Castillo worked on behalf of students, staff

Gil Castillo, former associate director of student activities, died Saturday.

While the cause of death was unknown, an autopsy is pending, Ruben Flores, dean of evening, weekend and distance education, said Monday.

Castillo's brother called Flores Monday morning to notify him of the death, saying he believed his brother died of natural causes, Flores said.

Castillo was 53. Arrangements were still pending Thursday. Flores said he would notify The Ranger as updates are available.

Castillo began his career at this college March 15, 1985, and resigned Feb. 17, 2009.

Before working with student activities, he worked for Flores processing adjunct faculty applications for about 15 years until he went to work for the student activities office, Flores said.

Flores said Castillo was such a good worker that he was promoted twice in five years.

One promotion moved Castillo into a position as a community liaison working with surrounding high schools.

Castillo was one of the first people to advocate the creation of Staff Council, saying that because faculty and administrators had their own forums, staff needed one, too, Flores said.

Castillo also was involved with TACHE, the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. He was president of the organization's San Antonio chapter and later headed the state group.

Flores said other association presidents held doctorates, but because Castillo was a staff member at this college, his presidency was significant.

Adolph Lopez, director of the assessment center, is a member of TACHE and a friend of Castillo.

Lopez said Castillo was a hard worker who advocated on behalf of students, injustice and Chicanos.

Lopez said he had known Castillo to be effective in getting faculty and students involved in various events. He said Castillo helped organize Hispanic Heritage Month and always tried to get students involved in clubs and organizations campuswide.

Belinda Saldaña, former association president, provided a statement on behalf of TACHE Tuesday, saying, "We express our condolences to the family and friends of Gil Castillo. He was the state president in 1994 and an active member of our local chapter. He will be deeply missed."