Through a shifting racial climate, a tumultuous presidential election, political polarization, and global health crisis, students persevered—some while holding down jobs and supporting their families. Whatcom Community College students consistently face challenges head on, and demonstrate their commitment to their academic and career goals. These are a few stories of perseverance, resiliency, community, and success fromWCC students and recent graduates...
MARIO ALEM
In his own words
2020 President’s Award winner Former Associated Students of WCC president Graduated in 2020 with Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree, with honors
Mario Alem was awarded the 2020 President’s Award for his significant
As ASWCC president, Mario also led the ASWCC Get Out the Vote campaign, a collaboration with the League of Women Voters aimed at increasing civic engagement on campus. He graduated fromWCC with his high school diploma, transfer degree, and a 4.0 GPA. Mario is now attending Western Washington University and is majoring in economics and political science. During his time at WCC, Mario also served on the WCC Foundation Board, and worked with his student leader colleagues to allocate $16,400 to support student emergency fund needs through the Orca Student Success Fund and Orca Food Pantry.
academic achievements and contributions to theWCC campus community. Mario began attendingWCC as a full-time Running Start student in his junior year at Squalicum High School. During his second year at Whatcom, he served as Associated Students of WCC (ASWCC) student body president. Mario’s commitment to service, leadership, continual learning, and inclusive, empowered community shines through. Notably, he successfully balanced academic excellence and his ASWCC duties with an above-and- beyond effort to support his peers and make himself available to the student community.
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