He Fled Cuba And Made MDC His Home—“Pepe” Celebrates 50 Years At North Campus

José “Pepe” Garcia has witnessed most of Miami Dade College’s history first-hand. 

When the 85-year-old started working at North Campus in 1970, only one other campus existed—South Campus, which was later renamed Kendall. 

Scott Hall—North campus’ main edifice—had been completed only seven years prior and buildings 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and the daycare center didn’t exist.

Garcia has seen North Campus—sandwiched between Opa-locka and Hialeah—transform into an educational giant that serves more than 41,000 students. 

“I’m proud to say I work at MDC,” Garcia said. “I love MDC as if it were my own life.”

In many ways, it has become that.

On May 26, Garcia’s dedication to what is his second—though you could argue it’s his first—home was celebrated at the North Campus Service Awards commemorating his 50th anniversary with the College.

As a mariachi group serenaded him, he gingerly walked to center stage in a blue polo and brown trousers sporting his trademark crew cut accented by healthy tufts of white hair. 

Visibly emotional, Garcia struggled to form words as he wiped tears from his eyes and patted his heart.

“I got excited knowing that I was receiving love and recognition for my work,” Garcia said as he recounted the moment. “I was so happy to the point that I was actually speechless.”

Garcia was born in Havana, Cuba. He arrived in Miami on July 28, 1959—at the age of 24—fleeing Fidel Castro’s oppressive regime and becoming a United States citizen a few years later.

He hit it off with his neighbor—Angela Gotera—who would become his wife a year later. Although they didn’t have children, they were married for nearly 50 years before she passed away in 2009 from emphysema, a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.

“We understood and treated each other so well,” Garcia fondly recalled.

His first job in the U.S. was as a carpenter for Coda Wood. Garcia worked there for 11 years making dining room table sets and couches. But in 1970, he was forced to look for another job when the company filed for bankruptcy.

On the advice of a friend, Garcia applied to be a full-time night shift custodian at North Campus and he landed a job on the cleaning crew in the 600 building. He switched to day shift seven years later and was charged with cleaning various areas including the cafeteria and gym.

By 2006, Garcia had joined the campus’ moving crew. They set up events such as the inauguration for the Rising Black Scholars Program on June 15 or the recent Board Of Trustees meeting held at North Campus.

“At 70 years old, [Pepe] joined the moving crew, handling chairs and tables like he was 40,” said Henry Thompson, the recently retired director of custodial services in a pre-taped video commemorating Garcia’s 50 years at MDC. “It’s amazing to see him outwork some of the younger guys.”

It’s with the moving crew that Garcia has felt most at home.

“He’s always willing to go the extra mile and always willing to stay when we run behind,” said Glen Fulton, who serves as head custodian and has worked with Garcia since 1993.

The tight-knit unit has also shared many fond memories. Every year during Christmas they host an intimate lunch on campus in their breakroom. They each bring a Latin dish to share with the group including arroz con pollo (yellow rice and chicken), Cuban black beans and rice, and ham.

They have also been there for each other during tumultuous times. Like when Fulton’s wife—Charlotte Fulton—succumbed to lung cancer in 2017. Two years later they comforted each other when their long-time co-worker—Casey Thomas—died after suffering a heart attack at home.   

They did the same for Garcia in 2013 when he was hit by a Honda Pilot in parking lot 16 at North Campus. Garcia was transported to Hialeah Hospital. He sustained broken ribs, a fractured femur and cerebral hemorrhaging and underwent several surgeries. 

After recuperating in the hospital for two months, he underwent a rehab stint at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sunrise. But Garcia never felt alone. His co-workers, who have become life-long friends, checked in on him to make sure he was in good spirits. 

“Just knowing that they were there for me made me happy,” Garcia said.

Now after more than five decades, Garcia is considering leaving the place that has made him the happiest. He is contemplating retirement in January. Those who know him say they would miss his sunny disposition, energy and the passion he has for his job.  

“If you’re having a bad day, you can just sit and have a conversation with him and it melts your heart,” said Evelyn Rodriguez, the director of campus services at North Campus. “He’s a man that never argues or complains and is always willing to do what is needed, with an ability to be [a] light.”