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Cal Aggie Alumni Association

Cal Aggie Alumni Association
 

Joaquin Galvan



By Leslie Cory ’13

Joaquin Galvan understands the value of hard work and dedication. “I’ve worked here for 30 years, but I was also involved on campus long before that,” he reflects. Beginning his journey at UC Davis in 1974, it was not until 1981 that Joaquin earned his bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies. Life did not prove to be simple for Joaquin over the course of these years. During this period, he married and had two children. He also faced the remnants of discrimination that had recently been outlawed, yet still proved to be a challenge on university campuses. Joaquin did not let those obstacles deter him from taking advantage of the opportunities that were presented to him. Upon graduating and completing a short period of construction, consulting and farm work, he was hired to do consulting work for the Early Outreach and Partnership program on campus.

Ten years later, with his student loans paid off and working as a retention coordinator and study skills specialist at UC Davis, Joaquin decided to pursue a master’s degree in education in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science. The department has now transitioned into Regional and Community Development. Although it has a different title, the overall goal of preparing individuals to work within a community remains the same. “The program, the way it was structured, was theoretical but also practical,” he says. “That was what I was looking for, hands on stuff, with the theory to back it up.”

As a retention coordinator, Joaquin explains that he “helps people learn how to learn” by acting as a self-described transitional counselor. “We are more than the reflection in the mirror and that is what people can learn here. They get out of the house and come here and start thinking for themselves and that is really important. That is what can make a difference in the world.”

The students he advises tend to remain in his life for many years due to his participation with the Chicano/Latino Alumni Association. In addition to this, Joaquin also serves as a staff advisor to several student organizations. With his constant dedication and devotion to UC Davis, it is no surprise that he was awarded the Aggie Service Award by the Cal Aggie Alumni Association in 2005.

Now retired, Joaquin has decided to do away with commitments and the standard eight-to-five day in an attempt to readjust his priorities so he can enjoy retirement.


Posted October 2011