
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920,
cgonzal@unm.edu
Feb. 23, 2005
Guerin Wins Premio Aztlan Literary Prize
The University Libraries at the University of New Mexico recognizes Denver documentary filmmaker and novelist Gene Guerin as the winner of the 2005 Premio Aztlán Literary Prize. He will receive $1,000 and deliver a public lecture on Tuesday, April 11 at 4 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room in UNM's Zimmerman Library.
His book, "Cottonwood Saints," a UNM Press publication, will be available for purchase. Prior to the reading, a talk for students takes place, also in the Willard Reading Room, at 11 a.m. Both events are free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served at the public lecture.
A national literary award established to encourage and reward emerging Chicano/a authors, the Premio Aztlán was founded in 1993 by author Rudolfo Anaya and his wife Patricia.
To be considered, each entrant must have authored two or fewer books as well as take an active role in the Chicano/a community. Former Premio Aztlán recipients, Denise Chavez, Pat Mora, Alicia Gaspar de Alba and Sergio Toncoso and Mary Helen Lagasse, have become well known literary figures.
"Cottonwood Saints," in its second printing, has been hailed as an impressive debut novel by media, booksellers and writers. Booklist compared reading "Cottonwood Saints" to "thumbing through old family photos with a beloved elderly relative."
Guerin was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and like Michael in "Cottonwood Saints," was a man of the cloth. After his ordination in Rome, Italy, in 1967, Guerin served churches in Santa Fe and Albuquerque until his dispensation from duties seven years later. Guerin is currently a freelance writer and documentary film producer in Denver, where he lives with his wife, Rita. They have two grown children.
The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
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