Fullerton College Welcomes 2025 Alumni of the Year Dr. Lupillo Ramírez
Dr. Ramírez is a proud leader in the grocery industry, committed to bringing inspiration from his home in Mexico to create an incredible grocery shopping experience for all.
Fullerton College is proud to announce its 2025 Alumni of the Year, Dr. Lupillo Ramírez. Dr. Ramírez is the Senior Director of Innovation and Product Development of Northgate Mercado, a highly renowned grocery store owned by the Gonzalez family. This year, Fullerton College will recognize Dr. Ramírez at its 110th commencement ceremony.
Dr. Ramírez is from Jalostotilán, Jalisco. He arrived in the United States in 1978 and lived in the City of Anaheim. At the age of 21, he began his career at the Northgate Mercado. An avid learner with a passion for education, the Gonzalez family supported him throughout his pursuit for higher education at Fullerton College, where he earned his associate’s degree. After Fullerton College, he went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from Pepperdine University, as well as a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.
As a marketing professional and leader, he has been instrumental in Northgate’s presentation, brand and experience. Apart from his current role, he is also involved in the community as President of the Board of the Latino Food Industry Association and board member of Olive Crest and City of Hope.
“Dr. Lupillo Ramírez’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and pride—and it begins right here at Fullerton College. As the first in his family to attend college, and now a leader at Northgate Mercado, his journey reflects the dreams and determination of so many of our students. Honoring Dr. Ramírez as our 2025 Alumni of the Year is a celebration of his accomplishments and a beautiful connection between two pillars in the comunidad, Fullerton College and Northgate. Together, we have the power to uplift thousands of students and families across our shared communities.” said Fullerton College President, Dr. Cynthia Olivo.
As a proud Latino leader in the grocery industry, Dr. Ramírez’s roots are with Fullerton College. As a college with 56% of our students being Latinx (over 12,000 Latinx students annually) and our federal designation as Hispanic Serving Institution for thirty years, our Hornet family is excited to recognize him at the 2025 commencement ceremony and remind our students, ¡Sí, se puede!
