Summer has been a busy month as the Merced College Los Banos Campus continues to offer in-person and online classes while preparing for the Fall 2022 semester.
In addition, the Los Banos Campus has partnered with the City of Los Banos Parks and Recreation Department to bring back College for Kids at the Community Center, with classes starting July 11. It is not too late to register by calling 209-384-6224 or visiting www.businesscommunityeducation.com.
It takes a team effort to ensure the community is well served. Today’s column highlights the instructional classified professionals at the Merced College Los Banos Campus.
The campus’s instructional classified professionals support various essential functions around campus, such as library services, science labs, welding lab, IT services and general support for faculty and students.
Anyone who asks members of the instructional team knows that they like to help people.
Stephen Grudem, the campus’ Instructional Support Technician III, was once a welding student who now works on campus to ensure classroom and staff computers are up and running. As Stephen said, “I have found a position here that suits me perfectly.”
Supporting the instructional labs are John Espinosa, Esther Magana-Buie and Jose Rubio. They work tirelessly to ensure labs are set up for the students.
Esther is an alumna of Merced College and brings an array of knowledge of biology labs, with over 16 years of experience. She is excited to be part of the team and to give back to the community in which she grew up.
The campus library is well attended by Alejandro Arellano and Tiffiny Tevis, who always have a smile for students looking to check out a textbook from our reserve library or a laptop to use while in the library. Students enjoy having a quiet place to study and together, and Alejandro and Tiffiny make sure all essential resources for students are provided.
“I started working here in 2011 as a student worker within the library,” Alejandro said. “After I graduated, I began working at the library as a part-time employee, and I am now in a permanent full-time position. I love every aspect of my job, but most importantly the ability to help our students in whatever capacity I can.”
Supporting the faculty on campus is the powerful duo of Margo Pulido and Vikki Grijalva, who also help students whenever needed.
Margo loves working close to home, which allows her time to be with her family. She enjoys the small campus and family environment among all faculty and staff.
Vikki shares the same sentiment and adds, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” She takes pride in making sure whoever she serves feels heard and seen.
As Vikki said, “I love all our programs, which include credit and noncredit classes. We are a smaller campus and can be more personable with our students. I like the relationship I have with my coworkers and the leadership of the Los Banos Campus.”
The Merced College Los Banos Campus Instructional Staff welcomes everyone to visit the campus to know all about its classes and programs. They are here to serve!
