The Sonoma State community mourns the sudden loss of Mario Perez, vice president for student advancement, who passed away on the afternoon of March 27, 2026 following a medical emergency on campus. He was 56.
In an email addressing the campus, SSU president Michael Spagna stated “The sudden loss of a leader, colleague, and member of our community is difficult to comprehend, and the grief will be felt in many different ways by those who knew him personally and by all who were touched by his presence and service.”
“I urge every member of the Sonoma State community to take care of themselves,” continued Spagna, “and to lean on one another as we remember a valued friend and colleague. May we care for one another with compassion, patience, and grace as we grieve together.”
Mario Perez started at Sonoma State in 2020, continuing his 25 year career in the CSU system, where he was previously Associate Vice President for University Advancement at California State University, Los Angeles, and Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics at Cal Poly Pomona. He also worked for public relations for both the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Perez is remembered fondly by many of his colleagues following his passing.
“He was my closest colleague on campus,” says Dr. Gerald Jones, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “We’d often discuss work matters during the evening before needling each other about the Giants and Dodgers. Mario was a huge Dodgers fan, taking every opportunity to remind me about the number of World Series championships they’ve won. In fact, my last conversation with him occurred this past Thursday evening when he called to tell me the Dodgers had won that day and the Giants were losers.”
Dr. Jones went on to describe the legacy Perez left on this campus, “Mario’s lasting legacy will be his ability to bring donors to the table in support of the university, this includes scholarships and enhanced programming for students. Likewise, Mario’s strategic mind on how to best market the university and increase student enrollment will be missed. Unquestionably, Mario was the utmost champion of Sonoma State, and he staunchly believed in our success. I will hold our time together close to my heart. I will miss my friend sorely.”
Tiffany O’Neil, assistant vice president for alumni relations and university engagement, also expressed that Perez was left behind a lasting legacy at Sonoma State.
“Mario was often tasked with making difficult decisions, and did so with steadiness and grace,” said O’Neil, “A true leader has to make tough decisions and even in the most complex circumstances, Mario did that with ultimately wanting Sonoma State to be the best it can be not only now, but for years to come.”
A celebration of Life for Perez is planned for May 19, at 1 p.m. in Weill Hall at the Green Music Center. It also will be livestreamed here. The university has established a photos and memories form, where community members can share their memories with Perez with his family.
“Though I knew and worked with Mario for only a few months, after joining Sonoma State in January I was immediately awed by his passion for supporting students, his collegiality and collaboration, his keen perception and instincts about issues, his positivity and good humor, and especially his love for his family and friends,” writes President Spagna in a second email. “I hope you will join me and the family, friends, and colleagues who treasured their relationships with him, and continue to feel his enduring impact, in remembering and paying tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Mario A. Perez.”
