Midland College names Alum of the YearApril 20, 2023

On Friday, March 31, the Midland College (MC) Alumni Association Leadership Team presented Cody Vasquez with the 2023 Alum of the Year award.

Vasquez, a 2016 graduate of Early College High School at Midland College (ECHS@MC), currently works as an admissions counselor at Angelo State University (ASU) and owns the award-winning Vasquez Development Group in San Angelo that provides executive leadership training to high school students, college students and young professionals.  He recently received the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce award for Commitment to Diversity and Community Impact.  In 2022, he was a recipient of the San Angelo “20 under 40” award given to influential young professionals who “exemplify occupational merit and servant leadership and who exude remarkable personal qualities.”

He credits his time at MC for setting the example of how faculty should teach and staff should care about students.  He even found personal happiness at MC when he met his wife Lizette, MC class of 2017.  Cody and Lizette are the proud parents of a one-year-old son.

This past fall, Vasquez helped to coordinate the first ASU at MC Day, where ASU admissions counselors met with current MC students and discussed transfer opportunities.  His favorite part of this event was returning to his alma mater ECHS@MC and sharing his experiences, the concepts of education in today’s world and tips on continuing the educational journey.  

“I learned the importance of education at a young age,” Vasquez said.  “Like most first-generation students, I wanted to attend college but didn’t know how I could make that happen.  When I was 13, I heard about ECHS@MC and immediately knew that was how I could take the first steps toward a college degree.”

Through Vasquez Development Group, Cody coordinates “Tomorrow’s Leaders Fundraising Campaign” to raise funds for higher education scholarships.  He also volunteers on many local non-profit boards in San Angelo and is a member of Concho Cadre and Young Professionals of San Angelo.  

When asked what he liked most about community involvement, Vasquez said, “I enjoy seeing people achieve something greater than they thought possible.”

After ECHS@MC, Vasquez attended ASU where he received both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA degree.  In 2020, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity named him National Collegian of the Year for his leadership and commitment to the business community.  

“Even though I now live in San Angelo, Midland is my hometown, and I know first-hand the value of Midland College, the wonderful impact it has on the Midland community and the opportunities it provides for students,” Vasquez stated.  “I am honored to be the 2023 Midland College Alum of the Year.”

Photo:  Cody & Lizette Vasquez