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Salvador Guzman-Arellano: Paying it Forward at City
Salvador Guzman-Arellano, an accounting specialist supervisor in Business Services at San Diego City College, is a shining example of determination and upward mobility. A first-generation college graduate and proud City College alum, he’s now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Cal State San Marcos with aspirations of becoming City’s Vice President of Administrative Services. Recognized at the Employee Alumni Awards, Guzman-Arellano credits City’s supportive community for inspiring his journey—from part-time student and shoe store sales leader to full-time staff member and supervisor. He and his wife, Bianca, a Ph.D. candidate, are deeply rooted in the college—so much so that they even got married on campus. His story is a powerful reflection of City College’s “You Belong” spirit in action.
Rudy Juarez: Turning Dreams into Reality through Education and Community
Rudy Juarez’s journey to City College and his inspiring work in the library are a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the impact of education. From his early experiences working in the San Diego Unified School District to his current role as a trusted figure in the library, Juarez’s commitment to helping students succeed is evident in everything he does.
Jami Jones: Building a Winner at San Diego City College
Jami Jones’s journey in tennis has always been marked by drive and achievement. As an All-American tennis player at the University of Miami, she battled her way to the NCAA doubles finals against UCLA, and her coaching resume is just as impressive – she sharpened her skills as an assistant at Arizona State University and then led Long Beach State as head coach. Now, after steering the San Diego City College women’s tennis team to back-to-back Pacific Coast Athletic Conference titles, Jones has been named 2025 Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association/California Community College Athletic Association.
Cheyenne Awelewa: Uplifting Women of Color and Redefining Identity, Empowerment, and Purpose in STEM
Cheyenne Awelewa’s story is one of transformation — from overcoming early math challenges to stepping confidently into her identity as a woman of color in STEM. As a San Diego City College student and a dedicated classified professional at San Diego Continuing Education (SDCCE), she is committed to community, mentorship, and innovation.
Theresa Savarese: A Half Century of Impacting Lives
Theresa Savarese has spent over five decades inspiring students and shaping the future of business and technology education. At San Diego City College, she helped launch California’s first community college bachelor’s degree in cyber defense and analysis. Her leadership as department chair and her passion for student success have made her a cornerstone of the campus community. Now preparing for retirement, Savarese reflects on a career filled with innovation, mentorship, and purpose. Discover how her legacy continues to impact thousands of students and colleagues.
Professor Mike Lopez: From Humble Beginnings to Enhancing Physics and Astronomy Education at City
Professor Mike Lopez, an accomplished astrophysicist and educator, has paved a path from his underprivileged beginnings in Santa Ana, California, to becoming an advocate for improving the accessibility of physics education. His research spans topics in astronomy, such as black holes and dark matter, as well as exploring how social factors like belonging influence student success in the classroom. Lopez shared his personal experiences, his passion for science, and his ongoing efforts to make physics more inclusive.
Alyn Acosta Ibarra: An Audacious STEM Pathways First-Gen Latina Scholar Empowering the Intersection of Science and Holistic Health
Alyn Acosta Ibarra, a first-generation Latina student at San Diego City College, has been accepted into the Summer 2025 STEM Pathways program at San Diego State University, where she will most likely collaborate with Dr. Cristal Sohl’s research lab. With a passion for chemistry, dermatology, and holistic health, Acosta Ibarra is determined to bridge the gap between science and wellness while inspiring future generations of Latinas in STEM. Acosta Ibarra views her success not only as a personal achievement but also as a platform to empower other young women, particularly Latinas, to pursue STEM fields. Through her participation in the program, she hopes to gain the skills and experience needed to make a lasting impact on the world of science and health.
Collin Austin (aka Semie): A Journey of Musical Passion at City
Collin Austin, known by his stage name Semie, is a dedicated music student at San Diego City College who has been making waves with his unique musical style and passion for learning. Balancing his studies in digital music technology and philosophy, Semie draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences and aims to convey a message of perseverance through his music. As he prepares for graduation, Semie looks forward to continuing his musical journey and exploring new opportunities.