Edgard Antonio Garcia

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

My financial aid package.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Learning how to learn anything.

How did you select your major?

I was attempting to major in foreign languages (now world languages and literatures) but was short one French literature class, so I ended up declaring Hispanic studies as my major.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your career?

As I mentioned previously, Lewis & Clark provided me the ability to learn different topics from a wide list of courses. Because of this, I’m able to translate any subject and teach it to others in Spanish. For the past 19 years, I’ve been a presenter for agricultural safety seminars where I provide training in a variety of safety topics to Spanish-speaking workers all over Oregon.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

I learned to be resilient, to be a leader, and to serve my community.

What’s your favorite part or most memorable experience of serving on the Board of Alumni?

The engagement with students and sharing of my L&C experience. I have the privilege of reading Student Alumni Association applications and participating in the selection of new ambassadors. Also, the Board Buddy program allows me to engage and support new student alumni board members.

How do you encourage other alumni to give back to the college?

As a member of the Philanthropy Council, I participate in every opportunity we have to reach out to alumni and promote the gift of giving back to our alma mater. I’ve had the honor of participating in all seven Day of Giving campaigns so far. In our last campaign, we secured enough donations to unlock the matching gift of $150,000!