Colorado State's El Centro Honors Late Hispanic Rights Activist At Annual Awards Ceremony April 4
Thursday, March 20, 1997
FORT COLLINS--In the mid-1940s, William Lopez seized the
opportunity to cast out racism in his hometown of Fort Collins
with a letter to the town's newspaper editor. In the letter, he
urged businesses to take down signs that refused service to
Mexicans.
Lopez's crusade ultimately would earn him the honor of being
the first Mexican-American elected to a city office in Fort
Collins, serving terms on both the city council and Larimer
County Board of Commissioners.
On April 4, the 14th annual El Centro Achievement Awards
will honor the contributions of the late Lopez as well as
recognize past and present students at 6 p.m. in the Lory Student
Center Main Ballroom. The theme of this year's event is
"Illuminating the Path to the Future."
A mariachi band will perform during dinner, and a silent
auction will follow dinner and the awards program. A dance also
is scheduled at 9:30 p.m. in the LSC West Ballroom.
El Centro Achievement Awards are given to celebrate the
accomplishments of Hispanic community members and students
graduating from the university. The ceremony will be held in
honor of the late Lopez, who is credited with encouraging local
Hispanic groups to get involved in civic affairs.
Lopez also was the first Mexican-American educator in the
Poudre R-1 School District. During his tenure as a teacher, he
developed a highly successful Spanish club, promoted student
interest in the Junior Red Cross and developed the first local
foreign language laboratory.
"William Lopez's concern for the Hispanic community became a
vision that has transcended generations," said Guadalupe Salazar,
director of El Centro Student Services. "This ceremony is a
wonderful opportunity to recognize the achievements of Mr. Lopez
as well as alumni and students who carry on his efforts."
The ceremony also will celebrate the achievements of
graduating seniors and recipients of the Elizabeth Woodworth
Memorial Scholarship. Ten college scholarships, worth $2,500
each, are given to students in honor of the late Elizabeth
"Betty" Woodworth, a longtime editor of The Coloradoan newspaper
and civic leader. Several other awards will be announced,
including one for a community member, a Colorado State faculty
member and two Colorado State distinguished scholars.
In addition, the event serves as a fund-raiser for the El
Centro Emergency Loan Fund, which supports students when they
encounter financial trouble.
"These funds are important in helping students cope with
financial emergencies that may arise during their college years,"
Salazar said. "It plays a vital role in the support services we
are able to offer students."
El Centro Student Services is celebrating 20 years at
Colorado State helping the needs of students and promoting
education about the histories and cultures of Chicanos, Hispanics
and Latinos throughout the university and Fort Collins community.
Tickets for the ceremony, dinner and dance cost $25 per
person. Corporate tables of 10 cost $500; non-profit or school
tables cost $300. The band Poquito Maz will perform at the dance.
Tickets can be purchased separately for the dance at $5 per
person or $8 per couple.
For more information on the El Centro Achievement Awards
Ceremony or to reserve seating, call (970) 491-5721.
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