Spotlight Series: Mark E. Garza II

As part of PAC’s Events and Technical Production team, Mark E. Garza helps bring the College’s events, productions, and community gatherings to life. From supporting campus departments and coordinating external events to ensuring the auditorium is ready for everything from theater productions to concerts. His work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact can be felt across campus and throughout the Southside community.

A Southside native and a 2026 Bachelor of Applied Technology in Management graduate from Palo Alto College, Mark has had a connection to the College since he was a student. After graduating from Southside High School, he enrolled at PAC with plans to pursue his associate's degree in cybersecurity, building on his interest in robotics and technology. A work-study position with Events introduced him to recording studios, live productions, and technical theater, and he quickly discovered a passion for the field.

“I kind of just fell in love with it,” Mark said.

Since then, Mark has continued to grow his skills through hands-on experience. When the COVID-19 pandemic moved events online, he used his technical expertise to help PAC, TEDx, and theater productions adapt to virtual programming. Today, he continues to support the College’s events while helping maintain and improve its event spaces.

His role requires a unique combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving, and adaptability. Mark and his team work with departments across campus to coordinate events, manage external rentals, oversee contracts and invoicing, inspect facilities, and ensure each event has the support it needs. With a small team and a busy calendar, no two days are quite the same.

For Mark, that is part of what makes the work so rewarding.

“There’s a genuine satisfaction in being able to help bring events to life,” he said. “Whether it’s to inform students or just have entertainment, it’s a nice feeling.”

He sees the College’s auditorium as more than an event space. It is a place where students, employees, and community members come together. Looking ahead, Mark hopes to help modernize the space with upgraded technology, including improved streaming capabilities, a new audio board, and smart lighting.

“I want to be able to leave it in a space that’s way better than it was prior to when I got it,” he said. “That would be my imprint on the building.”

At its core, Mark’s work is about service. Whether he is helping a department bring its vision to life, troubleshooting an issue during a production, or helping create an experience that students and community members will remember, he takes pride in knowing that his work contributes to the PAC experience.

“We enjoy what we do,” Mark said. “And we enjoy serving the community.”