2008-09 ROLE MODELS
for the CSUSM Latino Community
Faculty Role Model:
Dr. Marisol Clark-Ibáñez
Marisol Clark-Ibáñez, Ph.D., was born in Lima, Perú to a Peruvian mother and an Irish-American father. She lived her first years in South America and then immigrated to California with her parents. Growing up in Berkeley and Davis, Marisol and her sister Giselle spent each summer to Trujillo, Perú, a northern coastal town where her grandmother lived. Now, married to Ecuadorian-born Luke Lara (whose father is Afro-Ecuadorian and mother is German-American)has allowed herto add another "home" country to visit and which to introduce her own children. International issues and travel are cornerstones of Marisol's research, teaching, and personal interests.
At CSUSM, Marisol enjoys teaching Latino Communities (Soc 345) and Children's Human Rights in a Global Society (Soc 403) for the Department of Sociology. Her research currently focuses on the experiences of undocumented Latino college students. Marisol coaches and facilitates research and digital story telling with undergraduate and graduate researchers on this topic and others related to the Latino community (e.g., Latino parent-participation).
Her most rewarding experience at CSUSM has been serving as co-advisor for the student club, Espíritu de NuestroFuturo, which strives to support and advocate for undocumented college students. Marisol is extremely impressed by the club members' dedication, leadership abilities, outreach efforts, lobbying for the DREAM Act, and fundraising for the club's scholarship. She also enjoys working with co-advisor SilverioHaro and learning from his expertise on Chicano history, organizing, and empowerment. Marisol hopes to see CSUSM become designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, the development of a Chicano/a Studies program, and increased retention and success for Latino/a students.
Student Role Model:
Sam Fernandez
Sam Fernandez, a current EOP student, will be graduating with a BS in Biological Sciences in May 2009. He has a great heart and is very active with the various communities in the San Diego County area and beyond. Sam's love for life and his determination, passion, and drive to do better are all qualities that he possesses. Sam is very passionate about being involved in the community and as he says, "his fellow brothers and sisters." He plans to pursue graduate studies in the Biological Sciences area. In addition, Sam dances/performs Aztec Dances/rituals, because he believes these activities bring the Latino community together and allow for appreciation of one's culture.
Some of the activities of Sam's involvement in the Latino community, as well as other diverse communities: During the 2007-08 academic year, Sam was recognized at a Biomedical Research Conference for minority students for an oral presentation in the area of cell biological sciences, he assisted in various outreach programs, including: College Connection (A day for foster youth students visit CSUSM), Bridge Building Partnership (Encourages students from community colleges to apply to CSUSM), and Volunteers for various on- and off-campus organizations and clubs.
Administrator Role Model:
Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez
Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez has greatly contributed to the community through all of his roles, especially as a Psychology faculty, mentor, researcher, and as an administrator. He continues to inspire many people through his talents and commitment to the Latino community. The CSUSM community is extremely lucky to have such a talented and dedicated scholar and administrator. It is an honor to recognize Dr. Gonzalez's outstanding contributions and welcome him to the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff Gallery of Role Models.
Dr. Gonzalez has always been an advocate for social justice. He has expediently moved forward issues affecting underrepresented students, and other important matters impacting the Latino community. He exemplifies many of the qualities of an excellent role model. Dr. Gonzalez is confident, humble, knowledgeable, and above all, a good listener. Dr. Gonzalez has served in many roles throughout his career at CSUSM.
Some of his accomplishments.
Full Professor, Department of Psychology
Department Chair, Department of Psychology
Chair of Academic Senate, 2000-2001
Mentor for many students
President of the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff, 1993
Sponsor for the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff
Chair of Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force, 2006-07
Director, National Latino Research Center, 2002-2006
Dean of Graduate Studies
President's Award for Scholarship & Creative Activity, 2004
Associate Vice President for Research
Staff Role Model:
Lupe Medina
Lupe Medina has greatly contributed to the Latino community. Lupe provides excellent service and support to a diverse population at the College of Education, including the Latino community. Lupe is an ethical person who contributes to the campus by supporting and "walking the talk" regarding issues related to social justice. The work she continues to provide in support of underrepresented students is recognized as exemplary work. It is an honor to recognize Lupe Medina's outstanding contributions and welcome her to the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff Gallery of Role Models.
Lupe's brief autobiography: My parents emigrated from Mexico, La Paz, Baja California to be exact, at a very young age. I am the youngest of five children born in Brawley, California (not too long ago) I, therefore, always say I am a true Californian. My hometown is only some 30 miles from the border town of Mexicali, Baja California, therefore, I was very fortunate to have experienced firsthand a small part of Mexico. My parents were hard working people that honored and respected their new home, yet never lost their love for their country of origin, Mexico. I am proud of my heritage and have a deep love for Mexico, a feeling that was instilled by my parents.
I have lived my life not only as a Latina, but also as a Latina woman who supports and fights for the rights and equality of all women. I have never concentrated on being discriminated against because of being a Latina; I consider that thinking very counterproductive and conducive to more negativity. I am proud of who I am. I have taught my children to live their lives knowing that there are no obstacles to achieving their goals, except those obstacles they place before themselves. The best role modeling any one can do is to live a life that exemplifies integrity, respect of others, compassion, and reliability.
Lupe's accomplishments:
Member of the College of Education's Teacher Diversity Advisory Committee, 1999
President of the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff, 2002
Member of the Hispanic Advisory Council, 2001-2002
Instrumental in acquiring LAFS' affiliation status with the University, 2002
Exemplary Fundraiser for the LAFS Scholarship Student Fund Award
LAFS Auction Webmaster, 2003
Student Mentor
Please note: if your role model is not chosen this academic year, you may resubmit the same request again for the next academic year.
Artwork by Viredo Espinosa, Cuban
