Marysville City Manager Randy Fernandez has been named the 2018 St. Clair County Community College Alumnus of the Year.
“SC4 played a big part in my life and helped prepare me for my career serving this community,” Fernandez said. “I’m very humbled and honored to receive this special recognition.”
Not only did he attend the college but so did his five siblings, two sons and even four nephews. The oldest of six, Fernandez, 62, shares his alumni status with his three brothers, Marty, Jeff and Ralph, Jr.; two sisters, Paula McVety and Laura Ann Nesbitt, a middle school counselor in Fort Gratiot; two sons, Mitchell and Matthew, and their mother, Shelly; and nephews, Garrett, Grant, Nelson and Bailey.
The State of Michigan’s first Hispanic city manager, Fernandez has spent the last seven years with the City of Marysville — nearly five as city manager — and was previously employed for more than 28 years with the City of Port Huron. While in Port Huron he served as the city treasurer, water supervisor and city assessor. For a time, he was also director of Port Huron’s Downtown Development Authority and general manager of McMorran Auditorium.
The Port Huron native graduated from Port Huron Central as class vice president in 1974 before attending SC4 on a partial tennis scholarship and earning his associate degree. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and master’s from Central Michigan University.
“I truly enjoyed my experience at SC4,” he said. “I recommend it to every student or parent who asks. I think it’s the way to go.”
Fernandez said he formed good study habits and life skills at the college that have stayed with him long beyond his years there.
“St. Clair County Community College helped me develop my time management skills better,” he said. “I’m very proud to have Michigan and Central Michigan degrees, but I’m equally proud to tell people I have a degree from St. Clair County Community College.”
Fernandez said he reinforced the importance of a getting a good educational start at the local community college with his sons Mitchell and Matthew throughout their childhood.
“SC4 plays a critically important role in our community; it’s helped me, my family and countless others reach their goals,” Fernandez said. “I’m proud to support the college as it builds toward an even brighter future.”
