From Vanguard to Mayor: Matthew Pagano ’02
Since graduating from Vanguard University in 2002, Matthew Pagano has embarked on a journey of academic achievement, professional success, and public service culminating most recently as the mayor of Dana Point.
Describe your journey since graduating from Vanguard.
Since I graduated from Vanguard University in 2002, I went to grad school at USC for an executive master’s in leadership from the Sol Price School of Public Policy. I was accepted into this prestigious program by the skin of my teeth! I had no business being there, and I remember looking around the room and marveling at all my fellow cohorts; I was with the CEO of a credit union, a chief of police, a state assemblyman, a U.S. Army executive, countless other superstars . . . and me.
I was there to learn, so I took deliberate intention to listen to these amazing leaders. The program focused on real-life experience; more on the practical and pragmatic than the theoretical and abstract. Every single class was an opportunity to learn.
After USC, I received an MBA from Texas A&M University. I earned both graduate degrees while working full-time, married, and starting a family.
Fast forward to today, I am the CFO of one of the largest and most pre-eminent mechanical contractors in the country. I am also the mayor of my hometown, Dana Point, where I married a local girl who I went to elementary, junior high, and high school with. I sit on a couple of amazing non-profit boards, and I spend my time hanging out with my wife and our four children.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Vanguard?
Hands down, it was having a band and the time I spent with them. Our band came together at a time when there wasn’t a lot of ways to meet other musicians, so the fact that there were three of us at the same small Christian university, and we had the same influences, was pure magic.
Before we had a name, we entered the battle of the bands at Vanguard University and made shirts calling ourselves, The Kids. My friend and lead-guitar player, Caleb, drew stick figures as our logo.
We didn’t sound great that day, but my goodness, the memories are rich! We later found a bass player and changed our name to Manic Blue. We played all around Orange County and some Los Angeles venues. They were some of the best times of my life.
What experiences as an undergraduate prepared you for your career?
In general, the content covered in Vanguard’s business program proved to be very useful as the school does a wonderful job bringing in people with professional experience. Business is a hands-on, contact sport, and Vanguard fostered the opportunity to learn from actual practitioners.
How did your Vanguard experience influence your career path and the values you bring to your current profession?
It helped settle the noise of ambition and tether the desire to succeed to something greater than money. I believe the values of Christianity add context to the vocational world. I have always picked places to work that not only have the best potential for my success but also mirror my values. If you can align values, the business becomes much easier to navigate. Last, I believe we have spiritual gifts, and we are called to pursue those gifts with fervor. I always pray to do my best as opposed to a specific outcome in business.
What life/career advice would you give to current VU students or recent grads?
Be proud and confident that you attended a university that prepared you for your vocational calling. Whether that is ministry or business, your mind and heart are ready for the next step.
How do you describe VU to people who are not familiar with it?
Vanguard University is a small Christian University that focusses on the development of the entire student; academically and spiritually. It is in one of the most sought-after destinations on that planet! You will get plenty of time to learn about Jesus Christ while being around like-minded people who are pushing themselves for greatness. Along with that, you will have a ton of fun enjoying the local amenities in perfect weather. I am proud to be a Lion and will carry that with me forever!
