Name: Robertolino Vargas Guerrero
Title: Program director for the Latin Sisters Initiative
How long have you worked at Saint Mary’s?
About four years
How would you describe your role at Saint Mary’s?
My job at the university is to be a leader and guarantee the success in the studies of our 58 Latin Sisters who are working towards their bachelor’s completion and master’s degrees. Furthermore, I support professors in the use of Canvas and give advice in the way of teaching the Sisters. As director, I coordinate the Sisters’ visits to Winona, New York, and Rome in collaboration with Catholic Extension and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
Robertolino Vargas Guerrero, program director for the Latin Sisters Initiative
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is teaching in the program and coordinating the Sisters’ residences. I love listening to their stories of the apostolic work in the United States and knowing how much good they are doing for people in need. That really touches my heart.
What are your hopes for the future of Saint Mary’s?
My hope is that the university continues to grow and show how beautiful we are as an institution that lives the Lasallian values. In addition to showing how we are committed to educating students that they can be successful and good human beings in life.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I feel very proud when the Sisters tell me that they feel at home at Saint Mary’s, and that they are proud to be Saint Mary’s students. I am glad that by educating the Sisters, they can have more skills to continue helping migrants and the unhoused in their different ministries.
Looking at the “Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission,” which of the 12 declarations resonates with you the most? Why?
Declaration 2: We believe that Lasallian education is an expression of Christian humanism.
I am proud that all of my education, from kindergarten to my master’s degree, has come from a Lasallian institution. Much of who I am is thanks to human and Christian formation I received from this education. From my point of view, a human education helps us create a community where students can feel like a family. Where they feel accompanied and live the values of service and commitment to those most in need.