CONTACT: Lawrence Roybal, 277-1804 Media Contact: Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

Sept. 20, 2002 ROYBAL RECEIVES DE COLORES HISPANIC HERITAGE AWARD SEPT. 28 Estancia native Lawrence Roybal, associate director for communications in the Office of Recruitment Services at the University of New Mexico, will receive the 2002 De Colores Hispanic Heritage Humanitarian Leadership Award during a reception at the KIMO Theatre and Art Gallery Saturday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The awards ceremony, a component of the annual De Colores, Inc., Hispanic Culture Festival, will honor eight Hispanic leaders from New Mexico. Each recipient will be presented with a handcrafted award designed for the festival, which is celebrating its 10th year. The reception will include an art show, food and entertainment. At UNM, Roybal earned a bachelor of arts in communication, completed a master of public administration degree and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. He has been recognized as a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration and Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. Roybal served as a member of the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, national president of the Ambassador Association of Sister Cities International and a member of Friendship Force International and the National Council for International Visitors. He served as a representative at numerous conferences and goodwill missions held in Japan, Canada, Mexico and several European countries. "I accept this tremendous honor on behalf of all of our outstanding students, staff, faculty and administrators who have dedicated themselves in service to the community," Roybal said. "It is because of the commitment of so many dedicated individuals to service projects locally, nationally and internationally, that we embrace a hope for a better world due to profound achievements in so many important areas." On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, Roybal works collaboratively with the Self Reliance Foundation based in Washington, D.C. to organize numerous community outreach initiatives in association with UNM student fellows, staff, faculty and community organizations. Maite Arce, Deputy Director of the Self Reliance Foundation in Washington, D.C., and UNM Self Reliance Foundation student fellows nominated Roybal. "An accomplished professional, Lawrence is committed not only to the community, but also to students," Arce said "What makes him special is that he balances the heaviest of schedules while remaining committed to everybody and still pursuing his education. He serves as an excellent role model for students by demonstrating that you can serve many people and still advance your educational pursuits." Also receiving 2002 leadership awards are: Henry Casso, lifetime achievement; Harry Montoya, business; Manuel Garcia, government; Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, government; Marcella Arellanes, grassroots leadership; Franc Chewiwie, arts; Dr. Alfredo Garcia, education. Intel, Albuquerque Tribune, IMAGEN Magazine and UNM are sponsors. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981