El Paso Community College officials recently announced the death of a student, cheerleader, coach and dedicated member of the EPCC family, Raul M. Hernandez.
EPCC officials share that Raul began working in the Student Leadership & Campus Life department in 2010 as a work-study, where they say he brought with him the passion, experience and desire to create a Cheer and Mascot Program for the school that continues to this day.
Hernandez later became a full time Campus Life Representative, but continued to volunteer his time to coach the team.
“He was extremely devoted to the program’s flourishment and success and worked hard to make it into what it became. He took the team to the National Cheerleaders Association competition, where they placed third in 2019 and fourth in 2018,” college officials said.
“Because of his efforts and resilience, EPCC’s mascot Tejano Jack is now well known and requested throughout the El Paso County elementary, middle, high schools as well as the El Paso community.”
According to the college, as a Campus Life Representative, Hernandez worked at all campuses at different times.
“He was known for establishing events like the annual Ghost Tours at the Rio Grande Campus, Make-a-Wish Foundation Fashion Show, and the Christmas Door Decorating Contest at Transmountain, among many others. He was great at working with others and collaborated with various departments and community organizations to support our campuses’ events,” officials said.
Hernandez also hosted the Tasty Thursdays segments on the department’s Facebook page, in which he had an opportunity to showcase his culinary abilities and love for food and cooking.
On the college website, officials added:
“Raul was kind, friendly, loving, respectful, funny, innovative, creative and had a sense of community. He had a way of making others look forward to long events because it did not feel like work. He supported and mentored new team members and always encouraged them to do their best and speak their minds and share ideas. He had an ability to create strong bonds with people and make them feel comfortable talking to him, and it felt like he always had the solution to any work-related question or dilemma. Raul’s passion for his work and plans made everyone want to support him and believe in his ideas.
Through his career, he positively impacted many young minds and instilled his excellent work ethic in them. He always pushed himself to do greater and better things, motivating his coworkers to set the bar higher and improve each event, and that will always be part of his legacy at EPCC.
He had a kind and caring soul. He was always the first to offer a helping hand and went the extra mile without expecting anything in return. Raul brought joy to many and will forever be remembered by his colleagues and friends with love and appreciation.”
The Department of Student Leadership and Campus Life is working on a Celebration of Life and details will be shared as they become available.
EPCC officials did not release the cause of Hernandez’s death.
