“One of the most important aspects of my education was the
ability to be challenged by and educated by my fellow students,” says
Carlos Garcia '82, associate director, Office of Higher Education,
NY State Department of Education. “We
talked about contemporary issues, developed and debated our positions, and learned
communication skills. I developed the confidence to be a leader. These are skills
I have used my entire career on behalf of disadvantaged students.”
Garcia
was one of those disadvantaged students himself. Fortunately, the Higher
Education Opportunity Program was there to help him. “Because
of my background and preparation, I would not have been admitted
to St. Lawrence University, much less have been able to afford
a college education,” he explained. “The
very existence of HEOP made my future possible.”
His career
success earned his honors as one of New York State’s most respect
leaders in education.
Because of life circumstances, Garcia’s academic preparation may have been
lacking, but his promise was apparent. St. Lawrence was the right setting to
explore the depth of his intellect and compassion. Along with his studies, he
became involved in student activities such as the Black Student Union, Amnesty
International, and Christian Fellowship.
Garcia has worked in higher education and state education administration
ever since graduating, particularly in support of opportunity programs. “I
have a passion for advocating for the disenfranchised in our society;
it is important to be able to articulate their problems and develop
solutions for them,” he notes. Today, his role is to oversee
the 42 Collegiate Science and Technology Entry (CSTEP) Programs
in New York State, helping disadvantaged students enter science, mathematics,
technical, and licensed professions. He has had an impact on tens of
thousands of students working to enter challenging careers.
