Marina Bravo
Staff Writer
About 150 La Verne community members attended the final lecture of Paul Alvarez, beloved professor of kinesiology, who is retiring this year after 38 years at the University.
The lecture was in La Fetra hall Tuesday. And the crowd size was a tribute to Alvarez’s legacy and the many lives he’s touched over the years.
Alvarez’s presentation, part of the regular faculty lecture series, was different from other such lectures in that it was personal, focused on his career and contribution to the University community, the University’s impact on him, and his life story.
Alvarez said he was not always behind the scenes in the world of athletics. After competing in track all through high school and college, Alvarez had to take a break following an injury.
His own need to rehab from his injury introduced him to the world of athletic training.
Alvarez received his bachelor of science in physical education with a focus on athletic training at California State University, Sacramento. From there he became the athletic trainer for Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, while he was studying for his master of science at the University of Oregon. He subsequently earned his doctorate in education at U.C. Riverside.
Alvarez became a Leo in 1987, starting as a part-time assistant athletic trainer. He became a full-time faculty member in 1989.
Alvarez shared the roles he played at the University and he talked about his own mentors and his mentorship of others.
“A good mentor won’t shoot you down,” Alvarez said. “They are people you should trust.”
He took the time to highlight how different people at ULV have impacted him.
Alvarez referenced his dreams and goals throughout the lecture, and how with the help of mentors he was able to accomplish so many of these.
One of his most notable achievements was being a part of the athletic training staff for the U.S. Team to the World University Games. In 2009, Alvarez attended the Games in Belgrade, Serbia.
Subsequently, Alvarez has been invited back every two years for each of the Games. He and his family will attend the Games this summer in Germany.
Alvarez credited his wife, Jennifer Alvarez, a teacher, for her unwavering support in pursuing his dreams.
Among his many professional accomplishments, his experiences and impacts at the University were at the top.
Alvarez’s love for ULV and its people is evidently mutual.
“We are going to miss you,” said Ian Lising, associate professor of rhetoric and communication studies. “Your spirit has lifted all of us. We are never going to get that back.”
“Paul is always so generous with his time and advice,” added Al Clark, emeritus professor of humanities. “I have known him his entire time here. He himself is a mentor.”
Alvarez was pleasantly surprised by the turnout at Tuesday’s lecture – and grateful.
“I was warmed,” Alvarez said. “The staff is very important to me; they do so much for so many.”
Alvarez said he is most looking forward to travel following his retirement in May.
Marina Bravo can be reached at marina.bravo@laverne.edu.
Marina Bravo is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and has previously served as a staff writer and photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She enjoys going to live shows and everything spooky.
Vicente Rodriguez is a senior photography major with a marketing minor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. He has previously served as photography editor of the Campus Times and a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine.
