DRC ACQUIRES NEW COORDINATOR

The Diversity Resource Center (DRC) at Mt. Hood has gained a new coordinator with the goal of helping all students thrive.

Ernesto Vasquez III is originally from Dallas, Texas, but achieved his undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Northeast Portland. He double-majored in music and business administration and also has a master’s degree in psychology.

Vasquez became the coordinator of the DRC on Oct. 30, following the departure of Gaby Lunasco earlier this year. He spent a lot of his time working with students in the Evergreen School District (east of Vancouver, Washington) and Parkrose High School. His focus there was to educate and prepare students for college.

He began his master’s studies after working with Mt. Hood and its Future Connect program to assist low-income/first generation students. He started his position at the DRC after he graduated.

Photo by Megan Phelps / the Advocate

In his new role, Vasquez says he is still trying to figure out what the wants and needs of the MHCC community are. His goal is to provide the resources the community may ask for.

More directly, he said he wants the Diversity Resource Center to be a place where students and staff can go to for help and to explore the resources it has to offer.

“I want this office to be a place where students can explore their lives and the lives of others. I also want people to know that I am here and I am a person they can come to if they need any help,” he said.

One of the biggest goals Vasquez lists is to provide more education to students.

“I believe it’s the responsibility of the institution to educate students and to provide a variety of diverse issues. I want education to be a big component to this office,” he said. “I am really excited to be here and to start making connections. I want people to know they belong in college and I want them (to) thrive in college.”

On the job for a little over two weeks, Vasquez said that as of right now, his focus is to plan the long-term goals for the DRC and then continue with the short-term goals. He said he really enjoys the community college setting and how friendly the people he works with are.

The DRC also works with Student Life (including the Associated Student Government) in organizing campus events. Many other events around the campus are something the DRC also arranges.

The Diversity Resource Center offers Federal Work Study for students to be more involved. Vasquez said his door is always open for students who have interest in being a part of the DRC, and he is always available to listen to ideas students and staff may have for the Diversity Resource Center.

The Center is in the rear of the Student Union, in Room 1050. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Advocate Staff