September 1, 2006 - Estrella Mountain, a Maricopa Community College, will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of college and community events celebrating the impact of the arts on Hispanic culture during the months of September, October, and November this year. The events begin with a formal proclamation and opening celebration on September 13 attended by Mayor Marie Lopez-Rogers of Avondale and Mayor Adolfo Gamez of Tolleson, as well as other community leaders of the Southwest Valley. Additional events examine and celebrate arts in a variety of media and settings, and will include a new gallery installation, a dance workshop, storytelling workshops, and a Cesar Chavez luncheon. Unlike most Hispanic Heritage celebrations, the college's celebration will continue until November 2, and will culminate in a Dia De Los Muertos festival on the Estrella Mountain campus.The events are as follows:Opening Ceremony and Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage - September 13 11:30 a.m.The college's second annual formal proclamation is modeled after the national proclamation by President George W. Bush, and will include appearances by City of Tolleson Mayor Adolfo Gamez, and City of Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers, who deliver the formal proclamation. Located on campus in the Komatke courtyard, the event will culminate in performances by Mariachi del Rey, and will include free refreshments. This event is sponsored in part by Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste. For more information, contact Anna Russo at (623) 935-8487.Adentro/Afuera : Inside Out Campus Art Exhibit September - November 2006The college's commitment to public access to artistic works continues with Adentro/Afuera: Inside Out exhibition, a presentation made possible by a parternship between Estrella Mountain's Visual Exhibition Program and ASU Hispanic Research Center, and features contemporary Mexican-American/Chicano art. The art focuses on the relationship between Chicano artists and the public, revolving around the special bilingual, bicultural, binational channel of communication. The exhibition is open to the public in the college's museum cases located throughout the campus. For more information, contact Joyce M. Jackson, at (623) 935-8331.¿Quieres Bailar? Dance Workshops - September 21 2:00 pmEstrella Mountain will host two dance workshops, each fifty minutes long. The first workshop will focus on Hip Hop dance, and the second will teach staff and students the basic moves of the Cha Cha. The event is free and open to the community, staff, and students of the college, and will be a fun, and exciting approach to fitness and learning more about Hispanic Culture. For more information, contact Vivian Miranda at (623) 935-8900.2nd Annual Cesar Chavez Commemorative Luncheon - October 4 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. A portion of the proceeds of this event, the only of its kind in the Southwest Valley, will benefit a Cesar Chavez Scholarship at Estrella Mountain. The event is open to the public, and tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Herschel Jackson at (623) 935-8910.The Art of Engineering - October 11The college will celebrate the influence and accomplishments of Hispanics within the area of science and mathematics at a special event that includes a panel of Hispanic engineers. The panel will explore topics related to Hispanics in engineering, as well as encouraging students of all ethnic backgrounds to explore careers in math and science. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Arlisa Richardson, at (623) 935-8436.Dia De Los Muertos - November 2 One 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 event will feature a visual display, as well as 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 .
