September 5, 2005 - For the first time in its thirteen year history, Estrella Mountain Community College will partner with the City of Avondale, Luke Air Force Base, and Hispanic Leadership Forum to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of regional events celebrating the culture, achievements, and future of the Southwest Valley's growing Hispanic community. Beginning with a formal proclamation on September 15 attended by community leaders of the Southwest Valley, the commemoration will include gallery showings, a film series, a weekend Colors of Life Festival for families, and a Cesar Chavez luncheon. Unlike most Valley observances, the regional celebration will continue until November 2, and will culminate in a celebration of Dia De Los Muertos on the Estrella Mountain campus.The events are as follows:Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage - September 15 11:30 a.m.The college's first ever formal proclamation is modeled after the national proclamation by President George W. Bush, and will include appearances by Southwest Skill Center Director and City of Tolleson Mayor Adolfo Gamez, and City of Avondale Vice Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers, who deliver the formal proclamation. Located on campus in the Montezuma courtyard, the event will culminate in performances by Los Campesinos Mariachi Group and Ballet Folklorico. This event is sponsored by Hispanic Leadership Forum.Calaca Cultural Group Art Exhibition September 16 - November 2The college's commitment to public access to artistic works continues with the Fallen Angels Exhibition, a presentation of the Calaca Cultural Center and curator Marco A. Albarran of El Quinto Sol, and features contemporary Hispanic art. The exhibition is open to the public in the college's museum cases located throughout the campus.Latino Film Series Every Tuesday at 11:30 am, beginning September 20 Beginning every Tuesday from September 20 until October 25, students and community members are invited to attend Estrella Mountain's Latino Film Series from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the college's state of the art Center for Teaching and Learning. The event is free and open to the public and includes a variety of films focusing on current issues and cultural themes relating to Latino culture.Colors of Life/Colores de Vida Festival - October 1 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.The Colors of Life/ Colores de Vida festival on Saturday, October 1, invites guests of all ages to take part in a variety of fun activities celebrating Hispanic history and discovering new opportunities for the future. In addition to arts, crafts, food, activities for children, and entertainment, including a car show, families can enjoy free health screenings provided by the City of Avondale and other activities. NASA Center will present a robotic showcase bringing over 150 students from area middle and high schools to discover what the future has in store for those interested in careers in math and science.Cesar Chavez Commemorative Luncheon - October 5 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.For the first time in Estrella Mountain's history, the college will host a Cesar Chavez commemorative luncheon, celebrating the leader's life and contributions to society. The event, the only of its kind in the Southwest Valley, will include keynote speaker attorney and State Representative Ben R. Miranda, who worked closely with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit a Cesar Chavez Scholarship at Estrella Mountain. For more information, contact Herschel Jackson at 623-935-8910.Dia De Los Muertos - November 2 Time To Be DeterminedOne of the most recognized and celebrated traditions of Hispanic culture, Dia De Los Muertos at Estrella Mountain is the final event of this nearly seven week celebration. The college has partnered with Luke Air Force Base to celebrate not only Hispanic culture, but to honor and commemorate the nation's fallen soldiers. The event also features a visual display modeled after Arlington National Cemetery, a theatre performance, and traditional refreshments including pan de muerto (a type of sweet bread). For media, contact Nicole DeLeon, Public Relations, at (623) 935-8056. Estrella Mountain Community College, designated a Hispanic Serving Institution, is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to more than 13,000 students annually. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
