By Blair Stephens
Houston attorney Roland Garcia ’81 was recently appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors. Garcia is one of fifteen members.
“It is a high honor that the President of the United States had the trust and confidence in me to appoint me to this prestigious board,” Garcia said. “It is particularly special to me considering the challenging times we live in, and the importance of national defense and security, and the training and readiness of our forces.”
The board oversees the morale, curriculum and overall state of things within the U.S. Naval Academy.
Garcia grew up in a family that valued military service. He followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, serving in the Marines.
Garcia earned a BBA from Baylor, graduating from the Honors Program with distinction. While at Baylor, Garcia was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Beta Phi, Beta Alpha Psi, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and Phi Eta Sigma honorary fraternities.
“Baylor set me on my course in life. I was the first person ever to go to college in my immediate family,” Garcia said. “Baylor prepared me for the professional success I have achieved, taught me the values which guide me today, instilled in me the spirit of helping others less fortunate and giving back to the community.”
Garcia learned the importance of collaboration and team work while at Baylor. His life motto reflects his lessons.
“Work hard, never give up, do your best, and do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough,” Garcia said.
Garcia went on to earn his JD from South Texas College of Law. And in 1998, Garcia received the Herbert H. Reynolds Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Baylor Alumni Association.
As a founding shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Garcia is currently a management group member of the Houston office. He is vice president of the Harris County Hospital District Foundation and serves on the Texas Supreme Court Rules Advisory Committee.
