Juana Alcala
Alumna ’96; director of marketing and recruitment, Admissions
Hometown?
I grew up in a migrant farm-working family. I guess it would be where my parents eventually settled down -- Quincy, Washington. I was born in Ephrata, Washington, and grew up going to school in South Texas and Eastern Washington. I am a first-generation Mexican-American [United States citizen]. Spanish is my first language; English is my second.
What was your family like when you were growing up?
Growing up in a Mexican family, you have not just a nuclear, but extended family. I had aunties, grandpas, grandmas and cousins. I had so much support. They just want you to be happy and successful. When you are a teenager you think they are trying to tell you what to do, but they just want the best for you. I have a terrific, supportive family. ... I remember when I went to college it was a caravan of people. They are there for everything. Celebrating the holidays is huge.
Why did you come to UM?
I started going to college at Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, Washington. I am the oldest child, and I thought I wanted to move away from my parents. I wanted some time to myself. So I applied to schools all over the country, but I got cold feet. I thought, "I’m not ready to leave." My roommate was from Missoula, and in the first week of school we really hit it off. She invited me to meet her parents, and so I visited Montana. She had a cabin on Flathead Lake …. Come on, who wouldn’t love this place? She decided to leave to go to school in Missoula, so I decided to go with her. It’s still only a five-and-a-half-hour drive, so I’m able to visit my parents.
What surprised you most about UM?
I think a pleasant surprise is how friendly everyone is. It is a beautiful community to live in.
What was your first job?
My first job was on a migrant field in Washington weeding and picking rocks. My dad still works on the same fields. Hard work, and it’s difficult to do physical labor when you are older. My family has always taught me how important an education is.
How long have you been in Admissions?
I’ve been the director of marketing and recruitment for three years. I’ve been in Admissions for 11 years. I love it. That’s what it’s all about -- doing something fulfilling. I first started when I was going to school here. I was a work-study. I learned about Admissions and what we do. I fell in love with this institution and this office. I gradually worked my way up. I have done a lot of the different positions here. … This office allows me to use my background in social work. I work with parents, daughters, sons …. I use my communication skills. I get to see dynamics of family.
Favorite place on campus?
There are so many. I guess, my office. I get to watch students and people from the University. It’s really funny, sometimes I catch students checking themselves out in the glass because they can’t see me. You know, making sure they look good. Hair, makeup, tummies. … Sometimes squirrels come right up to my window.
What’s your favorite bumper sticker?
[She points to a bumper sticker taped to her desk.] I came in one day and my boss had put it on my chair. It says "Queen without a country." They think I am kind of a queen here.
Biggest accomplishment?
Finding something I love to do.
How many times have you hiked the M?
Well, I stopped when I fell down the M and had to pick gravel out of my butt. It was pretty embarrassing. I had quite a few bruises. But it’s a breathtaking view of the valley.
What do you like to do outdoors?
I would have to say cross-country skiing in the Seeley and Swan Lake area. It’s very peaceful.
Anything special you tell prospective students?
If I’m not busy explaining Montana is a state, not a Canadian province, I talk about the people and how beautiful Montana is. I think all students want to know that they will go somewhere they feel welcome. That is The University of Montana.
Is it OK if we take some pictures?
I guess …. Can you make me look like Brooke Shields?
-- Interview by Kat Healy and photography by Shiloh Akari