The University of Texas at Austin recently honored four individuals and three organizations for their commitment to serving the Austin Hispanic community in the areas of education and community service at an awards ceremony at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin.
More than 250 people attended the Oct. 6 ceremony sponsored by the Office of the President and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.
Three people received the Community Leadership Circle Award: Sylvia Acevedo, founder, president and CEO of CommuniCard LLC; Sam Coronado, art professor, artist and founder of Coronado Studios; and Pilar Sanchez, director of compliance oversight at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. Dr. Janis Guerrero-Thompson, a former top administrator at the Austin Independent School District, was honored in memoriam with a special recognition accepted by her husband, Chuck Thompson, and mother, Pauline Guerrero. The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium, Las Comadres Para Las Americas and St. David’s Foundation received Community Partnership Awards.
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,” said Bill Powers, president of The University of Texas at Austin.
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.”
