Merritt Gives Recognition to Mr. Nestor Alvarado, Grounds Keeper
Merritt College wishes to recognize someone who (without fanfare) has done wonderful things at Merritt over the past several months. And while the product of this person’s efforts as a team leader has drawn accolades, his modest and unassuming nature often leads to taking his personal contributions for granted. Thus, Merritt formally acknowledges Mr. Nestor Alvarado.
Mr. Nestor has been employed for many years with the Department of General Services Grounds Division, but Merritt College has become the campus where he spends most of his time. During these daunting months of the pandemic, Mr. Nestor and his team engaged in the difficult work of transforming the landscape of the college. While many were away, he labored tireless to clear, plant, and beautify. And he always does so with a smile and a kind word. The college wishes to thank him for that and give appreciation for everything he has done to make Merritt marvelous.
Merritt College Applies for Grant with Hispanic Serving Institution
On Tuesday, May 17th Merritt College completed and successfully submitted an application for the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Grant. In undertaking this effort, Merritt focused on its vision of creating an expanded educational space that will enhance outreach and in-reach services for our students. In addition, the college knows that the HSI designation will provide vital resources and funding to increase persistence and transfer rates, as well as career placement in high-demand industries in the region. Finally, the HSI Grant will strengthen the institution’s infrastructure, effectiveness, and capacity to thrive, while also supporting the community at large with improved program quality and increased academic offerings. Merritt College wishes to thank our VPSS Lilia Chavez for her leadership on this, as well as Director of Research and Planning Nathan Pellegrin, Executive Assistant Jamila Saleh, and faculty members Mario Rivas, Marty Zielke, and Rosa Perez. We should know the outcome of our efforts by the end of September.
A Salute to Retiring Merritt College Faculty
Merrit College salutes four faculty members who are retiring at the end of the semester:
- Jennifer Briffa – Child Development
- Mary Ciddio – Counseling
- Jon Murphy – Medical Assisting
- Megan Talbot – Nursing
With their respective departures, we lose not only decades of teaching expertise and institutional memory, but also their commitment and affection for their students and this institution. In the weeks to come, we will plan a retirement celebration that is befitting of what they have meant and will always mean to Merritt College. But for now, I hope they know how much we respect, love, and appreciate them.
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. David M. Johnson, Merritt College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. To view as a pdf, click here.
