ADOLFO BERMEO

Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Director of the Academic Advancement Program

Born in Lima, Peru, but raised in Mexico City and the San Fernando Valley, Bermeo received his Ph.D. in Latin American history from UCLA in 1981. At Compton Community College, he served as professor of Chicano/a and Latin American studies, as director of recruitment for the Transfer Center and as director of Tutorial. He came to UCLA in 1985.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My garden. I like trees and flowers.

Which living person do you most admire?
Fidel Castro, because he transformed his country and used its wealth to teach people to read and write and to provide medical care for the humblest of Cubanos. I admire Subcomandante Marcos and the Zapatistas, as well.

What is your motto?
"You can knock me down, but you can't knock me out."