Campus Connection - November 9, 2009

Cerritos College’s History Professor Walter I. Fernández and Director of Adult Education and Diversity Programs Graciela Vásquez each received the first annual Hearts in Education Recognition Award from the Corazón De Los Valles Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest national Latino civil rights organization in the United States.

The award was established by the council in collaboration with its State LULAC Director, the community, and the council’s elected officials to recognize individuals who made significant contributions to people of Latin descent in the council district through education.

"Graciela Vásquez and Walter Fernández were selected because they are a living example of the LULAC philosophy of creating positive change through personal integrity ethical leadership," said Rosa Barragán, president of the council. "They have empowered many over the years through their service with justice, love and the deepest of pride in their culture."

Fernández and Vásquez will be honored at the Hearts in Education Leadership Awards & Recognition Breakfast to be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Norwalk Marriott.

Fernández was nominated by his students for his commitment to the “Sociedad de Profesores Hispanos,” an association of professors and counselors which promotes educational events pertaining to peoples from the predominantly Spanish-speaking countries and interest in the Castilian language and its diverse regional forms. Fernández founded the association in 2006 and has dedicated himself to strengthen the success of all students at Cerritos College.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by LULAC,” said Fernández. He credits the members of the Sociedad de Profesores Hispanos for his award. “I wish to thank my colleagues of the Sociedad de Profesores who deserve recognition for their service to the college.”

Vásquez was instrumental in the establishment and success of Project HOPE, a program at the college designed to increase the number of Latinos and disadvantaged students preparing to study careers in the health care fields. She has also managed programs for adults, largely immigrants, in the areas of vocational education, job preparation, basic and language skills development, citizenship and civics education and bilingual education.

“I am honored to have been selected for recognition from LULAC,” said Vásquez. “LULAC is a very well established and respected organization in our community and I honor their work on behalf of our community. LULAC prides itself on advocating for participation of Latinos at all levels, particularly education. This recognition is indebted to the participation and collaboration of many individuals with a shared vision and passion for education.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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The Campus Connection, November 9, 2009

Cerritos College

Connections 2009-3