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 Maria
Elena Salinas, Univision network anchor who has been called “the voice
of Hispanic America,” will be honored at California State University,
Fresno’s 31st Annual Latino Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May
19.
The event in The Save Mart Center on campus will begin at 5:45 p.m. with
entertainment. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. The celebration
closes a day of events that begins with the 96th Commencement that
morning.
About 550 students are expected to participate in the Latino
celebration.
Salinas is being recognized for her strong stand on immigration reform,
her advocacy of health care and educational access for Latinos and her
unwavering commitment to educating our communities about the importance
of political participation and empowerment, said Dr. Luz Gonzalez, dean
of the College of Social Science, which sponsors the event.
“Maria Elena Salinas is the most recognized Hispanic female journalist
in the United States,” Gonzalez said.
Called “the voice of Hispanic America” by the New York Times, Salinas
has informed millions of Hispanics in the U.S. and 18 other countries
throughout Latin America. She has earned numerous awards for journalism
as well as three national Emmys.
Hispanic Magazine and People En Español featured her as one of the “100
Most Influential Hispanics” in the U.S, and she was named one of the top
15 Most Influential Hispanics among Latino voters in a poll conducted by
Hispanic Voter Trends.
Her 2006 autobiography, “I am my Father’s Daughter: A Life Without
Secrets,” received critical acclaim and made bestseller lists for
Spanish-language books.
The Latino Commencement Celebration is the largest in the nation in
terms of attendance, said Gonzalez, with approximately 10,000 graduates,
family members and guests attending the ceremony last year.
Due to the closure of Chestnut for road improvements, graduates and
guests are encouraged to arrive early. (See parking information below.)
For more information about Latino Commencement Celebration, call
559.278.3013.
COMMENCEMENT PARKING INFORMATION:
Free parking is available for Commencement events in all parking lots on
campus, including those surrounding the Save Mart Center. Because
Chestnut Avenue is closed for road improvements, new traffic and parking
plans are in place this year.
Graduates should park in the East Lot located east of Chestnut at Shaw
Avenue, which provides proximity to the loading dock area where
graduates assemble for the processional. Access to the East Lot will be
from Barstow between Chestnut and Willow, using a service road east of
the Farm Market, or from Shaw for westbound traffic only. (See map at
the SMC traffic link below).
Guests may park in the North Lot of the Save Mart Center or other
university parking lots west of the center, with access off Woodrow
Avenue only from Shaw or Barstow avenues.
Graduates and guests are reminded to arrive early to minimize the
possibility of traffic delays.
For more information, call 559.278.2741.
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