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MONDRAGON -- JOHN B. A longtime resident of Albuquerque died Tuesday, January 10, 2012. He is survived by his son, Thomas J. Mondragon of West Hollywood, California; daughter, Tina Johnston and her husband, Timothy Johnston of Abilene, Texas; and grandchildren, Brian and Beth Johnston. As the patriarch of the family he is also survived by nephews and nieces, Silverio, Louis, and Abel Paez, Mae Terry, Ishmael and Renee Mondragon, Adela Mondragon, Tony Cordova; sister-in-law, Crystal Mondragon; and many grand-nephews and nieces. He was born in Holman, New Mexico on September 11, 1930. He served in the Army in 1950-53. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico and continued his education, earning his Doctorate in Secondary Education at University of New Mexico. John will be remembered and missed by many due to his distinguished service to the education community and to New Mexico's children and families. He helped shape the careers of hundreds of educators and served as mentor and advisor to many prominent New Mexico educational leaders. He freely shared his historical insights and political perspectives that helped shape the educational policies of today. He never entertained the thought of retiring but rather continued to contribute by teaching Educational Leadership Classes at the University of New Mexico and Highlands University. He was a much sought after educational consultant both in New Mexico and nationally. All of the recognitions and honors he received are too numerous to capture here. Most noteworthy was his induction in to the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators Hall of Fame, election as President of the CNM Governing Board on which he served for six years. He was elected to the Association of Community College Trustees Board and appointed to the Western Region Diversity Committee. He was a valued member of the New Mexico Public Schools Capital Outlay Council. He helped found the New Mexico MESA which supports minority students to pursue their studies in engineering, math and science. He was a strong supporter of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and strongly advocated for Bilingual Education, The Indian Education Act, and the historic Hispanic Education Act. Until his last days he remained a student and a scholar continuing his research and writing. At the time of his death he was collaborating on a book on the Policies of Educational Reform in New Mexico and he had begun writing his memoir which his colleagues are committed to finish. His legacy and his heart print on New Mexico will sustain us. Rosary will be celebrated Friday, January 13, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at French - Lomas Chapel with Father Dan Davis reciting. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at Aquinas Newman Center, 1815 Las Lomas Road, N.E. with Father Dan Davis, celebrant. Donations can be made in his name to CNM Foundation, 525 Buena Vista, Albuquerque 87106, or APS Foundation, P.O. Box 25704, 87125. Please visit our online guest book for John at www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
        Published on: Thu January 12, 2012