Carrie Rodriguez, Don Chacon and James Perez
When Don Chacon accepted the position of Chief of Security at Victoria College in 1990, he had no idea how profoundly it would shape his family’s legacy.
The impact rippled through the next generation, influencing his grandchildren, James Perez and Carrie Rodriguez. Both would eventually attend Victoria College, but their first connection to the campus came through their grandfather.
“We’ve always had a strong connection to VC,” recalled Perez. “I remember he would respond to alarms when doors were left open, and I’d sometimes tag along just to watch.”
Before joining VC, Chacon graduated from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Training Academy and briefly worked for the Victoria County Sheriff’s Department. At VC, he served students, employees and community members for 15 years.
“My number-one concern was the safety of the employees and students,” Chacon said. “It wasn’t just about law enforcement—it was about building relationships. That was my focus when I came here, and I’m glad I stayed as long as I did.”
Chacon recalls many lively, memorable moments during his tenure. His calm, steady demeanor and emphasis on building trust left a lasting impression—not only on the campus but also on his grandchildren.
Perez remembers a life-changing, late-night conversation with his grandfather that inspired him to enroll in VC’s Electronics & Instrumentation Technology Program. He earned his Instrumentation Certificate and Associate of Applied Science in Instrumentation, landed a job at Formosa, and today serves as a shift supervisor at Invista.
For Rodriguez, growing up with a strong connection to VC made the college feel like a second home. Enrolling was an easy decision. She began her journey as a student worker in the Advising & Counseling Services Department, graduated with an associate degree in 2012, and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration at the University of Houston-Victoria.
Rodriguez went from a VC student worker to Admissions Analyst, Senior Admissions Analyst and Assistant Registrar, where today she plays a vital role in helping students achieve their goals.
“VC is the kind of place where, once you get here, you don’t want to leave,” Rodriguez said. “I consider myself lucky to be a part of it. I don’t think I’d be here without my grandfather.”
Chacon looks back on his time at VC with pride, but nothing compares to the joy he feels watching Perez and Rodriguez seize every opportunity that comes their way.