Readers recall Joe Castro as humble trailblazer who cared about student success | Opinion

Joe Castro: Humble trailblazer

Our community is grieving the loss of Dr. Joseph Castro, a remarkable leader whose passing leaves a hole in the heart of the Central Valley. While he will be remembered nationally as a trailblazer in higher education and the first Californian to serve as chancellor of the CSU system, those of us who knew him will remember something even more profound: the way he led with heart, humility, and love.

I experienced Dr. Castro’s leadership firsthand. When I reached out to him as a nonprofit leader, he didn’t just encourage me from afar. He embraced my ideas, lifted me up, and made me feel like my voice mattered.

His generosity was constant and genuine. When I invited him to join the Central Valley Latino Giving Circle, his reply came in less than 10 minutes: “Hi Olga: Thank you! Yes, I would like to join. To whom should I send the check? Joe.” No hesitation, no delay — just immediate commitment to supporting his community. That was who he was: responsive, generous, and always willing to show up.

For countless students and community members, Dr. Castro was a light of hope. He reminded us that we belonged in rooms where decisions were made, that our voices mattered, and that greatness was within reach. He was proof that leaders could serve with compassion and still achieve excellence.

Olga Nunez, Fresno

Castro’s leadership inspired courage

I have a great appreciation and respect for former Fresno State President Joseph Castro.

His leadership and courage gave me the strength to pursue higher education. I wanted to learn Spanish and the island of Cuba offered a study abroad program. At that time people were afraid to visit the island. However, President Castro told me to go and personally signed a letter approving the trip. He encouraged me to work hard and that I would appreciate how fortunate we are to live in America .

Thank you, Dr. Castro.

Chris Mathys, Fresno

Castro was all about student success

Dr. Joseph Castro dedicated his life to advancing student success and championing social justice. He was a rare kind of leader—one who consistently placed people above politics and stood firmly for what was right, even when it came at personal cost.

As the first Mexican American to lead both Fresno State and the California State University system, he broke barriers not just symbolically, but substantively. Dr. Castro didn’t just make history; he made space for others to follow. He was quick to offer his time, wisdom, and mentorship with extraordinary generosity.

Among the most grounded, intelligent, and compassionate leaders in higher education, Dr. Castro was an innovator who led without ego. His openness of spirit and signature kindness left everyone he encountered feeling valued, heard, and truly seen.

When we connected just a few weeks ago, I had no idea it would be our final communication. True to form, Dr. Castro was focused on students—planning a meeting in Long Beach to explore how the system could better promote access and social mobility. Even in his final days, he was encouraging, strategizing, and pushing those around him to do more, and to lead with love.

Jessie Ryan, president, the Campaign for College Opportunity

Good remembrance of Castro

I would like to thank Juan Esparza Loera for his excellent remembrance article about Joseph I. Castro. As a retired FSU employee, I know the impact President Castro had on the campus. Well done!

Elize G. Temby, Clovis

Leaders acting like ‘whiny children’

I read with interest your editorial on Sunday, Aug. 24, regarding allegations of suppression of opposition voices in the state Assembly Elections Committee. I watched the entire meeting on CSPAN. Hours of it.

Both Assembly members Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare) and David Tangipa (R-Clovis) acted like whiny children, Tangipa being the worst offender. They both interrupted speakers, talked over speakers, were loud, and were just downright rude and obnoxious. Yes, Mr. Tangipa’s mic may have been silenced after many, many attempts by the chair to get him to act like an adult. It’s what should happen when a member acts the way he did. Yes, it’s a partisan redistricting. It counteracts the Texas racist redistricting removing four Latino and Black congressional legislators. I will vote for it in November. Hopefully someone more mature will run against Tangipa.

Nancy Schultz, Fresno

Deceptive flyer on redistricting

I received a flyer yesterday in my mail. It was in opposition to Gov. Newsom called WEAKENING OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.

I made phone calls and the people like Charles Munger Jr. and Hold Politicians Accountable are lying to the citizens of California and using our Mail system to do it with..

I called one of the endorsers on the phone, Assembly member Alex Lee. His aide has been getting calls all week regarding this flyer. The flyer used was from three years ago and for a different issue, and Lee did not endorse this flyer.

Second on the front of the flyer as a sponsor was the League of Women Voters. Its home page has an explanation that it did not endorse the flyer.

I left a message for the Sacramento Bee reporter LeBron Hill because I have a feeling, he did not endorse this flyer, either.

This sponsor must think the citizens of California are too stupid to research issues regarding our state. And they used the mail to get the blatant lies to us.

Some people don’t do their homework. They lied.

Betty Crowe, Reedley