Midland College Alumni and Former Students Association

2023 Alumni of the Year

Cody Vasquez

From a young age, Cody Vasquez knew the importance of education. Like most first-generation students, he wanted to attend college but didn't know how he would make that happen. At 13, he heard about Early College High School at Midland College and knew that was where he wanted to attend. In 2016, Cody graduated from ECHS@MC and continued to Angelo State University. He credits the MC Honors Program with helping him excel in his educational journey. "The MC Honors Program encouraged me to go the extra mile outside normal class work and allowed me to work with my professors a little closer and get more involved on campus."

His positive experience at Midland College allowed him to excel at ASU, where he received a bachelor's degree and MBA. After graduating from ASU, Cody started as an admissions counselor at ASU and credited his time at MC for setting the example for how faculty should teach, staff should care about students, and what opportunities students should have to look forward to in education. He loves working with students and seeing them reach their highest potential. This last fall, Cody helped coordinate the first ASU at MC Day, where ASU admissions counselors met with current MC students and discussed transfer opportunities. His favorite part of this event was returning to his alma mater ECHS@MC and sharing his experiences, the concept of education in today's world, tips on continuing their educational journey, why he loved his time at Midland College, and letting students know anything is possible. He even credits Midland College with helping him find his wife, Mrs. Lizette Vasquez. She, too, is a Midland College Alum, class of 2017. Both are proud parents of their year-old son.

In addition to working with ASU, Cody owns the award-winning Vasquez Development Group in San Angelo. The VDG provides executive leadership training to high school and college students and young professionals on team building, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and avenues to reach their educational goals. Each year Cody hosts the Tomorrow's Leaders Fundraising Campaign, where donations from this campaign go toward funding scholarships for students' education and providing educational opportunities for attendees. In addition to the Vasquez Group, Cody is a licensed property and casualty Insurance Agent. He recently received the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce award for Commitment to Diversity and Community Impact.

Community involvement is something Cody is passionate about and he continues to blaze a trail of excellence. In 2020 Cody received the National Collegian of the Year from Delta Sigma Pi for his leadership and commitment to the business community. And in 2022, Cody was the recipient of the 20 under 40 award. This award is in recognition of upcoming influential professionals who exemplify occupational merit, servant leadership, and exude remarkable personal qualities. He volunteers on many boards and has several memberships with organizations such as Concho Cadre and Young Professionals of San Angelo. Cody is also active in the AMAS and Midland College Alumni Associations. When asked what he liked most about community and organization involvement, he said he enjoyed "Seeing people, in their elements, achieve something greater than they thought possible keeps me involved."

Since the revitalization of the Midland College Alumni Association, Cody has been willing to assist whenever possible. Anytime a call to action is placed, Cody is generally one of the first to provide feedback or help where he can. Being a hometown Midlander, he knows the value Midland College has on its community, the opportunities it is providing and will continue to provide for years to come. Even with his busy schedule, there is no limit to his giving of his time. When asked what he would like to see the MCAA do, he responded, "I know there are barriers to me being in San Angelo, but if I can assist, let me know. This organization can help students change their lives; that is what I am all  about. Moving people to their next level."