College itself. Anything from, “Where’s the LRC?” to “How do I convert a word document into a PDF?” This makes for interesting and productive days.
Transitioning to this job has felt quite natural for me, since prior to taking this position, I served as both the Events and Operations Coordinator and Acting Assistant Director of Events and Operations.
What part of your job do you enjoy most? I am really starting to enjoy this position as a whole, but I find working alongside the students and ASMC Advisor Suzanne McGhee most rewarding. Every day I learn the nuances of this position, accomplishing small victories along the way.
I like the diversity of my work, too. Throughout my tenure here I’ve been involved with so many campus events—from small, daily things like reserving facilities, to the largest and most important, Merced College commencement. This is the first year that I’m more directly involved with planning commencement ceremonies. Part of my responsibility is to oversee MarchingOrder, a program Merced College uses to organize every graduate’s registration, including their degrees and the pronunciation of their names.
I also recruit students to participate in “Graduation Idol,” which is our official audition for national anthem singers for the ceremony, and coordinate the process where the student cabinet chooses our commencement student speakers.
I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned working in other Merced College positions with the students and my new colleagues.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College? In 2004, I was working as an On-Campus Alternative Room (OCAR) instructor at Golden Valley High School. I wanted to work at a college, so I was searching for different opportunities when I found out Merced College was hiring an Events Coordinator. I applied and was happy to be selected.
That was in 2006. It gave me an opportunity to give back to a place that built me into who I am today. I am an alumnus of Merced College and also played football for the Blue Devils.
What do you like to do outside of work? I have been coaching high school football for over 30 years. I love coaching. I find it very fulfilling. The teaching component is like no other. My father was a successful men’s soccer coach in this area, so I learned from the best.
I also enjoy golfing. The exactness of the game is a challenge, and I love the competition. The only regret I have when it comes to hobbies is that I didn’t try golf sooner.
What is a fun fact about you? I am the youngest of 11 children. We’re very close-knit, which has helped me become a better coach and staff member at Merced College. I learned early in life what it means to work together and the importance of teamwork.
I also have a small backyard orchard at home. The orchard is made of 14 prunus genus trees (apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots), as well as citrus trees and grapes. I like watching things grow and produce. My older brother, my father and my grandfather were all skilled in agriculture. They could make anything grow. I like to think I have some of that in me as well.
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