St. Augustine College: An Institution by Latinos for Latinos
story by: Christine Marshall
Dr. Reyes Gonzalez rose from humble beginnings in the small town of Jalisco, Mexico, where he was born as one of nine children. Even though his parents never had the opportunity to obtain a formal education, they instilled in him the importance of education. Holding that importance close to his heart, as President of St. Augustine College (SAC), he is now making it possible for others to get a college education. St Augustine is the only Latino institution of higher education in the Midwest whose mission is the success of Latinos. Dr. Gonzalez is the only Latino person in the State of Illinois who holds the position of president at a university.
DR. GONZALEZ began his journey to becoming a college president when he was nine years old. His mother became extremely ill and came to the United States seeking medical assistance. Having been born in the United States, she was able to travel to the United States and later sponsor her husband and nine of the children to obtain residency in the United States. The plan always was to return to Mexico. However, his parents saw an opportunity for their children to achieve the American Dream – an education. So the plan to return to Mexico was not realized for the Gonzalez family. Many years have passed, and his parents returned to Mexico, and the nine children and their descendants made the United States their new home.
Dr. Reyes Gonzalez’ parents always encouraged their children to pursue their education. If asked, Dr. Gonzalez will tell you that his father was one of the wisest man he ever met. He will also share with you a conversation that he had with his father that transformed his life and his views about the importance of education. His father told him, “My son, I do not have knowledge to impart to you. I have no assets. I only have one piece of advice to give you. Go to school - school is your future.” Dr. Gonzalez took his father’s advice to heart. He became an engineer and, later in life, obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration. He also obtained a master’s in accountancy and change management and a doctorate in Education Management. He is immensely proud of his parents and eight siblings. Eight out of the nine children went to college and earned advanced degrees. He will also tell you that it is amazing to think that from two immigrants, who did not have an opportunity to obtain formal education, there are now children and grandchildren who went to some of the finest universities in the United States, including the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard.
As most people who achieve something in life, Dr. Gonzalez did not achieve his education on his own. He was blessed and fortunate to have met two teachers who changed his life by helping him learn English so that he could be admitted into Lane Technical High School, one of the finest schools in Chicago. He will be forever grateful to these two teachers who gave him an opportunity to change his life.
Dr. Gonzalez has always been fascinated to learn why things work as they do, and he enjoys building things. He sees himself as a builder. He believes that his passion for building things started when his grandfather moved to Mexico and gave his grandson a toolbox. The toolbox contained a hammer, pliers, a screw driver and some nails and screws. This was the start of building things. When coupled with his ability in math and the sciences, it was natural for him to become an engineer. As an engineer, he started several businesses in the construction industry and building homes.
His life as an entrepreneur was disrupted when Reyes met a man who again changed the trajectory of his life. Dr. Gonzalez had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Arturo Velazquez, who shared many of the values of Dr. Gonzalez’s father: education, family and doing the greater good. Dr. Velazquez was instrumental in helping Reyes to obtain an entry level job as an engineer at City Colleges of Chicago. Reyes’ career at City College of Chicago was very rewarding. He always focused on excellence and innovation. As a result of his efforts, he held multiple positions at City Colleges of Chicago until assuming the position of Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services.
He will tell you that the role of higher education in the United States continues to evolve. Not only must higher education seek to graduate students who are good citizens, but also graduate students having the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the employers – students who are work ready. As it relates to Latinos, he also believes that Latino students should be trained in areas of demand that will provide them with the greatest economic mobility, e.g., healthcare, technology and business. Most certainly, graduates must be prepared to assume leadership positions. He also believes that higher education institutions need to cultivate greater collaboration with employers and government agencies to ensure that graduates are prepared for the workforce when they graduate. He also believes in the importance of preparing students to participate in our democracy. These are just some of the qualities and abilities Dr. Gonzalez strives to promote in those who attend and graduate from St. Augustine College.
St. Augustine College is a very special place. It is one of the only institutions established by Latinos for Latinos. St. Augustine College offers classes in Spanish and English. St. Augustine’s bilingual education is offered by Latinos who know, understand and embrace the needs of Latinos. At St. Augustine, Latinos are valued and welcomed as are people from every walk of life Since its inception in 1980, St. Augustine College was structured as a private, non-profit institution that serves and celebrates our community. The college offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and has a workforce development division, the Institute for Workforce Education (IWE), which is the leading college based provider of incumbent workforce training in Illinois. Since taking the helm as President, Dr. Gonzalez, and his colleagues, have been on a mission to strengthen the institution and to position it to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. He is improving internal and academic structures and taking the first steps towards transforming the college into a university.
Dr. Gonzalez wants the college to fill the void produced by the lack of Latinos in high demand areas like health care and social sciences, STEM, and business technology. SAC has already begun developing the infrastructure for the next academic phase in these areas. Plans are also under way to degrees. He wants the college to be part of the movement to have Latinos recognized for what they bring to this society. Without an educated Latino community and workforce, the United States will jeopardize its position as a world superpower.
According to Dr. Reyes Gonzalez, “Right now there are over 60 million Latinos in this country and only 15% have a college education. In the not so distant future, over 60% of jobs will require a college education, so Latinos will not have opportunities to obtain top jobs without a college degree.” Colleges need to focus on creating success, not just opening the first door. We need to make sure that Latinos not only have access to two year colleges, but to institutions that offer 4-year and advanced degrees, which lead to the higher paying jobs.
St. Augustine is a unique institution. It is a true Latino institution – established by Latinos for Latinos. They teach Latinos in English and in their own language, in their own culture – it is where they feel safe, welcome and embraced. St. Augustine provides high quality education for the working Latinos – it is for the future.
The recent COVID 19 pandemic created a challenge for St. Augustine, but as Dr. Gonzalez believes, where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity, “This situation became a catalyst for us to accelerate our transformation. Within a short period of time, our staff, faculty, administrators and partners, engaged to offer our education in a cyber-environment. More importantly, our faculty have designed the St. Augustine Latino Education Model: a unique education model designed with the needs of Latino students in mind. As this model is developed, it will meet the needs of students with many other personal, professional and cultural needs. Together, we will create a better future for the Latino community, nationally and internationally.
Dr. Gonzalez’ goal is to shape the lives and opportunities of Latinos by providing high quality, affordable, accessible and innovative education. +