Marine Veteran Finds Fit Studying Business, Sustainability

A United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran with more than two decades of leadership in logistics and utilities, James Bergeron '26 found Dominican while searching for a university where he could immerse himself in hands-on learning while completing his bachelor's degree.

The decision to attend Dominican became an easy one to make after he discovered an unexpected connection.
"During my research I read that Major General Angela Salinas was an alumnus." he recalls. "I found it noteworthy that a general in the Marine Corps had attended Dominican."

Salinas, who graduated from then-Dominican College in 1976, was the first woman to command a Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the first Latina selected and promoted to the USMC's general officer ranks. At the time of her retirement in September 2013, after 39 years of military service, she was the senior ranking woman in the Corps.

James worked under Salinas's command for a brief period in San Diego, where he trained recruits to become Marines.

"When I saw that Major General Salinas had attended Dominican I saw it as a sign," James recalls. "I thought if this is a college that produced a major general in the US Marine Corps, then this is where I have to go."

Once enrolled, James quickly discovered that Dominican wasn't just another university-it was a place where he could bring his experiences full circle while building a future rooted in a strong commitment to service.

James grew up about 30 miles north of Dominican, in the Sonoma town of Windsor. After retiring from the USMC he returned to the area to be close to family. His wife was living in Novato at the time, so he concentrated his college search on the North Bay.

"I happened upon Dominican," he recalls "It was a small school that I did not know much about. But I have since discovered that there could not be a better school for me. The small classes and the strong ratio between instructor and student are a perfect fit. I have been able to shake off the rust and have good relationships with my professors. The experience has been ideal."

James is studying business administration with a concentration in management and a minor in sustainability in Dominican's Barowsky School of Business. The combination fits well with his interest in pursuing a career that combines business, leadership, and public service while also drawing on his background working on a wide variety of construction and utilities projects in the Marines.

One of Dominican's founding values-community-deeply resonated with the principles he upheld during his military service.

"I wanted to align my career experiences with my academic degree," says James, who is the first in his immediate family to pursue a college degree. "I enjoy management and leading people - setting an example for others."

In the USMC, James managed utilities and operations across global missions. Starting as a water support technician, he worked his way up the ranks to a Utilities Warrant Officer, overseeing large-scale expeditionary electrical and water support projects.

His work included setting up and maintaining water purification, storage, and distribution systems, often on a large scale to sustain thousands of troops as they moved into new locations for training exercises.

"I was constantly asking, how can we get better and more efficient in supporting large groups of people. I became interested in sustainability and how to most efficiently use water resources, reduce electrical requirements, or implement new technologies like solar panels and microgrids."

James's interest in water and other natural resources inspired a research project analyzing the Klamath Basin water crisis. He examined issues related to resource management, law, ethics, and sustainability to argue that Indigenous tribes' senior water rights should take precedence over agricultural demands to achieve environmental justice and restore the ecosystem. Using a slide deck and interactive activities, the presentation highlighted the tribes' cultural connection to endangered fish and the need for sustainable solutions amidst climate challenges.

James, a member of both the Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Alpha Alpha honor societies, also has been busy expanding his professional portfolio. This summer he applied to several internships with the City of Vacaville. His original goal was to get a foot in the door for future opportunities in either public works or utilities.

He landed an internship in the city manager's office, working on communications and media relations projects for the city's public information officer. While this was a new field for James, his Dominican digital portfolio helped show the hiring team he was an outstanding candidate.

Digital portfolios are a platform that allow students to document and reflect on their personal and academic growth. These personal websites enable students to collect, organize, and share their work with professors, advisors, and prospective employers.

For James, the portfolio allowed him to showcase his transition from military service to professional and academic growth.

"I asked what about my application and resume stood out, particularly for a media relations role as this was something I had no background in. I was told that my digital portfolio showed that I could do exactly what they were seeking in this position. When I was creating the digital portfolio, I did not think that I would really be using it. But it helped me to get my internship."

Gaining skills in external communications - especially studying how community leaders communicate with the public - has been a valuable lesson as James considers a future in nonprofit or local government leadership. He also admires that many city employees are committed to the community.

"I have enjoyed listening to people who work for the city talk with pride about serving their community. This is exactly what I am looking for. I truly believe in service and believe that local government is a great avenue to express that service."

"I'm looking to apply my business degree in a way that aligns with my strong commitment to service, where I can make a tangible difference in a local community," he says. "For me, the most meaningful work has a social purpose that goes beyond just the bottom line."

Dominican, he adds, has been the perfect stop on his professional journey. Shortly after retiring from the USMC, he spent some time working as an athletics event and facilities coordinator for a large, NCAA Division I state university.

Smaller, he says, is better when it comes to making connections across campus.

"I could not have made a better decision. Dominican is the perfect school for me."

Tags:

• University News
• Barowsky School of Business
• Internships
• Sustainability
• Business Administration