Coast Colleges host the 37th Annual Chican@/Latin@ College Day
“¡Adelante Estudiante!” – “Let Us Go Forward, Student!” was the theme.
On November 16, over 300 students from local high schools attended a day of inspiring speeches and informative workshops. The event’s theme was chosen to encourage students to continue forward, no matter what challenges they are facing.
Students enjoyed a continental breakfast before entering the gym for the general session. Gustavo Martinez and Hector Flores from the Mi Casa Club and Jessica Bravo from the Puente Club opened the presentation, followed by a welcome from event founder Dr. Américo López-Rodríguez, Spanish Professor.
Choyo Gomex, was the Keynote Speaker for the opening session. He gave an inspirational speech which shared the personal challenges that he overcame in pursuit of the American Dream and eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine and an MBA in Marketing from National University.
Students attended two large group sessions that focused on educational pathways and financial aid. The sessions were followed by 15 special topic workshops chosen by the students. The event ended in the Student Center patio with lunch from Taco’s & Co., music, prizes, and information booths.
The Chicano/Latino Conference started in 1975 by GWC students and Spanish Professor Dr. Américo López-Rodríguez, in an effort to inspire and empower Hispanic students to pursue a higher education. The event has grown over the years and became a district-wide event in 2009.
