This month, San Diego City College bids farewell to Rafael Alvarez, affectionately known as "The Cornerman," who is retiring after more than two decades of dedicated service as the Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program. Under his leadership, the MESA program has transformed the lives of countless underrepresented students, helping them achieve academic success and transfer to four-year universities in STEM fields.
Alvarez’s tireless work and influence have been recognized widely, including his selection as one of the Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal in 2022. His dedication to supporting underrepresented students in STEM began when he founded the City College MESA program in 2000. In 2009, he introduced the groundbreaking “learning culture” model that promotes self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and goal-oriented mindsets—empowering students to create their own success.
One of Alvarez’s most celebrated success stories is that of Katya Echazarreta, a former MESA student who became the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space. Her journey from City College’s MESA program to the stars is a testament to the power of Alvarez’s leadership and the transformative impact of the program. Katya’s story is one of resilience and determination, and she credits the support and guidance from Alvarez and the MESA program as integral to her success. Today, she is an inspiration to young women and minorities in STEM, showing that no dream is too big to reach.
Alvarez’s own journey is just as inspiring. Raised in the Encanto neighborhood of Southeast San Diego, he earned his engineering degree from Harvey Mudd College and his master’s in electrical engineering from USC. Before entering education, he worked in aerospace at TRW, Inc. in Redondo Beach. Since joining City College in 1994, Alvarez has remained committed to helping students like Echazarreta achieve their dreams, creating a “learning culture” that equips students with the mindset and tools needed to succeed both academically and professionally.
In addition to Katya Echazarreta, other MESA alumni, like Dalila Robledo, now studying physics at UC Berkeley, and Nate Wyley, who earned an electrical engineering degree from UC Davis, are just a few examples of how Alvarez has turned lives around. His approach to education focuses not just on academic success but on developing future leaders.
“I turn on the lights for them,” Alvarez says, reflecting on his approach to student success. His legacy is one of empowerment, having ignited the potential in students who might otherwise have been overlooked. MESA students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at top universities, and their achievements reflect the solid foundation laid by Alvarez and his learning culture.
As Rafael Alvarez steps into retirement, he leaves behind a program that continues to shape futures and a legacy of unwavering dedication to students' success in STEM fields. His impact on San Diego City College, the MESA program, and the students he has mentored will be felt for generations to come.