Jose Luis Vargas

Jose Luis Vargas, October, 28, 1949- March 19, 2016 Jose Luis Vargas passed away after a brief illness on March 19, 2016, surrounded by loved ones in Mission Hills, California. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne (Aguirre) Vargas; son, Damian Jose Vargas; mother, Carmen Alcantara de Vargas; brother, Federico M. Vargas; and sister, Maria Carmen A. Vargas. Jose Luis was born in Mexico City. His family moved to the US and resided in the Echo Park community of Los Angeles, where he attended middle school and graduated from Belmont High School before entering California State University Northridge (CSUN). At Cal State Northridge, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and received a Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Psychology, Counseling and Guidance. Jose Luis and Yvonne met while attending CSUN and both were activist in support of the university Chicano Studies Program student events and activities and they were married on June 11, 1971. Jose Luis was a self-trained musician and a founding member of the CSUN Chicanos Studies Conjunto Aztlan group and the Mariachi group, both of whom he performed with as an EOP student and employee. His love for music was a way of expressing respect and pride of his Mexican heritage, promoting unity on campus and in the community in support of the Chicano movement and other social justice rights. He leaves behind a 45 year legacy at CSUN where he built a community of lifelong friends. Starting his career there in 1971 with EOP as a Student Affairs Assistant and advancing to become the Director of EOP in 1994, the position he held at the time of his passing. He was an activist for social justice and life time champion of access to higher education by underrepresented and low income students. He was committed and strived for the highest standard of excellence for the success of EOP. He opened the door for countless students and created opportunity for many. Students spanning four decades have had the opportunity to know and be inspired by him to achieve their dreams through higher education. Under his leadership, EOP expanded the traditional student programs to Residential Bridge, Commuter Bridge, Fresh Start and Transfer Bridge and TRIO programs, all serving to provide successful entrance and transfer of students for a successful university experience leading to graduation. His commitment to further the reach of EOP also included the development of the EOP Foster Youth Program and the “Dream Center” offering supportive services for undocumented students. He also served as the chair of the CSU EOP statewide Directors and worked closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office to expand and strengthen polices governing EOP. Jose Luis was devoted to his family and friends, and his CSUN EOP family. He was passionate and committed to give the very best of himself to both.He cherished his life with his family and was always there to provide care, love and support. He had fun taking his family to his favorite action movies, and introducing his son Damian to Star Wars, Star Trek, Raiders of the Lost Ark Indiana Jones movies; reading super hero comic books to Damian and introducing him to the Beatles music. He enjoyed watching basketball, (especially the “Show Time Lakers”) and football with family and friends. He loved to hear his father and mother and in-laws share stories about the past and their life experiences in the “old days”. At family gatherings, the visits sometimes turned into an educational counseling session with a niece or god child asking for guidance on going on to college after high school. He always welcomed the opportunity to share his advice with his many nephews, nieces and godchildren on the importance of attaining a college degree. He was present to share in the joy of seeing most of them succeed to graduate from college. Jose Luis became a dog lover over the past two years, when he welcomed his puppy Maltese mix “Luna” into his life. Luna warmed his heart and he happily cared and played with her each day. Luna watched Jose Luis from the kitchen window each morning he left for work, as he smiled and waved good bye. Upon hearing the garage door open each evening, Luna ran to the door to welcome him home. After 45 years of marriage, words do not suffice when it comes to life shared with Jose Luis; the life lived with him was lovely. He is most dearly missed and he remains loved and cherished forever in our hearts. His commitment, passion and care will be remembered by many always . . .