Coast Colleges host the 36th Annual Chican@/Latin@ College Day at GWC
The 2011 theme was “¡Adelante Estudiante!” – “Let Us Go Forward, Student!”
On December 2, 2011, over 450 students from 14 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. The presentation opened with a welcome from students in the Mi Casa Club. Trustee Jim Moreno, and Chancellor Dr. Andrew Jones welcomed the students and encouraged them to continue their education. Trustee David Grant, Trustee Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, and the college presidents were also in attendance to show their support of the event.
The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Clarissa Rojas, Professor of Chicano Latino Studies at CSULB. She engaged the audience and encouraged the students to take charge of their lives through education.
Students attended three large group sessions that focused on finishing high school, preparing for community college, and steps for transferring to universities. The sessions were followed by 14 special topic workshops chosen by the students.
The event ended in the Central Quad with lunch from Taco’s & Co., music and entertainment by LATINO 96.3 FM, 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.
