Inspired by the encouragement of Wyandotte High School teachers and counselors, Teodoro (Ted) Garcia, Jr. chose Donnelly College as the first stop on a bold journey into uncharted territory.
“Like many students, I was not academically prepared to pursue the challenge of higher learning,” said Garcia. “DC helped me prepare for the rigorous professional path I chose to pursue – in a very nurturing and welcoming way.”
As an immigrant, first generation high school graduate and college student, he set his sights on becoming an attorney. Donnelly proved to be the right start for Ted. His confidence grew through his experiences at Donnelly.
“My advice to first generation college students is to dream big and you will achieve big,” Garcia said. “A college education is the key to success no matter the career choice. Your hard work and determination will not be in vain. And don't be afraid to fail; failure is good if you learn from it. Finally, don't be the exception, be exceptional!”
Upon graduation, Garcia transferred to Rockhurst College and completed a B.A. with a double major in Sociology and Spanish. The next leg of his journey took him to the KU School of Law. He graduated in 1998 and today he practices immigration law in Wyandotte County.
“I am an immigrant from Mexico,” Garcia said. “I grew up seeing many of the injustices experienced by immigrants. Since I was a child, I felt compelled to help others in one capacity or another. As I grew older I realized that the practice of law would make the biggest impact on the Latino immigrant community.”
Garcia is proud of his Wyandotte County roots and his connection to Donnelly College. Recognizing the valuable role Donnelly has played in helping him reach his goals, Ted served on the Board of Directors of Donnelly College from 1996 to 2004. Most recently, Garcia established a scholarship fund under the auspices of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Scholarship Fund to benefit Donnelly College students in memory of his cousin Guadalupe Valdovino, whose life was tragically ended while a student at Donnelly.
Leading by example, Garcia urges Donnelly graduates to stay connected to the College and to participate in initiatives that promote Donnelly’s mission. In September, he and his wife Leticia invited a group of alumni to SHINE, the Annual Scholarship Event.
“As a DC graduate, you have the responsibility to give back to the College in whatever way you can,” Garcia said. “We must be committed to insuring that DC will continue to be the beacon of hope for future generations of students that would not otherwise be served.”
Ted has been practicing law for over 11 years and opened his private law office, Garcia Immigration Law Firm, LLC, in 2009 in Wyandotte County. Ted is a member of both the Kansas and Missouri Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Ted is frequently sought out to speak publicly at community forums, high schools and colleges regarding immigration legal issues. Members of Our Lady of Unity parish, Leticia and Ted are the parents of four children. His law firm employs several Donnelly alumni.
“Like many students, I was not academically prepared to pursue the challenge of higher learning,” said Garcia. “DC helped me prepare for the rigorous professional path I chose to pursue – in a very nurturing and welcoming way.”
As an immigrant, first generation high school graduate and college student, he set his sights on becoming an attorney. Donnelly proved to be the right start for Ted. His confidence grew through his experiences at Donnelly.
“My advice to first generation college students is to dream big and you will achieve big,” Garcia said. “A college education is the key to success no matter the career choice. Your hard work and determination will not be in vain. And don't be afraid to fail; failure is good if you learn from it. Finally, don't be the exception, be exceptional!”
Upon graduation, Garcia transferred to Rockhurst College and completed a B.A. with a double major in Sociology and Spanish. The next leg of his journey took him to the KU School of Law. He graduated in 1998 and today he practices immigration law in Wyandotte County.
“I am an immigrant from Mexico,” Garcia said. “I grew up seeing many of the injustices experienced by immigrants. Since I was a child, I felt compelled to help others in one capacity or another. As I grew older I realized that the practice of law would make the biggest impact on the Latino immigrant community.”
Garcia is proud of his Wyandotte County roots and his connection to Donnelly College. Recognizing the valuable role Donnelly has played in helping him reach his goals, Ted served on the Board of Directors of Donnelly College from 1996 to 2004. Most recently, Garcia established a scholarship fund under the auspices of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Scholarship Fund to benefit Donnelly College students in memory of his cousin Guadalupe Valdovino, whose life was tragically ended while a student at Donnelly.
Leading by example, Garcia urges Donnelly graduates to stay connected to the College and to participate in initiatives that promote Donnelly’s mission. In September, he and his wife Leticia invited a group of alumni to SHINE, the Annual Scholarship Event.
“As a DC graduate, you have the responsibility to give back to the College in whatever way you can,” Garcia said. “We must be committed to insuring that DC will continue to be the beacon of hope for future generations of students that would not otherwise be served.”
Ted has been practicing law for over 11 years and opened his private law office, Garcia Immigration Law Firm, LLC, in 2009 in Wyandotte County. Ted is a member of both the Kansas and Missouri Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Ted is frequently sought out to speak publicly at community forums, high schools and colleges regarding immigration legal issues. Members of Our Lady of Unity parish, Leticia and Ted are the parents of four children. His law firm employs several Donnelly alumni.