story by Dave Reid
image by Patrick O'Donnell
When writing about Mechelle Lawrence '90 (B.A. political science), one is almost obligated to state that she is a woman with a mission.
That's because Lawrence is the administrator-the first female administrator in 227 years-at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
She has been on the job for nearly a year, and last fall was named one of the "Hottest 25 People of Orange County" by OC Metro Magazine. (Among the other "hotties" were Cal State Fullerton President Milton A. Gordon and Pinaki R. Chakrabarti, professor of civil and environmental engineering).
Lawrence's effervescent, energetic nature belies the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the historic mission grounds a visitor might find on a rare, uncrowded weekday afternoon. On the other hand, it is a match for the rigors of hosting more than 500,000 visitors annually, including more than 105,000 excited fourthand fifth-graders.
"We are in the business of education," says Lawrence, who likes to remind visitors that Mission San Juan Capistrano, officially founded in 177 by Father Junipero Serra, is as old as the country itself. Capistrano, of course, is one of a string of 21 missions scattered throughout California, and one of the most revered. It is here where legend says the swallows return each St. Joseph's Day on March 19.
Lawrence, who manages a 32-person staff and is responsible for a $1.2 million budget, has preservation, conservation and rehabilitation on her list of primary responsibilities. One of her goals is to establish an endowment in keeping with strategic plans for historic preservation.
Previously, Lawrence worked for the city of San Juan Capistrano for 12 years. She last served as economic development manager, a job with duties that transitioned well into her present job.
Named for the 1960s Beatles song, Lawrence was student body president at Huntington Beach High School. She was on the debate team at Cal State Fullerton and represented the university on a three-week trip to China in 1988 for debates on the United Nations.
Lawrence said she enjoyed great academic experiences at CSUF and credits Keith Boyum, professor of political science, "with having a huge impact on me."
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