Pablo Gonzalez, Skyline’s program services coordinator for the Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) and the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), has announced that this will be his last year of employment at Skyline College.

In 1979, Gonzalez started his educational journey at Skyline as a student, and after graduating from college, he came back to work at his alma mater in May of 1990. Gonzalez has been the program services coordinator for the EOPS/CARE community for over 20 years.

“He’s an advocate for students,” said Jeffrey Acidera, an EOPS counselor and long-time friend of Gonzalez. “He’s our connection to the outside community.”

What drew Gonzalez to Skyline were the opportunities to develop his passion for helping others and to serve those who needed assistance with their educational goals. The consistent student contact and his position to affect change for students facing academic disadvantages is what has given him inspiration.

“It never stops surprising and amazing me how much I can learn from the students,” Gonzalez said. “[Students] don’t know that they are teaching me a lot.”

Gonzalez’ last day at Skyline will be August 11, 2010. Student Services Director Maria Escobar will miss the fact that Gonzalez has continued to advocate and represent the EOPS and Skyline community very well on and off the campus.

“Students gravitate towards him,” Escobar said. “[Gonzalez] is an emissary on campus for students—Skyline’s ambassador to the community.”

His presence on campus has been one of support, as he has had an open door policy to both students and staff.

“I’ll miss his sense of humor and his brotherly advice,” Acidera said.

Gonzalez is thankful for the opportunity to teach, as well as to be taught by students during his years here at Skyline.

“I wouldn’t say to follow your passion and follow your dreams, if I couldn’t do it,” Gonzalez said. “So, thank you for 20 years of teaching me how to pursue mine.”