Written by:
Dr. John Mark Robeck
Associate Professor of Theology, Ethics, and Culture
Director of Graduate Programs in Theology, & Leadership
Parent of Rebekah Robeck, Class of 2026
Many college students face adversity along the way. Some are the first in their families to attend a four-year university—pioneering a path that opens doors not only for themselves, but for future generations.
Last weekend at Vanguard University, we celebrated these journeys through our Student Organizations Program Celebrations. I had the privilege of attending the El Puente Club Senior Celebration honoring Hispanic students.
Student speakers, Paloma Tapia and Ramiro Muñoz-Cortes, along with Faculty speaker Dr. Brenda Navarrete, shared their stories of having been the first in their families to attend a four year university. My daughter, Rebekah Robeck, was one of the students honored. She was born the year I started at Vanguard and is fourth generation Latina on her mother's side, and has had a very different experience than previous generations. My wife, Cristina M. Robeck, MBA, was the first in her family to attend a four year institution and graduate, going on to an MBA. Together, Cristina and Rebekah are counted among the 13% of Latinos in the US who hold a four year college degree as opposed to the approx.. 23% national average of all US adults. Cristina represents 7% with a graduate degree against the 14% national average.
During the celebration, honorees were asked to pin a ribbon on someone who had played a part in their journey. I was brought to tears when Rebekah pined the ribbon on me. I am incredibly proud of both Rebekah and Cristina for breaking the mold, setting a new trajectory in the unfolding history of neustro familia, and to have played a part in the journey. Rebekah walks the stage for graduation on Friday, May 8, after which she will head to Fuller Theological Seminary to begin an M.Div..
Felicidades, Mija. Estoy muy orgulloso de ti.
Whether you know someone going to college, trade school, law enforcement, fire service, or the military, be a part of their journey. Encourage them in achieving their dreams. Make sure they know they are not alone. God has created all of us for community, not for isolation, and for those who are the first in their family to do anything, they need all of us more than we can imagine. In Spanish we say ¡Si, Se Peude! When said together, anything is possible.
