De Colores, Inc., a non-profit, all volunteer organization founded in 1974, gears up for this year’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, by seeking nominations for “Unsung Heroes,” the theme of this year’s festival.
Awards will be given to seven individuals in the following areas: lifetime achievement, government, humanitarian, education, business, arts and grassroots. Awards are also given to high school or college students who have demonstrated a commitment to the Hispanic community on and off campus, and who perform well academically. A total of four student awards will be given, two to high school and two to college students. The deadline for nominations is September 5.
The 2006 Hispanic Culture Festival celebrates its 14th anniversary through art, music, dance, song, foods, poetry and leadership recognition. Month long activities will be held at locations on the UNM main campus and throughout the Albuquerque community.
De Colores found a permanent home at UNM in 2003 because Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eliseo “Cheo” Torres saw it as a winning partnership.
“Having De Colores at UNM gives students a greater opportunity to participate in and be part of the celebration, while De Colores can draw upon the wealth of interest, expertise and venues the campus and its community provide,” Torres said.
“The festival is designed to showcase and celebrate Hispanic culture,” said Jennifer Gomez-Chavez, board president, De Colores, Inc., and program manager for UNM’s College Enrichment Program. “We like to incorporate students, our future leaders, into all the events,” Gomez-Chavez said.
The Unsung Heroes Awards Banquet Dinner and Dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Student Union ballroom, with the Honorable U.S. District Court Judge Martha Vasquez as keynote speaker. The band Crossroads will provide entertainment. Tables are available for sponsorship.
For nomination forms and more information, please call Jennifer Gomez-Chavez, 277-7763 or Lillian Valdez, 842-1406.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu