David J. Holquin '03
Name: David J. Holquin
Graduation Year: 2003
Original Hometown: Sacramento, CA (a graduate of Christian Brothers High School, a Lasallian School, 1999)
Major/Minor: Honors concentration in Finance
Job Title: Director of Admissions, consultant to Campus Ministry, and Summer Programs Director
What is your job description? In my present job as Campus Minister, I coordinate the liturgies, prayer services, and other faith aspects of the school. The retreat program, while I do not directly oversee, is also something that I am intricately involved with. As Director of Admissions I speak with, and attempt to attract, prospective families who have an interest in Justin-Siena. I give presentations to middle schools, parent groups, civic organizations, help to market and promote our school, and try to be an all-around spokesperson for the school.
I also am an instructor in the Religious Studies department. I have taught our freshman year course (Introduction to Catholic Christianity), and two of our senior courses (Faith works – a service internship program — and the Campus Ministry Class — where we plan the major liturgical and prayerful experiences of campus).
Why did you originally choose Saint Mary’s? ; I chose Saint Mary's because it was small; far enough, yet close enough away from home; was Catholic, and Lasallian. Coming from a Catholic, Lasallian high school, I knew that while I applied to larger schools that I would be lost in the shuffle. I didn't want to be a number, or be anonymous to my teachers. Worst of all, I didn't want to be taught be a TA, but by a professor who cared about me, and my learning of the material.
What was the best part about your college experience? Meeting, proposing, and marrying my wife at SMC. Second to that would be the friendships I made with professors and peers. These are people I can count on; I share similar values and interests with them, they are intelligent, well meaning people, who have a concern for our community and the world.
How did you enter the field you have chosen? I went through the career center, and got a job in business. After a year and a half of that, I realized that my passion was, and always has been, education. I applied to three Lasallian high schools, and chose the one that I felt God was calling me to. In essence, I was choosing between where I felt that my gifts and talents, cultivated at SMC, were needed the most.
How might Saint Mary’s have given you the concrete skills necessary to become successful in your career? As student body president, I had some great "on the job training" of how to deal with people, who to be mission centered, and how to do what I love. A student I of mine who just graduated, and I admire and respect, has said, "Do what you love, love what you do." I think Saint Mary's helped me understand that it is more important to be happy in a job, than to care about anything else. Moreover, my finance degree helped me not just think philosophically, but in tangible terms as well.
What is your advice to students about to enter college? 1. Enjoy it! College will be some of the most meaningful and memorable years of your life. 2. Get involved! I considered transferring schools my freshman year because I thought that the school had nothing to offer. That was because I didn't offer the school anything in return. Once I did, I fell in love with the school, and never looked back. 3. Try new things! Go study abroad for a summer, join the choir with campus ministry, run for office, be a Resident Advisor, take up a new sport, try living with someone you don't know. There are so many opportunities that only college affords; take them when they come.
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