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From Immokalee to Roberts Wesleyan University: Celebrating Guadalupe Center Students’ Successful Journey to Graduation

This student spotlight shines on a senior looking forward to graduating on May 10. Marc is a Guadalupe Center student from Immokalee, FL, who has been provided access to high-quality educational opportunities at Roberts Wesleyan University.

Marc Dorcin, Lunex Illozier and Karina Lopez-Ramirez

Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, Marc and his fellow Guadalupe Center graduates consistently excelled in their studies while actively participating in campus life at Roberts. These students are involved in campus organizations like the Global Club, the Student Multicultural Advisory Council, and the Honors Program. 

Let’s get to know these three students better, starting with graduating senior Marc Dorcin.

Meet Marc Dorcin ‘25 (Social Work)

As a social work major, Marc Dorcin’s time at Roberts has been professionally and personally transformative. Through his coursework, he’s gained a strong foundation in the theory and practice of social work, and his field placement with the Salvation Army has helped him apply those lessons in real-world situations and strengthen his skills. 

“This hands-on experience has given me the confidence and tools I need to feel prepared for what lies ahead,” said Marc. “One of the most rewarding aspects of studying social work is seeing the direct impact I can have—helping someone access vital resources, navigating a crisis, or simply listening with empathy and cultural humility.”  

What do you see yourself doing as a career? 

I see myself landing a job at the Salvation Army. I work there as a home health care manager and am doing my internship there. I would also consider working at a Hospital to impact people's lives in Florida.

How will your Roberts education help you reach those goals?

Through the courses, I've learned a lot about the theory and practice of social work. Working in the field for the Salvation Army has helped me improve my skills. Roberts has helped me improve professionally and personally. Because I did my field placement, I feel more secure because I know what to expect when I enter the real world and have the necessary tools.

How has Roberts impacted your spiritual journey?

Roberts has done a great job of incorporating spirituality into my education. In my social work program, one of the classes embedded into the program is the “Spirituality and Social Work Practice” course, which is essential. I will work with individuals from various cultural, spiritual, and religious perspectives when I enter the real world. So, I need to understand the nuances and have a clear perspective. My professors have challenged and helped me explore my spirituality more deeply and enabled me to consider other aspects of spirituality that I would not have considered.

How did your needs-based scholarship make a difference in your college experience?

The need-based scholarship made a huge difference in my personal life and college experience. It took the financial worries off my shoulders and allowed me to focus more on my academics and personal growth instead of worrying all the time about how to pay for school. It enabled me to keep going to school full-time and take advantage of opportunities like my internship at the Salvation Army.

Marc, right, with student Brooke Tangelder

What is the best thing about studying your major?

There are many positive things about studying social work, making it hard to choose. However, I like that I can see how my work directly improves lives, whether it’s helping someone access resources or navigate a crisis, and also learning to develop empathy, cultural humility, and how to really listen and care without judgment, as life is not always black and white.

What course (so far) has been your favorite, and what do you love most about it?

My favorite course so far was my “Social Welfare Policy” class. The course material challenged me, which entailed learning about policy work and choosing a social problem to research and advocate for or against.

Assistant Professor of Social Work, Leia Jones, Abigail Mariano (student), Policy team member, Luis Hinojos, Marc, Lydia Schooley (student)

I enjoyed that class because of the experience it gave me. We went to Washington, DC (my first time in DC) to advocate for a bill called H.R. 3331, the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act. Though extremely nervous, it helped me build my confidence and practice advocating, using my voice to support a cause that matters. 

Who is your favorite professor, and what’s one way they’ve helped you?

Dr. Rebecca Draper and Professor Leia Jones. They have an excellent way of connecting with the students. They teach with passion and love what they do. Dr. Draper has impacted me as she has walked alongside me to get through a difficult semester. Professor Jones is my academic advisor; she has been supportive and encouraging.

How do you serve others?

Through my internship at the Salvation Army, I've served others by helping them access items they need. In Emergency Family Services, I have assisted with food bags and hygiene products, and I've been able to make clothing referrals to different organizations in the community. The other way I like to serve is by listening to others and offering my undivided attention to listen to them.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Though I struggle to accept this, it is okay to feel that you don't know everything. Change will feel uncomfortable before you are comfortable, but that's okay because this, too, shall pass. So, in the midst of doubt and uncertainty, take a deep breath and do your best, and if it still does not work out, don't be afraid to seek guidance from someone you trust, whether a friend or faculty member.

What is your favorite thing about Rochester?

My favorite thing about Rochester is the change in seasons. You get it all. During the fall season, you get the beautiful bright red, yellow, and orange colors. During the winter season, when it is not snowing, I enjoy seeing the snow on the ground as the sun pierces through the sky, and you can see the snow on the tree branches, which makes perfect weather for that season because it is not too cold and you feel the sun (a perfect balance of both).

Faculty Feedback

"Marc is one of those people who makes the room feel lighter just by being in it. He’s thoughtful, kind, and consistently shows up as a supportive classmate, whether that’s through encouraging words, quiet acts of kindness, or simply being a good listener. His calm energy and sharp critical thinking skills are such a gift to our classroom community. Honestly, I can’t help but smile when he smiles, it’s just that contagious. I know Marc will do amazing things upon graduation, no matter what direction he decides to go!"

- Assistant Professor of Social Work, Leia Jone