UA President Robert N. Shelton was one of two members of the UA community to walk away with one of the League of United Latin American Citizens' awards this month.
University of Arizona President Robert N. Shelton was among the community and education leaders honored during a recent League of United Latin American Citizens luncheon.
“Shelton received his award for outstanding leadership and for support of LULAC and educational programs,” said Richard Fimbres, one of the league’s vice presidents.
In receiving the Gold leadership award, Shelton "was also honored for what he has done for the community,” Fimbres added, saying that Shelton has continually supported the Hispanic community. He has also been engaged in conversations with the community on and off campus to determine ways to improve the numbers of Hispanics on campus and also the Hispanic student experience.
About 350 people from all over the nation attended the Sept. 14 luncheon, which is held annually to “recognize outstanding community leaders and education partners, not only in Arizona, but across the nation,” Fimbres says.
Another UA honoree was Olga Briseño, the UA’s Media, Democracy and Policy Initiative director.
“It’s important to see that some of the initiative's work and efforts are making a difference, and that people are paying attention,” says Briseño, whose initiative has brought photographic exhibits, lectures and other events relevant to the experience of the Hispanic population to Tucson.
Briseño, who also has been instrumental in a number of national efforts to raise awareness of issues in the Hispanic community, said her initiative’s message “stresses the importance of diversity and of giving all of our communities the sense of empowerment.”
Briseño received the FBI Community Service Award, which was offered in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Olga has really been a strong advocate in the community for journalism and she received the award for her work in the media and for helping other individuals also be successful in the profession,” Fimbres says.