The 38th Annual Chicano Latino College Day was held at Golden West College on Friday, November 15. Over 600 students from 13 high schools packed the gym, where they were welcomed by the event’s founder Dr. Américo López-Rodríguez with students Elizabeth Salazar and ASGWC President Mitchell Jimenez. President Wes Bryan, Chancellor Dr. Andrew Jones, and CCCD Trustees Dr. Lorraine Prinsky and Jim Moreno, each welcomed the students with an encouraging message.
This year’s keynote speaker was Gustavo Arellano, editor of OC Weekly, and part-time lecturer of Chicano and Chicana studies at Cal State Fullerton. Gustavo writes a nationally syndicated column, “¡Ask a Mexican!” and is the author of Orange County: A Personal History, and Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America. Students enjoyed his good humor and listened intently as he shared his personal stories.
After the general assembly, students divided into two groups and attended workshops about Financial Aid and Educational Pathways, followed by their choice of one special interest workshop. Topics focused on core academic knowledge and skills, and were presented by faculty, staff, and students from all three Coast Colleges. A workshop was also offered for parents, conducted in Spanish.
The day ended with entertainment by DJ Aristotle, and lunch was served by Taco’s & Co. Students visited booths to learn more about Coast Colleges’ programs and services, and entered a drawing to win prizes. All students left with a t-shirt, but more importantly, they left inspired to go to college.
