News Releases
News from
Lane Community College, Eugene, Oregon
Public information officer: Joan Aschim, (541) 463-5591, aschimj@lanecc.edu
Sources: Barb Delansky, Director, Student Life and Leadership Development, (541) 465-5337; Jim Garcia, Diversity Coordinator, (541) 463-5852
For release November 7, 2005
Jim Garcia named interim coordinator of Chicano/Latino program at LCC
 Jim Garcia |
Eugene, Ore. - Jim Garcia, diversity coordinator at Lane Community College since October 2000, has been named interim Chicano/Latino student program coordinator, effective November 1. The appointment creates a new focus on Chicano/Latino student recruitment and retention at Lane. Garcia's community leadership and recognition is expected to facilitate student recruitment, advance the college's diversity goals, and improve service to the community's growing Chicano/Latino population.
Garcia also will absorb some responsibilities of outgoing Multicultural Center director Connie Mesquita, who is retiring after 26 years at Lane. Mesquita is credited with developing many services at Lane to meet the educational needs of the Chicano/Latino community.
Garcia is well known and highly respected for his work in diversity, equity and human rights, says Barbara Delansky, director of Student Life and Leadership Development at Lane. With more than 20 years of service to the local and state Chicano/Latino community, he has received numerous awards, most recently the 2005 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award from the City of Eugene Human Rights Program. He earned a bachelor of science degree in history from the University of Oregon in 1977. His extensive teaching and administrative experience includes former positions at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Chemeketa Community College, and New Mexico State University. He co-founded the Latino Rites of Passage Program, known as Puertas Abiertas, at Lane. A singer and musician, Garcia performs at many events. He is a second-generation Mexican American from Corona, California.
“The Chicano/Latino student program coordinator position aligns with the college diversity plan, core values and strategic directions, and the temporary appointment is consistent with employee contracts,” says Delansky, “and will allow us to continue to meet student and community needs while we move forward with the good work done by Connie Mesquita and the other staff in providing services and programs.” A national search will be conducted for a permanent hire and is expected to conclude sometime winter term. The diversity coordinator vacancy created by the transition will be filled on an interim basis by internal appointment.
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