Skyline Stars: Transfer Student Hall of Fame Gabriel Molieri A.A. Liberal Arts, Skyline College, 2000 B.A. Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, 2002 M.A. International Comparative Education, Stanford University, 2003 Ph.D. Educational Foundations, University of Hawaii at Manoa, in progress Gabriel was born in Argentina and emigrated to San Francisco in the late 1960’s. As many newcomers did at the time, he put aside his educational plans in order not to burden his family’s future. His choice of a vocational course led him to a 20-year career as a surgical assistant. After raising his son as a single parent, Gabriel’s inquisitive mind began a serious exploration of philosophy and religion, a path that led to his ordination as a Buddhist monk in the Thai Tervada tradition. Returning to California to care for his mother after his father’s death, Gabriel re-engaged his long-postponed educational plans at Skyline College. He earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts in 2000 and, taking full advantage of the opportunities and resources offered by the Skyline College Transfer Opportunity Center, he proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at University of California, Berkeley in 2002, with High Honors, under the auspices of the Skyline College Transfer Scholarship Fund, UCB’s Golden Bear Scholarship, The George Miller Transfer Scholarship, The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Gates Millennium Foundation Scholarship. The latter two sources of support allowed Gabriel to continue on his academic path and to earn an M.A. in International Comparative Education at Stanford University in 2003. Thanks to the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Gabriel is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Foundations at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, focusing on cultural shifts generated in response to educational reform efforts in developing countries, particularly Thailand. Often stating, “You never leave a place you love,” Gabriel worked at Skyline College in a number of staff and faculty positions until 2004. He worked in the Computer Lab, taught Cultural Anthropology during the summer, assisted faculty members in curriculum planning, and mentored and tutored several students who have gone on to pursue their own transfer opportunities. Gabriel is looking forward to continuing his life of inquiry and service through education in Hawaii and hopes to be able to return to the Bay Area to continue his contribution to his San Mateo Community College District “family”.