Manuel Bersamin, a former Watsonville mayor and Cabrillo College trustee with a passion for helping first-generation college students, has died.
Bersamin, 67, passed away suddenly on Sunday, according to Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, who heard directly from Bersamin’s family.
He was Watsonville’s first Filipino American mayor, and served on the city council from April 2003 to March 2011. In 2003, he was elected vice mayor of Watsonville and in 2006, he served as mayor.
Bersamin graduated from Cabrillo College in 1982. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social ecology from UC Irvine, studied school counseling at San José State University and earned a master’s degree in higher education leadership from Stanford University, followed by post-graduate fellowship work at the University of Arizona.
Much of his career was focused on supporting low-income students and those who were the first in their family to go to college or university. He served for nearly 20 years as director of TRIO Student Support Programs at Hartnell College, overseeing several federal Hispanic Serving Institution grants.
“Manuel Bersamin was a trailblazer and a bridge builder who dedicated his life to opening doors for others,” said Alejo. “As the first Filipino American to serve on the Watsonville City Council and as Mayor, he led with humility, integrity, and compassion.”
Bersamin was a lecturer and adjunct professor at Fresno State University from 1996 to 2000, where he taught classes in Chicano and Latin American studies. He also served as director of the College Assistance Migrant Program at Cal State Monterey Bay and director of the Early Academic Outreach Program at UC Santa Cruz.
Last September, Bersamin was appointed to the Cabrillo College board of trustees, replacing Martha Vega. He was the first Asian American and Filipino American to serve on the Cabrillo College governing board.
“Manuel cared deeply about the role and mission of California community colleges and had the unique ability of helping students pursue their dreams,” said Cabrillo board president Christina Cuevas. “He was proud to serve on the Cabrillo Board and represented his district with passion and a clear eye for what is right.”
Added Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein: “He was a champion of the underdog and a great role model for all of us. We’ve lost a great friend of our students.”
Bersamin’s cause of death was not immediately available. Details about memorial services will be shared in accordance with the wishes of the family, the college said.
__
FOR THE RECORD: This story has been updated with information that indicates Bersamin died Sunday, not Friday.
__
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your news releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
