Mario Gonzalez (BA ’07) wasn’t sure if he’d finish what he started at FPU. After attending and even walking at graduation, he had only two classes remaining to complete his degree, but he never made it to finals.

One day, he received a call from Richard Unruh, Ph.D., political science professor and himself a 1976 graduate, who wanted to make sure his former student was doing okay. “He motivated me to return and finish my classes,” Mario says. “His encouragement and support helped me come back and complete my degree.” Mario ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in pre-law/criminal justice before going on to earn a juris doctorate from San Joaquin College of Law.

That support and encouragement were two of the many things Mario took away from his time at Fresno Pacific University.

The university taught him about the power of community and the importance of giving back. Through time spent in the Commuter House and serving on the Commuter Council, Mario grew to rely on others and share space with others. “We prioritized breaking bread with one another, signifying that we are all in this together, which is something I’ve taken with me into my current role,” he says.

Mario currently serves as deputy director of Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, based in Fresno, which offers a broad range of programs to assist crime victims, support families and children, offer immigration services, promote health and wellness, encourage civic engagement and more.

“We strive to recognize the problems that our community is facing and fill the needs,” Mario says. “During my time here, I helped build the victim services program. We’ve been able to help people from all over the world get protection, help with immigration statuses and more. I’ve had the opportunity to speak around the country about the work we are doing and how to deliver services in a manner that is respectful and culturally sensitive.”

For Mario, this work is both gratifying and personal. “As an immigrant myself and learning how to go through the systems and experiencing forced assimilation, I know that it is possible to overcome challenges and barriers. I love getting to help people overcome the problems facing them.”

FPU’s commitment to its students and the community continues to impact Mario as he carries out the values he learned during his time at the university.