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Alumnus Still Touching Lives  By Vicki Hewitt Few would argue that education is priceless, its benefits too vast to even measure. Some could even say the same about a special teacher in their life, the one that believed in them, the one they will always remember. After visiting with alumnus O.B. Garcia, there is little doubt he is “that special teacher” to countless individuals in South Texas. His influence over the years as a math teacher, coach, administrator, mentor, volunteer and friend would be impossible to calculate. And to those in the College of Education at A&M-Corpus Christi, Garcia’s help as a part-time teacher recruitment coordinator is priceless. When he retired from Corpus Christi Independent School District in 1993 after 39 years, Garcia could have enjoyed a relaxing life of leisure. He certainly deserved to do so. His tenure included years of teaching, coaching basketball and serving as both assistant principal and principal at various schools. He is in the San Diego High School Hall of Fame, where he first taught, and in 1970, Garcia opened the new Martin Junior High School. Garcia was president for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals in 1991-1992. As a result of being selected the Texas President of the Year for Secondary Schools in 1992, he spent a week in Washington, D.C. discussing educational issues with members of Congress. In 1993, Garcia was named Principal of the Year for Middle Schools for Region II. Besides his educational interests, Garcia has been involved in the American Red Cross for 35 years and serves on the board of Corpus Christi Community Concerts. Though few may remember now, in May 1985 the Corpus Christi mayor and city council proclaimed an “O.B. Garcia Day” for Garcia’s incredible impact on the community. Yet this University of Corpus Christi graduate (‘51-‘54) decided it wasn’t time to stop doing what he loved best just because of a little thing like retirement. “I’ve always been a people person,” Garcia said, “and I was always able to build a great rapport with students. I enjoy talking with them and advising them about what is right. I always tell students ‘Education is something no one can take away from you.’ Now, I go into high schools and talk to students about their future and try to encourage them to be teachers. I also get to offer some of them scholarships and that makes me feel good.” “O.B. has a wealth of experience to draw upon when helping individuals decide whether or not teaching is for them,” stated Dr. Dee Hopkins, Dean of the College of Education. “He is the perfect person to help anyone trying to make a life decision.” Garcia’s love for life, including a love for music and traveling (maybe Rome next) make him an inspiration for students and adults alike. He has three children – a daughter that teaches at Driscoll Middle School who is working on her doctorate, a son with Union Pacific, and a son who is assistant regional director of the American Heart Association. Garcia’s legacy of giving continues on, a legacy shared by dedicated teachers everywhere who live in the hearts and minds of those they have touched. |
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