First Graduate

Jack Duggan

When he's not serving as a ranger for California State Parks, Jack Duggan may be found volunteering his time with First Graduate. Involved with the program from its beginnings in 2000, Duggan has served in multiple roles as a volunteer. He mentors Alex, a student in First Graduate's first class. When Alex graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Latin American Studies in spring of 2011, it was due in no small part to the support provided by Duggan. One of our longest serving and most dedicated volunteers, Duggan has also tutored students during the after-school program and joined the staff and students on field trips.

What Duggan had to say recently about his experience with First Graduate: “I became a mentor in the first class of First Graduate in 2000. My student graduated from UC Santa Cruz this year. I have also been a tutor at various times. It has been a wonderful experience. FG has an outstanding staff and a great group of volunteers. All along as a volunteer I have felt well connected and supported by the program. I never felt overwhelmed or isolated in the experience. I've felt like I'm part of a team sharing the goal of getting my student through high school, into college and now nearly through college. I've been able to talk to FG counselors, teachers, staff and volunteers, share information, get advice and share problems and triumphs.

"Within the program I was able to develop a strong relationship with my student's parents and family. I have been a lifelong volunteer and had the pleasure of being involved in some very good programs. First Graduate is the best program for volunteer support and satisfaction that I have ever been involved with. I have been very fortunate to have been a part of First Graduate for over 10 years now and I look forward to years to come.