During March, we remember José Luis Vargas, former EOP director and a committed student advocate. The program would not be what it is today without his passion, dedication and conviction. A mentor to all, he helped many students find their place in higher education. His legacy will continue through the hard work and success of future EOP students.
José Luis Vargas was born in Mexico City in 1949. Shortly after Vargas was born, his family settled in the Echo Park community in the heart Los Angeles, Calif. He graduated from Belmont High School and went on to pursue an education at the San Fernando Valley State College, now California State University, Northridge.
In 1968, prior to entering college, Vargas had plans to attend trade school and work in a soap-packaging factory. His then-Spanish teacher took him and a few peers to visit San Fernando Valley State College. They met with students from the Black Student Union (BSU) and the United Mexican American Students (UMAS). Through their initiative and work, these groups had created a program to admit and prepare minority students for higher education. It was considered the first summer EOP “Bridge” experience, and it was an opportunity that would impact and ultimately change Vargas’ life.
As a college freshman, he was a research assistant for Dr. Rudy Acuña. Dr. Acuña developed the curriculum for what would become the Chicana/o Studies Department. In the fall of 1969, Mr. Vargas began his career with EOP as a peer advisor and was hired to be part of the staff in 1971.
Mr. Vargas was a self-trained musician and co-founder of Conjunto Aztlan. His love for music expressed respect for his Mexican heritage and educated people about the Chicano movement and other social justice struggles. He also co-founded Artes del Pueblo, a student-led organization that brought art and culture to the community.
In 1994, Mr. Vargas became the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at CSUN, a program that ensures and promotes access to higher education for historically underrepresented, low-income students.
Under his leadership, the EOP Transitional Programs, otherwise known as Summer Bridge, expanded into long-term learning communities. He also expanded EOP’s reach by developing new programs, such as the EOP Resilient Scholars Program that provides services to former foster youth, the EOP/Trio Student Support Services Program (SSSP), which helps students develop skills to reach their academic and professional goals. And lastly, the EOP Dream Center offers services for undocumented students. Every program emphasized his vision of mentoring and his commitment to being student-centered.
Statewide, he served as the Chair of the CSU EOP Directors’ Association and worked closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office to expand policies relating to EOP and communities of color. José Luis Vargas led EOP with passion, conviction, and professionalism. He mentored thousands of students and uplifted them to believe in themselves and succeed in higher education. EOP’s salient mission will continue through the dedication and hard work of its leaders, staff, and most of all our EOP students.
In 2017, an endowment to help high potential students was established in honor of José Luis Vargas, who passed away in March of 2016. The scholarship is a remembrance of his constant commitment to EOP and its students.
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If you would like to make a contribution to the Jose Luis Vargas Scholarship fund you can go online to: https://givenow.csun.edu - complete the form and select “Other” under designation and list “EOP Jose Luis Vargas Scholarship” in the special instructions box. Or make check payable to CSUN Foundation and list EOP/JLV on the memo section. Checks can be mailed to: Educational Opportunity Program, California State University, Northridge | Bayramian Hall 212 | 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8366
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Click here to view a collection of images of Mr. Vargas
Click here to view Remembrance Messages by CSUN EOP Students
