Testimonials

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What I will forever remember of Dr. Garcia: first, his Chicano swag—smooth way of walking—never in haste, but firm and confident in his stride. Equally, his speech was calm and resounding, echoing all the West Coast Cali cadence. Warmly, I felt Dr. Garcia embodied the avatar of an intellectual Chicano, more so when he wore his newsboy hat. Secondly and more importantly, he quickly accepted my calling him Dr. Garcia; though we are colleagues, he understood that referring to him as Dr. Garcia was a sign of my respect and admiration. Lastly, I will cherish his willingness to share his knowledge about life with me. While sharing his methods for success, he unselfishly and with the same gravitas shared his tribulations, hoping to prevent one from committing similar mistakes. In conversation, Dr. Garcia would repeat the key points to solidify the importance of the message. Hence, I will forever hold dear the memory of the great mentor who unselfishly gave to others.

Dr. Garcia embodied everything beautiful about being Chicano and being a good person; in South Texas, we would say that Dr. Garcia traía su corazón en las manos [he carried his heart in his hands]. This means that he was open about his emotions and intentions and kind-hearted. Dr. Garcia’s moral compass always pulled to do the right thing. For instance, one evening, he told me about his early retirement; while Dr. Garcia talked about retirement, it was more of something down the pipeline; he was passionate about the work he was doing and his involvement with the university, so it was a surprise. Why? I asked, and he replied, “A young colleague in my department had unfortunately received a retrenchment letter, so I have accepted the letter of retrenchment on their behalf.” Sensing my confusion in his calm cholo voice—as someone who accepted the gravity of the situation, he replied, “Hilario, their (referring to the original recipient) academic career is just beginning; besides, it’s the right thing to do.” In the last line, Dr. Garcia’s tone was punctual, suggesting that it was happening and not debatable. Amigos/as I am sharing a fraction of the type of person my mentor and friend was. I believe his kindness is what drew people to him.

For example, first-generation students found comfort in having someone with similar experience—a first-generation college student with a migrant farmworker family background. I’ll give context to my statement. My research office was adjacent to Dr. Garcia’s, so Latinx students would knock on my door and immediately ask, “Dr. Molina, do you know where Dr. Garcia is?” Deflated, they became when I told them that he had stepped out. Yet, in some instances, they would wait in my office and express how they enjoyed and appreciated Dr. Garcia; they did so because he took the time to listen and offer advice about academia and what comes after. That is Dr. Garcia, whom I will always cherish; the man who gave all of himself to his students, his community, and la RAZA.

My admiration For you, Dr. Garcia:

My dad passed away early in my academic career, but I was fortunate that the Great Creator placed you in my path; you mentored, guided, and helped me become a better husband and man. Unbeknown to you, Dr. Garcia, you had been like another dad to me. Last time we spoke, we discussed that one day, we would sit down and talk about the books we've read over a beer once you recover. Sadly, our conversation and beer will have to wait for the next life. I take solace in knowing that I will see you again, sir. I am so honored to have met you. I will continue to read and learn so we'll have more to discuss in the next life. Until then, Mom and Dad, please welcome Dr. Garcia to our table, for he is family, too. Lo vamos a extraña mucho, que en paz descanse Dr. Garcia. Lo quiero mucho Sir.

• Dr. Hilario Molina

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Victor was the older brother of my childhood best friend. His family lived on the other side of our 4-plex apartment near downtown in Stockton. Since he was the oldest kid in his family he would always take care of his siblings and kept them in line and out of trouble. We had a fun childhood as kids, we would have relay races around our block with the neighborhood kids, water pistol and water balloon fights, play touch football, take hikes to Pixie Woods park (which seemed like a long ways away back then since our world was just out neighborhood). We even rode our bikes to the next city to visit the lake. We would stay cool in the hot summers by staying in the basement of the apartment since we didn’t have air conditioning at the time.

My brother had a paper route which he passed on to Victor. We all became paperboys, delivering newspapers with our bicycles. We would go all around the neighborhood trying to get new customers to subscribe to the paper. Imagine 5 kids on bikes stopping by an apartment building, knocking on all the doors at the same time. The prize for each order were hamburger tickets or sometimes a contest (to win a Disneyland trip). Bicycles were a way of life, I remember Victor was giving me a ride on the handlebars of his bike when we crashed, after racing away from a girl we had teased. Victor and I also explored our old abandoned grammar school just before it got torn down, it seemed dark and scary to me. I remember waiting for and riding the city bus with Victor to go to our junior high school. Sometimes the bus would get egged by the Jackson school kids or someone would light up a smoke bomb on the bus.

Victor was always fast witted and would always have an answer ready. Victor was a couple of classes ahead of me in school but he seemed very studious and seemed to hang around smart people. Victor was a great guy and I will always cherish the great times we had as kids.

• Ken Yep

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I know that my words will never be able to do justice to the impact of Dr. Garcia’s kindness and guidance. Just like so many others, I can confidently say that I would not be the person that I am without his influence. I tried to tell him this many times, but he would never take the credit. When I met Dr. Garcia, I was taking his class as an elective – I was not an advisee or even a student in his department. Although, I did graduate with an Anthropology minor made up entirely of his classes. He took a chance on me and hired me to be a part of MARTI and CALSA at a time when he didn’t know how badly I needed the support. For those of us lucky enough to be taken under his wing, he created an environment that provided a sense of comfort, community, and belonging when we needed it the most. Those offices in Stright Hall were a safe space for so many of us (even if we occasionally got in trouble with surrounding offices for singing Happy Birthday too loudly).

He taught me so much, not just academically or professionally, but he consistently modeled how to be a good person, how to prioritize your family and friends, and how to have a strong conviction for what was right and fight for it. I could never comprehend how he accomplished so much in his academic and professional career because he had students in his office all day. Even if his blinds were drawn and his lights were off, he was always willing to drop what he was doing when a student knocked at his door. As long as you showed up and showed that you cared, he would show up for you 150%.

He used to tell me that I needed to do things on my own 3 different ways before I would finally take his advice. And I hated that he was always right. It took over a decade, but I finally learned to take his advice the first time. Now that I’ve learned that lesson, I would do anything to continue receiving that advice. I don’t know why I was fortunate enough to have him in my life, but I know that I would not have this life without him. He gave me a purpose, a place to show up, and someone to be accountable to. I carry his lessons with me all the time (even double-checking that the door handle of my office is locked at the end of every day). I only hope that I can continue to make him proud and carry on his lessons of kindness, selflessness, and pursuit of what is right in his memory. I hope you are resting peacefully, Dr. Garcia.

• Kelsey Shaulis

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Dr. Garcia fue un ser humano increíble, quien guío a cientos de jóvenes que como yo, no tenían ni la menor idea de cómo navegar este sistema y siempre estaré agradecida con el por confiar en mi e inspirarme a siempre luchar por más.

• Pamela Guzman

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Dr. Victor García iluminó mi mente y mi corazón de estudiante universitaria. Gracias a su bondad y palabras llenas de sabiduría he llegado lejos. Abrió muchas puertas y muchos caminos para los estudiantes de IUP.

• Verushka Vázquez-Gutiérrez

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Dr. Victor Garcia was a mentor, father figure, and guide to many people, including myself. He poured kindness, care, and patience into his students and helped us grow into better people. Dr. Garcia was one of the most influential people in my life. He showed me a world of possibilities that I, as a child of immigrants, had never imagined for myself, and he steered me toward a career in public service. He gave me a job- my first job outside of retail and food service. Most importantly, he believed in me and taught me how to believe in myself and how to care for others. I am forever grateful for the gifts he gave me. He touched the lives of many people in this way. We strive to honor his memory through the work we do in the world every day. Sending love from my heart to Laura and the family & community who are grieving. 

• Becky Shaknovich

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My name is Yanira, and I had the privilege of being both a student and a mentee of Dr. Garcia. I first met Dr. Garcia when I began my academic journey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), and we quickly formed a connection. I admired his willingness to share not only his expertise as a professor but also his experiences navigating academia as a Latino. Without hesitation, Dr. Garcia opened about the challenges he faced throughout his career, which encouraged me to share my own struggles in obtaining a higher education.

Being the first individual to pursue a higher education, I often felt misunderstood and overwhelmed. When I shared the financial hardships, I faced in paying for my education, Dr. Garcia offered me a work-study opportunity as his research assistant at MARTI. This opportunity not only helped me support myself financially but also provided me with invaluable skills and inspired my passion for public health. I was consistently in awe of his impactful research in public health and his dedication to the Latino community. Motivated by his example, I even changed my degree, aspiring to use my education to support my community just as he had.

Dr. Garcia’s support went far beyond academics. He was a constant source of guidance and reassurance, helping me navigate both school-related and personal challenges. His office door was always open, whether I needed advice or just someone to talk to. One moment that stands out is when I told him about the unbearable heat in my apartment and how I couldn’t afford a window air conditioning unit. Without hesitation, Dr. Garcia offered me an extra unit he had, a kind gesture that eased both my physical discomfort and financial stress. His thoughtfulness had a bigger impact than he may have realized—it allowed me to focus on my studies and succeed.

Dr. Garcia's care and generosity extended to every student he encountered. I had the privilege of witnessing how he supported fellow Latino students facing similar challenges. He always made time to listen, check in on them, and offer encouragement. He even gave us rides back to Kennett Square (a 4.5-hour drive from IUP), so we wouldn't have to worry about travel costs, as he simply wanted us to spend our holiday breaks with our families.

Dr. Garcia also helped shape my future success in ways I never could have anticipated. While at IUP, he introduced me to Rosamaria Cristello, a former student and mentee of his. He drove several students, including me, to visit the Latino Community Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The center was founded by Rosamaria to support the local Latino community. I was immediately inspired by her journey as a Latina in higher education, as well as her dedication and passion for serving our community. After graduating from IUP, I moved to Pittsburgh to pursue my master’s degree. I remembered our initial meeting and reached out to Rosamaria to discuss my goals and potential internship opportunities at the Latino Community Center. After our conversation, she offered me an internship that played a key role in launching my career. This opportunity would not have been possible without Dr. Garcia’s connection and encouragement.

I owe much of my academic success to Dr. Garcia, and I am deeply grateful that our paths crossed. His mentorship, compassion, and support have left a lasting impact on my life, and I carry his lessons with me every day. I will continue to honor his legacy by giving back to my community and supporting other Latino students. His friendship will always hold a special place in my heart, and his care and guidance will never be forgotten. Dr. Garcia’s influence will live on through the lives he touched and the work we continue to do in his honor.

•  Yanira Cintora Lopez

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We're going to miss you, my friend. I'll always remember your kind patience with me as we embarked on that large research study, and the many times we had lunch or breakfast and caught up. You have been such a kind and wise person to so many here at IUP, you will never be replaced. I sincerely wish Laura and all of your family and friends my deepest sympathy and my prayers. Your work will live on in the many students and colleagues you mentored. Thank you for everything. 

• Dr. Erick Lauber

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Amigo, la vida es ese camino finito por el que todos transitamos y en el que afortunadamente un día nos encontramos.

Los que hemos tenido la gran suerte de conocerte, sabemos de tu serenidad y humanidad, virtudes difíciles de encontrar en este planeta que los humanos se han empeñado en destruir.

La esperanza está, en qué esos alumnos (para mí, cachitos de Víctor) que has ayudado a crecer, transmitiéndoles conocimientos, pero también haciendoles partícipes de tu pensamiento, sigan transmitiendo tú legado a las generaciones venideras, con el fin de conseguir un mundo mejor. Ahora estás en un estadio superior, pero nunca dejarás de estar en nuestros corazones y pensamientos. Un abrazo de tu amigo catalán.

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Reflections on My Friend

Dr. Victor Garcia changed my professional life and perspective on higher education. He taught me a valuable lesson about caring and the positive effects of engaging students where they live.  He taught me the value of data and the importance of flexibility in following its lead. He exuded kindness and respect for all people, no matter their economic, educational, or social station in life. In short, Victor exemplified in all he did the power of humility in modeling the “servant leader.”

As an English and Humanities instructor at Mountain View College, already 30 years into my own teaching career, I met Dr. Gonzalez in 1999. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Laura, his wife, were research scientists on the faculty and staff in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas, in far north Dallas County. That seemed ironic to me at the time, because, as both staff at the university and as husband and wife, they had just moved into their research laboratory, a small frame house in far southwest Dallas County in the lower economic community of Oak Cliff.

The Mountain View College Dean of Instruction, Dr. Allatia Harris, had asked me to meet with them in downtown Dallas to watch a parade celebrating the Hispanic Heritage of Dallas County, an event that both Drs. Garcia & Gonzalez were attending. Dr. Harris believed that I might be interested to learn of their work and their anticipated partnering with Mountain View College and the other six colleges of the Dallas County Community College District.

That meeting was the beginning of a cooperative initiative, dedicated to increasing the matriculation of Latino DCCCD (and particularly Mountain View College) students to the University of Texas at Dallas. The project was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education. The professors/researchers believed that their immersion in the community that they hoped to engage was the key to the success of the grant.

In short order, the little white house opened as the research field station of these two anthropologists became the nexus of community life. They were on first-name familiarity with everyone on their block. More broadly, they connected with the various community leaders as well as the heavy lifters in the working-class Latino communities. The house became a meeting place for Oak Cliff students attending two of the closest area community colleges. On holidays, many a fiesta filled the backyard with music, laughter, and local conversation. On other occasions, the white house entertained both regional and national influencers in Hispanic affairs, occasions which drew local and regional news coverage.

Yet, despite all their investment, the University of Texas/Dallas grant failed to achieve its primary goal, but following the data, new paths opened up. Through a Cultural Studies course facilitated by Mountain View College, more and more young people who might otherwise were not likely to consider college, found their way into college classrooms where they would prove very successful.

A key instructional component in the cooperative teaching between Mountain View College and the University of Texas at Dallas was the introduction of the “family trees” project. Victor and Laura taught the students how to construct multi-level family trees, how to classify and summarize their research, and how to present the findings in a formal report. Students were drawn passionately to this experiential learning activity, even inviting respected family elders to the classes at the end of each semester to witness and even participate in their formal presentations to their student cohorts.

Over the years of the initiative, other colleagues from both campuses became involved, teaching additional sections of Sociology and Cultural Studies. As a means for continuing the work following the close of the grant, staff joined community leaders in creating a separate non-profit organization, the “Oak Cliff Center for Community Studies,” and for another three years–until the national financial collapse of 2008, through its efforts, more and more Oak Cliff young and not-so-young found their way into college.

On the strength of their research collected from more than 700 student “family tree” projects, Victor, Laura and his UT-Dallas colleague Dr. Bobby Alexander were invited by the Pew Hispanic Center and Harvard University to present their findings regarding barriers that Latinos face, often intimidating their entrance into higher education. Their executive summary of findings–later published as a book–was characterized by the reviewers as the finest base-line research reported in 2003 on Hispanics and higher education.

What I have shared above is only one anecdote in the remarkable career and life of Victor Garcia. His insights and talents were secondary in my experience to his sincerity and empathy with which he served all with whom he engaged. My life has been enriched in just knowing him but redirected by my experiences with him. His influence has given me the courage and faith to be a better teacher and human being.

• Dr. Geoffrey Allan Grimes

Professor of English at Mountain View Campus of Dallas College

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I was never quite the best at making friends. This was something that I shared with Victor Garcia during one of many times that I wandered into his office before class to enjoy his company. It's something I shared again after I had moved away from IUP to attend graduate school, via emails I'd write to him on both good and bad days. His response was always staggeringly empathetic. He was awkward too, so he claimed. Not good with people, not sure how to interact without being embarrassed about being himself. I always found this hard to believe, as someone who had viewed him as equal parts hilarious and warm from my very first class with him. I suppose I saw past his awkward the same way he saw through mine. But I also know that he spent a very long time building a place for himself in the world. "You too, will fit in," was a reassurance he shared in one of the emails I keep to remember him by. 

I did not feel alone in undergraduate school, with his teachings and his company when I struggled to connect with peers. I did not feel alone in graduate school, with his words of guidance and the knowledge that he was still supporting me. I did not feel alone last year, when he talked me through the isolating experience of adulthood. I do not feel alone now, because I know that I am one of many that are missing him for the companionship he so generously gave. He is still building community even now.

In honor of him, I will keep making friends, but he will remain one of my dearest.

• Madeline Delarche

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There are a lot of stories that I can tell about Dr. Garcia. One of them was when I first met with him, my freshman year, to go over my scheduling for the semester. I remember him asking me why I chose to study at IUP, and I mentioned about how I heard that the Anthropology program is great as well as the many student organizations that I wanted to participate in. One of those organizations was a campus ministry called Cru and when he asked me about it, I opened up about how being a Christian I wanted to continue to grow in my faith in Jesus and that I wanted to be surrounded by other students who wanted to do the same. After this he supported me and encouraged me to continue in my walk of faith, and I am ever so grateful for that. 

• Sabrina Sepulveda