The Chican@ & Latin@ Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the community around it are mourning the passing of Sylvia Garcia, who worked as the Program’s Administrator from 2008 to 2016.
Born in 1952, Sylvia grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She moved to Madison in 1970 to attend the University of Wisconsin. Here, she became involved with La Raza Unida Student organization (now MEChA), first as a member and then as president. Along with other students in the group, she picketed the Letters and Science Dean’s office demanding the creation of a Chicano Studies Department. In December of 1975, she received a degree in Agricultural Economics. Although she graduated before the University’s first Chicano Studies classes were offered, she took pride in knowing that her activism as a student had helped to make them possible.
Sylvia always had a passion for equality and social justice for Chicanx and Latinx peoples, as well as other underserved, economically disadvantaged populations. Her life’s work reflected this passion. After a long and successful career both on campus and with such employers as the City of Madison and Alliant Energy, Sylvia joined the staff of the CLS Program in 2008. As Administrator, she managed with skill and grace the day-to-day operations of the program she had pushed to establish so many years before. She also mentored many students and will be especially remembered for her leadership with the conference known as “La Mujer Latina.” In addition to her paid work, Sylvia volunteered with numerous community groups including the Wisconsin Women of Color Network. Following a bout with cancer from 1990 to 1992, she founded the Madison Latino Health Council, together with Romelia Schleuter and Mercedes Medina. She also served on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society’s Midwest Region. Always a powerhouse for the Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program, she will be greatly missed by her former colleagues here and the alumni whose lives she touched.
A full obituary for Sylvia Garcia can be found on the website of Madison’s Cress Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the celebration of life service at 2:00 PM on Saturday July 20, 2024, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. The Program deeply appreciates the contacts it has had with Sylvia’s friends and family in the wake of her passing. The family has asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Chican@ & Latin@ Studies Development Fund. Donors should note that they are giving to the fund in Sylvia’s memory.