EOP Trailblazer, José Luis Vargas

José Luis Vargas was born in Mexico City in 1949. Shortly after Mr. Vargas was born, his family settled in Echo Park, in the heart of Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Belmont High School and went on to pursue an education at the San Fernando Valley State College, now California State University, Northridge.

In 1968, prior to entering college, Mr. Vargas planned to attend trade school and work in a soap-packaging factory. His then-Spanish teacher took him and a few peers to visit San Fernando Valley State College. They met with students from the Black Student Union (BSU) and the United Mexican American Students (UMAS). Through their initiative and work, these groups had created a program to admit and prepare minority students for higher education. It was considered the first summer of the EOP “Bridge” experience, and it was an opportunity that would impact and ultimately change Mr. Vargas’ life.

As a college freshman, he was a research assistant for Dr. Rudy Acuña, who developed the curriculum for what would become the Chicana/o Studies Department.

In the fall of 1969, Mr. Vargas began his career with EOP as a peer advisor and was hired to be part of the staff in 1971. Mr. Vargas was a self-trained musician and co-founder of Conjunto Aztlan. His love for music expressed respect for his Mexican heritage and educated people about the Chicano movement and other social justice struggles. He also co-founded Artes del Pueblo, a student-led organization that brought art and culture to the community.

In 1994, Vargas became the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at CSUN. Under his leadership, the EOP Transitional Programs, otherwise known as Summer Bridge, expanded into long-term learning communities. He also expanded EOP’s reach by developing new programs, such as the EOP Resilient Scholars Program that provides services to former foster youth, the EOP/Trio Student Support Services Program (SSSP), which helps students develop skills to reach their academic and professional goals. And lastly, the EOP Dream Center, which offers services for undocumented students. Every program emphasized his vision of mentoring and his commitment to being student-centered.

Statewide, he served as the Chair of the CSU EOP Directors Association and worked closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office to expand policies relating to EOP. José Luis Vargas led EOP with passion, conviction, and professionalism. He mentored thousands of students and uplifted them to believe in themselves and succeed in higher education. EOP’s salient mission will continue through the dedication and hard work of its leaders, staff, and most of all our EOP students.

In 2017, an endowment to help youth from marginalized groups attain higher education was established in honor of José Luis Vargas, who passed away in March of 2016. The scholarship is a reminder of his constant commitment to EOP and its students.