Growing up in Houston, Texas, Mark Zorrilla has traveled a long way to be a part of Gustavus, but it has definitely been worth the distance from home.  Mark has made his two and a half years at Gustavus a meaningful experience for himself and those around him.

He first came to Gustavus because of the science programs, and soon found they were just some of this school’s many advantages. Involving himself with the Diversity Center, OLAS, Greek life, and Building Bridges, Mark has made many connections and relationships with both students and faculty.

Assistant Director of the Diversity Center Laura Shilling is glad he’s a part of it.

“I remember when he was assigned to the Diversity Center his first year at Gustavus. All I had was a name on a piece of paper . . . I did not know what to expect. It’s like when you buy a $30 novel on a blind recommendation and say to yourself, ‘This better be a good book!’ Then you finish the book and sigh, ‘Wow, that was a good book,’” Shilling said.

One of Mark’s main priorities is his friends.

“I try to hang out with friends at all times,” Mark said.

Being an active participant in activities on campus has allowed him to meet some of his best friends.

He became part of the Building Bridges community after being convinced by a friend at the Involvement Fair his first year.  The idea behind the organization intrigued him with the new perspective it offered.

“It is solely a student-led program where they focus on human rights,” Mark said.

These forty students, along with two faculty advisors, put on a conference each year in order to bring attention to a social justice issue.

As one of the co-chairs of this year’s upcoming conference, he has a lot to be accountable for.

“It’s a really big responsibility, but it’s something that I love,” said Mark.

This year’s conference focuses on environmental justice. Its main goal is to broaden the too-common narrative of environmentalism by involving only scientific concerns to emphasize the human costs of our environmental choices, and to educate Gusties and community members about this topic and give them resources to do something about what they learned.

Senior Kelly Dumais, who is the other co-chair for this conference, as well as one of Mark’s best friends, has nothing but praise for him.

“Mark is one of the friendliest people that I know. He is always saying hello to people, giving hugs and high fives. He is also incredibly passionate about the work that he does on this campus; whether that is the work we do in Building Bridges or helping people with their math homework in the Diversity center. Mark is a giver; he helps people wherever he goes,” Dumais said.

Being a part of the Gustavus community has had a huge impact on him.

“The people I surround myself with have taught me about different social justice and human rights issues,” Mark said.

The cultural differences between them have played a major part in that.

Mark believes that being a Gustie means helping the community.

“It is vital that we all support each other.  If you have support, then everything is simple,” Mark said.

As for the future, he originally thought he would head to medical school right after graduation. However, now he plans to take two years off, go back to Texas, and help out in his own community.  Now that he has had the chance to understand issues dealing with human rights, he can’t wait to play a part in helping to better his hometown.