UC Merced Connect: Student embraces campus’ pioneering ways

Even in its 10th academic year, many opportunities for innovation still exist at UC Merced.

Armando Lomeli, a senior from Los Banos, wouldn’t have it any other way. As a psychology major minoring in Spanish and management, he embraces the pioneering spirit for which the campus is known.

“You don’t have to participate in everything here, but I like that everyone is encouraged to do something that falls in line with their interests or hobbies,” Lomeli said.

A review of Lomeli’s life shows his interest lies in getting things started. In high school, he helped charter a DECA chapter on his campus. The organization’s focus on entrepreneurship and business leadership piqued Lomeli’s interest, but he had no idea that it would lead to his involvement in the creation of three student groups in college.

At UC Merced, he has helped charter the Regents Scholars Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and, most recently, Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

“As freshmen, when my fellow Regents Scholars and I arrived at UC Merced, there was no system in place for us to meet other Regents Scholars on campus,” Lomeli said. “We’d have to travel to the Regents Scholars conferences at other campuses to meet our peers.”

Some might see his campus involvement as a departure from his academic focus,but Lomeli sees things differently.

“What I’ve learned in my management classes is that collaborating with other people is an important part of effective business,” he said. “And as a psychology major, I’ve learned a lot about people.”

That knowledge has led Lomeli to adopt some behaviors that are unusual for undergraduates. For instance, Elinor Torda, who has taught Lomeli in his Spanish classes, marvels at his commitment to a subject that is not his major. Lomeli is a regular presence during office hours, a longtime member of the Spanish Club, and a reliable presence at campus talks and events related to the Spanish-speaking world.

“You expect students in the major to immerse themselves in their studies, but a minor doesn’t usually carry the same weight for undergraduates,” Torda said. “He is one of the hardest-working students I know, and he demonstrates a genuine interest in the language and culture.”

Lomeli considers his habits an investment in his future, and he encourages other students to do the same.

“You get good grades by understanding classroom subject matter, and taking advantage of a professor’s office hours is the best way to make sure you understand the information presented in class,” he said. “It’s also the best way to get personal attention from your professor, to set yourself apart from the rest of the class.”

Golf tournament breaks fundraising record

The 18th annual Ma Kelley Memorial Shoot-Out and the fifth annual Building Future Champions Dinner, presented by Merced Honda in October at the Stevinson Ranch Golf Course, netted more than $56,000 for UC Merced Athletics.

The moneys raised set a new single-year record for the tournament, which has now raised $275,000 since its inception in 2005. Nearly 135 golfers participated in this year’s tournament.

This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 5:04 PM with the headline "UC Merced Connect: Student embraces campus’ pioneering ways."