One such faculty member is Mark Petracca, political science chair and longtime faculty sponsor of the Public Affairs Theme House. Another is Michael McCarthy, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. McCarthy oversees outreach activities for the Engineering Design for the Community House residents mentor middle school students by conducting fun and educational engineering experiments. For some sponsors, the involvement segues from professional to personal. For the past few years, Ramon Mu oz, social sciences academic counselor and sponsor of the Casa Cesar Chavez, has brought his wife and children to the theme house to host Thanksgiving dinner for the residents.
Students here get a real sense of camaraderie and family.