Rick Vargas '75

Rick Vargas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1975, followed by a graduate studies program in Urban Studies/Public Administration at Howard University in Washington DC.  In 1978, Rick moved to Philadelphia, and in 1979 began his professional career with the City of Philadelphia.  During his thirty-five-year tenure with the city, Rick was involved in job training evaluation, Human Resources, and Labor Relations, where he spent the bulk of his career.  In 2013, after years as a Labor Relations Analyst and Deputy Director, Rick was appointed Labor Relations Director for the City.  He remained in this position until his retirement in 2015.

Rick has remained quite active in retirement.  For the first five years of his retirement, he volunteered at a severely disadvantaged high school in North Philadelphia, mentoring students any way possible.  In addition, he is President of a non-profit organization in Philadelphia that offers over 200 “fun” courses for adults in areas such as cooking, physical fitness, finance, dancing, and spiritual well-being.  Rick was also in an investment club and currently takes painting classes.  Even though he is involved with all these activities, Rick has to squeeze in about three rounds of golf weekly, weather permitting!