Mark Rivera
Class Level
Graduated
Degree and Major
B.A., Communication Studies; Minor in Journalism
Hometown
Turlock, CA
Why did you choose CSU Stanislaus?
Attending CSU Stanislaus gave me a chance to complete my education tenure completely in Turlock, seeing as I went to elementary, junior high and high school right here in the same town after being born in the Bay Area. Plus, I had a desire to compete in intercollegiate athletics, and CSU Stanislaus gave me that chance, while training and competing in an area I was already familiar with. I had been around the University and had been aware of its presence in the city since I was a kid. It was close to home and made the transition from high school to college a lot easier.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
The main thing is to make sure you research and explore all options and possibilities that are available to you. CSU Stanislaus is a great choice for college because of the academic standards it holds while doing its best to provide an exciting campus life for students. Its quaint student body in a small suburban town make it a perfect option for that one-on-one experience in college, but some people want more, and some want less, so just make sure you read up on everything that's out there.
What has been your favorite academic or student life experience so far?
My time as a student-athlete at CSU Stanislaus has brought me memories, friends and accomplishments that I will never forget. The coaches and athletic department personnel are some of the best people on campus to get to know. On top of that, because of my involvement in athletics, I have been steered toward stronger academic goals and will leave CSU Stanislaus with a four-year degree. Without athletics, I don't know where I would be today.
What is your career objective?
I want to be a Sports Information Director at a university. In simple terms, it's sort of a Public Relations person for a college's athletics department, handling all aspects of media relations, statistics gathering and publication work. I began college majoring in math and wanting to be a teacher, but it took a serious look at what I wanted to do for the rest of my life to truly find what I was passionate about. My involvement in college athletics at CSU Stanislaus has increased my love for sports and has encouraged me to seek a career in that field.
What clubs, sports, and activities have you participated in?
I have been a runner on the men's cross country and track & field teams at CSU Stanislaus since my freshman year. I go to Associated Students, Inc.'s "Warrior Day" every spring. I've participated in Earth Day activities, Welcome Back Week, and even got on the show "Price is Right" with the Outdoor Adventure Program! I was involved in the Student California Teachers Association my freshman year, and I tried starting my own student spirit group called "Wicked Warriors." Even without it, I attend nearly every single sporting event on campus to show my school spirit.
Who is your most influential personal and/or University mentor?
My former cross country and track coach, Kim Duyst, has been the most steady figure in my college experience. She was the one who pulled me into attending CSU Stanislaus, recruiting me out of high school. She has encouraged me to succeed in athletics and in the classroom. She always applauded me when I did well and shook a finger when I didn't give it my best - in both areas. She has sort of been my college parental figure, even though my parents live just across town. Now she has moved to the athletics office as an administrator, but she will still always be "Coach Duyst" to me.
E-mail Address: kram438@msn.com
