Date: March 13, 2008
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, March 13, 2008 – Women’s History Month was established in 1987 to recognize the achievements of women in the United States. Students from the Latino Center for Excellence at Governors State University took it a step further. They created posters recognizing the achievements of influential and prominent Latina women Latina women.
The posters were displayed at the university on March 6. Poster subjects included women who had excelled in service, art, medicine, science, and politics. The posters were designed and created by GSU students who illustrated and interpreted the contributions and influences of the Latina women.
Laura Capetillo of Richton Park created a poster honoring Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. “She was a unique woman who became the first woman president of Nicaragua. It is inspiring to see a Latina woman become president,” said Capetillo.
Rosa De La Paz of Chicago chose the first Latino Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Antonia Novello. “I was in the military as she was. She was an ambassador of change. I want my children to see me the same way.”
Carmin Garnica of Oak Forest chose a strong woman who spoke for the rights of all women for her poster subject. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, however, spoke up at a very dangerous time, during the Spanish Inquisition. “She was the first feminist of Latin America. She was very courageous,” said Garnica.
According to Dr. Catalina Ramos Hernandez, Director of the Latino Center for Excellence, “Not only are our students at Governors State here to get an education and earn their degrees, they are also eager to share their culture and history with other students and the community. This is a great opportunity for everyone to learn.”
