[Sshagradstudents] Remembering Monica I. Garcia

[SSHA Graduate Services]

This message is sent on behalf of Megan Topete, SSHA Assistant Dean of Student & Instructional Services.

Dear SSHA Graduate Students,

I write today as a follow up to the message campus received about the passing of Monica I. Garcia, our SSHA Manager of Graduate Services. Some of you may recall that she went on leave in late September, leaving Pakou Thao and Isabel De Santiago as the remaining staff for all SSHA Graduate Groups. The passing of Monica is unexpected and a shock to many of us. As she has worked with many of you over the last six years, we understand that this news is difficult and you may need some additional support. You're always welcome to connect with your Graduate Group Chairs, Associate Dean Anne Zanzucchi or myself. Our SSHA colleagues have also set up an ofrenda in SSHA Reception if you'd like to visit it, and left space on Monica's office door to leave a note that we will share with her family. More information will be coming soon for a SSHA Remembrance Event to honor her.

While we work to obtain some temporary help and backfill the Manager of Graduate Services position, please be in touch with Pakou and Isabel (via ssha.grad at ucmerced.edu<mailto:ssha.grad at ucmerced.edu>). For the most up-to-date information on graduate group assignments, office hours and appointments please visit ssha-grad.ucmerced.edu.

Take care of yourselves,
[cid:image001.png at 01DA0BFB.5E867D60]
Megan M. Topete
she/her/hers
Assistant Dean
Student & Instructional Services
School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts
[signature_1395077227]
5200 Lake Road | Merced, California 95343
ssha.ucmerced.edu/ | 209.228.4594


From: Jeff Gilger, Dean of SSHA <announcements at ucmerced.edu<mailto:announcements at ucmerced.edu>>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Megan Topete <mtopete at ucmerced.edu<mailto:mtopete at ucmerced.edu>>
Subject: Remembering Monica Garcia

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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS

Re: Remembering Monica Garcia
To: All faculty and staff
October 25, 2023

[https://mcusercontent.com/3bd3ea9929e329e294a806abb/_compresseds/9c4d0c43-d307-ebfc-74e0-3ddb6df79108.jpg]Dear colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Dr. Monica I. Garcia, Manager of Graduate Services, in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA). Monica passed away on October 15, 2023. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

Monica joined SSHA in November 2017 and became the Lead SSHA Graduate Services Coordinator in September 2020; she then earned the role of Manager of SSHA Graduate Services in September 2022. Monica came to SSHA Graduate Services after spending several years at our sister campus, UC Santa Barbara, as an undergraduate student, a graduate student, an Undergraduate Advisor, and a Unit 18 faculty member. Her extensive experience in the UC system and her passion to always do the right thing aided her in her success growing at UC Merced.

As a leader, she consistently attended workshops and conferences to learn more about how to support her team the best way possible. Monica and her team were critical in support and advisory roles as campus adjusted to COVID and budgetary changes. She thought creatively about how to encourage networks and develop new workflows, bringing together professionals across groups and parts of campus. As part of Monica's deep commitment to fairness and equity, she challenged processes to align policies. We call her a fierce advocate, as just one of so many reasons we are grateful to have known her.

Monica will be greatly missed not only as a colleague and mentor, but as a friend. She will specifically be missed for her incredible memory of dates and numbers, and her overall positivity about a promising future. She will be remembered as person of strength who had a sharp sense of humor and a kind heart.

As we begin the healing process from losing our colleague, please take the time you need to reach out, support each other, and connect with those who are close to you. In addition, employees can also access services through Insight, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees can receive up to three FREE counseling sessions, regardless of their enrollment in medical plans. Employees may contact Insight EAP at 559-226-7437 or email insighteap at insighteap.com<mailto:insighteap at insighteap.com> for more information and/or to set up an appointment.

Monica will be remembered by all she has touched.

Respectfully,

Jeff Gilger, Dean
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts


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