Four individuals and three organizations were honored by The University of Texas at Austin for their commitment to serving the Austin Hispanic community in the areas of education and community service.
An awards ceremony sponsored by the Office of the President and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement was held Oct. 6 at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin and attended by more than 250 people.
The four individuals honored were Sylvia Acevedo, CommuniCard LLC; Sam Coronado, Coronado Studios; Pilar Sanchez, Housing Authority of the City of Austin; and a special recognition awarded in memoriam to Dr. Janis Guerrero-Thompson, Austin Independent School District. The Community Partnership Award was given to the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium, Las Comadres Para Las Americas, and St. David’s Foundation.
Dr. Gonzalo Garza was given the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Legacy Award for his enduring leadership and dedication to education and the public school system in Austin.
“Through their leadership and dedication, these individuals and organizations have and continue to transform Austin. They inspire new waves of young people to play an active role in strengthening our community,” President William Powers Jr. said.
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, said, “It is a privilege to recognize individuals in our community who think boldly about the Austin community and are dedicated to the academic success of our children and youth.”