Major: Kinesiology
Melissa Garcia
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters are my parents and brother. Also my extended family and friends. <3
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Driving onto SMC campus for a softball game as a freshman at NDNU thinking I should transfer here. When my junior year ended and NDNU closed, I indeed ended up transferring to SMC.
My Next Chapter
I plan on attending grad school to receive my masters in kinesiology and becoming a licensed chiropractor/athletic trainer.
Clubs and Activities
NDNU softballFavorite Quote
“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out”
Adnan Mehmedovic
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Hometown
Berlin, Germany
Samuelu Poueu
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology: Health Promotion
Hometown
Rohnert Park, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters will always be family(Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews). Strength in numbers. As an adopted boy from American Samoa, my family has loved and supported me from day one. My biological family has been there for me as well. Good times and bad, trials and tribulations. Their unconditional love and support has been felt since they've come into my life.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
It wasn't until I attended the transfer info session in the Spring of 2018 that I knew that this institution would be where i wanted to complete my undergraduate degree. My 7 and a half-year-old son Dillon, who has been the impetus and catalyst to my return to academia lives in Lafayette. Saint Mary's clearly had the proximity advantage when it came to deciding where I was going to transfer to...
My Next Chapter
My major is Kinesiology with an emphasis in Health Promotion. My heart's goal is to contribute and implement greater Public Health infrastructure within the disenfranchised communities of the Bay Area. I will apply and build a career within the county department of Public Health to begin. "Arrive to learn, leave to serve"
Clubs and Activities
High Potential program and Transfer-Student mentorFavorite Quote
" Though no one can go back and create a new start; anyone can start now and can create a new ending"- Carl Bard
"The task is to transform society; only the people can do that - not heroes, not celebrities, not stars."- Huey P. Newton
" It all works out in the end. If it's not working out right now; that just means it's not the end."- Anonymous
Victor Rojas-Rodriguez
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology: Health Promotion
Hometown
San Diego, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
God, my mom, and fiancée. Thank you to Carrie, Colleen, Karin, and all the MMC LPMs. Thank you to Professor Emhoff, Dr. Dunn, and Professor Williams. The De La Salle Brothers (especially Br. David and Br. Chris Patiño) and Fr. Hai. Financial Aid superstar Karla Henriquez. All the friends I made along the way.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Expanding my knowledge with the guidance of the Kinesiology department. My immersion trip to Los Angeles and the subsequent LSI experience in NY. Attending events facilitated by the HP program and all the wonderful coaches. Deepening my faith with the welcoming individuals that make up the MMC. Chatting with the De La Salle Brothers about life. Going to Taco Tuesday at Los Gallos with the boys!
My Next Chapter
In the fall I plan to attend Point Loma Nazarene University to pursue an MS in Kinesiology. After that I would like to attend my dream school, University of Southern California, in hopes of launching a small business centered around community healthcare.
Clubs and Activities
Mission and Ministry Center (MMC)Lasallian Service Internship (LSI)
High Potential Program (HP)
Kinesiology Club
Film Club
Favorite Quote
"Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny...to work out our identity in God."
Ursula Lochner-Bravo
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology: Health Promotion
Honors
Cum Laude
Hometown
El Cerrito, California
Selena Sandoval
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Hometown
MercedMy Greatest Supporters
My mom and dad were my biggest supporters, always supported my decisions and helped me strive to be the greatest. I would not be where I am if it wasn't for them.
My Next Chapter
Will be applying for Doctorate of Physical Therapy School after taking a working gap year.
Favorite Quote
It's Too Easy..
To Give Up When Things Are Difficult...
Anyone Can Do That...
But That's NOT YOU...
You're an overcomer and no challenge is too big for you GOD..
Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Ryan Elston
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Hometown
San Jose, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
Shoutout to my all my family members and my best friend/dog Cody.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Graduation
My Next Chapter
Go make some money. Didn't grind these past 4 years to be poor.
Clubs and Activities
- Men's LacrosseFavorite Quote
You’ve got two legs and a heartbeat. What’s stopping you?
Niel Caldwell
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Honors
Magna Cum Laude
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano
Hometown
Crested Butte, ColoradoAward Bio
Raised in Crested Butte, Colorado, and Santa Barbara, California, Niel Caldwell has lived in the Bay Area since 2009. He has savored his studies of Kinesiology at SMC and will next pursue a teaching credential in physical education. Niel enjoys being outdoors, making music and art, and spending time with his wife, son, and dog.
My Greatest Supporters
My wife and parents, hands down.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
It’s like being asked to pick your favorite child...
My Next Chapter
Pursuing a single-subject teaching credential with the intention of teaching physical education at middle school level.
Favorite Quote
“Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.”
Max Kleeman
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology: Sports and Recreation Management
Honors
Cum Laude
Hometown
Saint Louis, MissouriMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters are my parents, Ray and Cori Kleeman. They have given me every opportunity to be successful, encouraged me along the way, and I cannot thank them enough. In addition to them, my greatest supporters include my twin brother Alex, my two sisters, Lilli and Hope, my dogs Winston and Georgia, my girlfriend, Kaley Pastor, and my roommates, Nick, Luke, Shane, Morty, and Blake.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My favorite memory at Saint Mary's is playing in my first college soccer game where my parents, grandpa, and siblings were all in attendance!
My Next Chapter
After college, I have accepted a position as Account Manager at Gateway Medical Equipment where I will be fitting patients for their orthotic braces and bone stimulators as well as developing new accounts and maintaining existing accounts. I will also be pursuing a Master's in Business Administration.
Clubs and Activities
Men's Soccer teamKinesiology club