The Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center honored students and an alumnus who have performed outstanding volunteer service during the 19th annual Latino Recognition Banquet.

The awards were handed out May 1.

Hery Rivera, a junior, was one of the recipients of the Graduate Student Volunteer of the Year Award. Rivera has represented the Latino community on campus during rallies at the state Capitol to protest budget cuts. As the newly elected president of the Latino Student Association, Rivera has served as a tour guide for grammar school students who were visiting the University. He also has helped build houses for low-income families through Habitat for Humanity.

Along with Rivera, Ryan Alcantara received a Volunteer of the Year Award. Alcantara will graduate next weekend with a master's degree in educational leadership.

"He is such a role model for all students but in particular with Latinos," said Kevin Fahey, associate director of student activities and union programs.

Other winners were:

• Nirvana Beale, Outstanding Freshmen Award.

• Deborah Conception, Staff Award from the cultural center staff.

• Jorge Rivera, the Antonio Pantoja Outstanding Community Service Award. Pantoja is the founder of various national organizations, including the National Puerto Rican Forum. Rivera graduated last year with a master's degree in bilingual/bicultural education and will graduate with his second master's degree from the School of Social Work.

LM