Contact: Carolyn Mountain 277-0818 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

March 7, 2003 NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER DIRECTOR TO SPEAK AT UNM The first installment in the spring 2003 UNM General Library's Open Doors: Regional Scholars and Writers Series, features Dr. Thomas Chávez, executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Chávez, noted author, Fulbright fellow and public servant will present and discuss his latest book, "Spain and the Independence of the United States: an Intrinsic Gift" on Wednesday, March 12 at 3 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room in Zimmerman Library on the UNM campus. Chávez earned his doctorate in history from UNM and served as director of the Palace of the Governors for 21 years. He is former president of the New Mexico Association of Museums and the Old Santa Fe Association and others. In addition to his many books, including three he is currently writing, he has written numerous book reviews, articles and had a regular column in the Santa Fe New Mexican. Chávez's research has taken him around the United States, to Europe, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. The Open Door series is sponsored by the Division of Iberian and Latin American Resources and Services (DILARES) and the Center for Southwest Research at the UNM General Library. For more information, call 277-0818. # # #

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