GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Jorge Mendoza
When Dr. Jorge Eduardo Mendoza began his college education at Garden City Community College in 2005, he knew he wanted to build a strong foundation for his future. What began as a practical decision to save money on his education eventually became the first step in a journey that would take him from Garden City to becoming a Veterinarian and Medical Director in Columbus, Ohio.
“I chose to attend Garden City Community College because I wanted to reduce the overall cost of my education by completing my general education requirements and many of my foundational science courses,” Mendoza said. “My plan was then to transfer to a larger four-year university, where I could focus on more advanced science courses and take advantage of greater opportunities to participate in research.”
While at GCCC, Mendoza became involved in several student organizations and activities, including the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), GC3 Student Media, and Student Support Services (TRIO). His experiences at the college helped shape not only his academic path, but also his confidence and character.
“The most important thing I learned while attending Garden City Community College was to believe in myself and have the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult,” Mendoza said. “I created many memories and experiences at GCCC that helped shape who I am, and I am grateful for the phenomenal instructors and peers who were part of that journey.”
His time with the college newspaper reinforced that lesson. “While writing for the college newspaper, I learned that ‘doing or saying the right thing can be the most difficult thing,’” he said.
Another significant moment came at graduation, when Mendoza was selected to serve as the keynote speaker. “Serving as the keynote speaker at my graduation was another defining moment because it helped me truly believe in myself and develop the mindset, ‘If I can do this, I can do anything,’” he said. “Over the years, I have faced many challenges that have reminded me of that lesson, and I continue to carry that belief with me.”
After earning an associate in science in Biology from GCCC in 2007, Mendoza continued his education at several institutions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University in 2010, a master’s degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2022.
Today, Mendoza serves as a Veterinarian and Medical Director at VCA Animal Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In his role, he provides clinical oversight, mentors fellow veterinarians and staff, and helps develop and maintain medical protocols and standards of patient care while continuing his work as a practicing veterinarian.
Looking back on his education, Mendoza credits GCCC with providing an important foundation for his success. “My education at Garden City Community College contributed greatly to my success, both academically and personally,” he said. “My three brothers and I all graduated from GCCC, and that achievement alone is something I am extremely proud of.”
For Mendoza, GCCC also represented an opportunity to make higher education more accessible. “GCCC provides immigrants and the children of immigrants with an opportunity to take an important step toward earning a college degree and building a better future,” he said. “College can be a significant financial burden for individuals and families, and GCCC allowed me to complete my undergraduate education debt-free.”
Mendoza said his only student loans were for veterinary school, which he has since paid off. “GCCC not only made higher education more accessible to me, but it also helped establish the foundation for the success I have achieved today,” he said.
His advice to today’s GCCC students is simple: believe in themselves, work hard and recognize the opportunities around them. “My advice to current and prospective Garden City Community College students is to truly believe in the GCCC motto, ‘From here, you can go anywhere.’ Just make sure you work hard, stay focused, and keep your eyes open for the opportunities that come your way,” Mendoza said.
He also encourages high school students to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credit before graduation. “I would also encourage students to take advantage of college courses while they are still in high school,” he said. “Those opportunities can help reduce the cost of college, get you ahead academically, and show you what you are capable of achieving.”
Beyond the education he received, Mendoza said some of the most meaningful parts of his GCCC experience came from the people he met along the way. One person who had a lasting impact was Rita G. Perez, whom he met in high school. The two graduated from GCCC in 2007 and went on to Kansas State University together. At GCCC’s graduation, both were honored with the Outstanding Student Award.
“Rita was incredibly intelligent, determined, and had a wonderful personality,” Mendoza said. “Tragically, Rita passed away in a car accident in 2009. She made a difference in the lives of the people around her, and I truly believe she would have gone on to become an exceptional physician.”
Mendoza said Perez’s memory continues to influence how he views his own success. “When I reflect on my success, I recognize how much the people around me have influenced and inspired me,” he said. “Being surrounded by individuals like Rita, who challenged me, encouraged me, and exemplified determination, was an important part of my journey. I am grateful that GCCC strengthened our bond and brought people like her into my life.”
From a Garden City student seeking an affordable path to higher education to a Veterinarian and Medical director in Ohio, Dr. Mendoza’s experience demonstrates what is possible with a strong start and a willingness to pursue opportunities.
His story reflects GCCC’s enduring motto: From here, you can go anywhere.
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a part in Dr. Jorge Mendoza’s path. Make a difference for future students by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC Endowment Association.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.