ASPIRE Staff Members
 Lois
Mardis, Assistant Director, Administrative
Lois Mardis graduated with a B.A in Social Work from San Jose State
University. She continued her graduate studies at SJSU in Counseling
Education. During her educational process, she joined the ASPIRE
Program as a student peer advisor. After she graduated with her
Master's degree in education, she accepted a position at the University
of Phoenix as an Academic Counselor. During her stay there, she
took classes and received a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management.
Although she enjoyed working with students that worked in a corporated
setting, her heart was most happy working with students in a traditional
university setting. After three years she left University of Phoenix
to pursue her goal.
Lois loves working with students, especially those from underreprented
backgrounds because she shares the same background and obstacles.
She is the first in her family to receive a graduate degree. She
is a single mother with three children. "It was well worth
the struggle to attend school because the degrees I achieved for
myself are oftentimes viewed as unattainable. But I have a philosophy,
if you put your head and your heart into the goals you set for yourself,
they can and will be attained. Keep your eyes on the prize."
Manuel Salazar, Assistant Director of Advising
Manuel Salazar started with the ASPIRE Program as a Peer Advisor
in the fall of 1995. While completing his undergraduate degree in
Sociology and Mexican American Studies and his graduate degree in
Counselor education, he assisted with the conception and development
of ASPIRE's First Year Experience program. Now in the position of
coordinating this effort, he oversees the services provided to ASPIRE's
freshmen and sophomore students. When not confined to the walls
of the office, Manuel can be found at the Oakland Coliseum cheering
for the Raiders or the A's.
Angelica Ochoa, Administrative Coordinator
The ASPIRE/McNair Program welcomes Angelica Ochoa as its newest
staff member. On October 1, 2003, she assumed her full-time duties
as Administrative Coordinator for both the ASPIRE and McNair Scholars
Programs. If you think Angelica looks familiar, you're right. Angelica
joined the ASPIRE Program as a student participant during her sophomore
year and remained in the program through her senior year. Angelica
graduated from SJSU in May 2003 with her BS in Criminal Justice.
Alma Aquina, Peer Advisor
Alma is a junior pursuing her baccalaureate degree in Political
Science and is minoring in both Mexican American Studies and Women's
Studies. Her focus is International Relations. She plans to continue
pursuing her focus on a graduate level at UC Berkeley. Alma is the
oldest of three in her family who loves spending time at the park,
reading thought-provoking books, and watching the Discovery or History
Channel. She said she chose International Relations not only as
a career goal but also as a personal goal because it encompasses
her dreams of traveling. The first three trips will include Brazil,
Peru, and Europe.
 Norma
Marrun, ASPIRE Clerical Assistant
Norma majored in sociology with a concentration in criminology and
a minor in Spanish. She enjoys watering plants and spending time
with her friends. Norma loves Sundays because it's when she gets
to spend time with her family and volunteer for an after-school
program at Ocala Middle School.
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