April 28, 2003

Three Decades Of Latino Studies
To Be Feted At Social Work School
By Jessica Warner

Three decades of Latino studies at the School of Social Work will be cause for celebration next week. Celebraci—n, an event recognizing the accomplishments of the program and pledging to continue its dedication to the Connecticut Puerto Rican and Latino communities, will be held at the UConn School of Social Work on Monday, May 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Commemorative poster by Victor Pacheco.

During the past 30 years, the number of Latino faculty at the School has grown from zero to four and the number of Puerto Rican and Latino students has grown from a handful to more than 40 in any given year. Since 1980, the School has graduated about 400 Latino and Latina students.

The half-day event will include a keynote address by Maria Josefa Canino, director of the doctoral program at the University of Puerto Rico School of Social Work, with which the UConn School of Social Work has an active exchange program.

During the program, eight UConn School of Social Work alumni will be honored for their contributions to social work practice and to the Puerto Rican and Latino communities. Honorees include Jorge Simon, presiding judge for the Hartford Judicial District Court, and Maria Martinez, director of the Center for Academic Programs at UConn. Professor emerita Marcia Bok also will be honored.

Following the event, there will be a reception with Latin music performed by Tierra Mestiza.

A contribution of $15 is asked of all who attend. For more information and to RSVP, call 860.570.9150.