ASGC Clubs VP Omar Lopez
by Jan Janes on Oct 7, 2016ASGC Clubs VP Omar Lopez spurs student involvement
Omar Lopez looks to increase student engagement leveraging both campus and community activities in his role as Associated Students of Gavilan College (ASGC) clubs vice president.
A third year computer science major, Lopez focused his participation on student government after ASGC held a joint event with his club, Rho Alpha Mu. He gathered qualifying signatures in Spring, 2016 and successfully vied for his position.
He credits involvement in Christopher High School student government for his emerging leadership experience.
Leadership in high school paved the way
"I became president of the Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club. It gave me the opportunity to expand outside my comfort zone at the time," said Lopez. The position offered training at leadership conferences and retreats. "I began to realize the importance of community services and the benefits that came with it for both the community and the students."
Omar Lopez, ASGC VP of Clubs, plans to grow
membership and start new clubs.
Lopez cited 10 active clubs on the Gavilan campus. He envisions motivating the student body to engage with their education, the campus and their communities. His plan as VP of Clubs is to grow membership, start new clubs, help with funding and define paths to increased student involvement.
Town Hall showcases Gilroy candidates
ASGC and the college's Democratic Club will cosponsor a town hall forum on campus Thursday, October 20 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the college library. Candidates running for Gavilan College Area 6 Trustees, Gilroy mayor and Gilroy City Council will share their platforms and answer questions.
When not in class Lopez works in the instructional services office. He helps with online surveys, evaluations, double checking accuracy with both digital and written records. For ASGC, he is working on a student survey to roll out by the end of the semester about the remodeled student center. "We will be asking students what they would like to see inside," he said.
Career goals include university and a return to Gilroy
"I plan to double major in computer science and political science," he said. "The computer science comes from my love of technology," noting the big plus living near the heart of Silicon Valley. "The political science interest comes from my recently found passion of politics."
In addition to his academic and student government work, Lopez began work on his applications to transfer to university next year. "UC Davis is green friendly and aware, one of the reasons I chose it." After high school he was accepted to UC Santa Cruz, but financially it was not an option. It now remains a transfer choice.
His career goals include returning after graduation from university to become a public servant and give back to the communities of Gilroy and Gavilan.
"The reason I am where I am today is because of all the people at Gavilan who work tirelessly to educate students," Lopez said, "and I give them my most sincere thanks."