Chicano Latino Student Affairs
Ernestine “Ernie” Mendoza, Administrative Assistant
If I could set my car on automatic pilot, I'm sure it would find its way to Claremont without a problem. After all, I've been driving here every morning for the past thirty five years. That's correct! My first job with Claremont University Consortium was in the Office of Admissions for Chicano Students and that was back in 1976. It certainly doesn't feel like thirty five years. I work in a beautiful setting with great people. Some of my best friends are alums from my early years in Claremont that have become compadres and are still very much part of my life today.
As Administrative Assistant, I am responsible for the student databases used to distribute CLSA correspondence and CHISPAS, the office newsletter. With information gathered by the Office Assistants, I am able to compile CHISPAS and get it ready for editing by Naddia Palacios, Assistant Dean of Students. Along with coordinating both the publication of CLSA’s Chapbook, “Almas Unidas: Nuestra Vision” and a reception for Alumni Weekend are just a sampling of what keeps me busy at the office.
On a more personal level, I grew up in the local area, Rancho Cucamonga to be precise. I am one of four daughters born to Ernesto and Amalia Franco. Yes, I'm named after my dad. I married my best friend, Ray Mendoza, and we have a nineteen-year-old daughter, Marisa, who is the love of our life. I am very proud that she is a student at Scripps College. Together, we enjoy camping, fishing, going to the movies.
If you stop by my office you'll notice that I love collecting bear figurines and, more recently, images of La Virgen de Guadalupe but my favorite hobby is scrapbooking. I've been able to share this passion (more like obsession) of mine with students via the "Fotos y Recuerdos" workshop, occasionally a part of the Latino Heritage Month Celebration held during the Fall Semester. I've discovered that there are students equally passionate about scrapbooking.
I also share my Mexican heritage and love for the culture by coordinating the Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop during Latino Heritage Month so that students can make their own piece and later display on one of several Día de los Muertos Altars seen around campus.
Contact Information:
| Address |
|
| Phone | 909-607-3367 |
| ernie_mendoza@cuc.claremont.edu |
