FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: September 10, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574 - 4244

Events Planned For Hispanic Heritage Month 2008 At SUNY Rockland Community College

Suffern, NY - The 21st annual SUNY Rockland Community College Hispanic Heritage Month is kicking off its events with an alumnus photography exhibit beginning Monday, September 15 followed by a reception on Thursday, September 18 in the Library Rotunda on the main campus in Suffern.

Some of the featured events at the College include standup comedy, a theater production, a band, lectures and the Hispanic Heritage Student Achievement Awards. All events are free and open to the public.

Hispanic Heritage Month officially began in the U.S. on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

A separate release will be sent out with further details about the Achievement Awards.

Schedule of Events for Hispanic Heritage Month 2008

September 15 – October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Event
“The Millionth Perspective”
Photography by alumnus David Rojas
Library Rotunda

September 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
“The Millionth Perspective” Reception
Library Rotunda
Info: Jessica Ricciardi, 574-4370, Doreen Zarcone, 574-4323

September 15 – October 15
“Mil Palabras”
Maritza Budde, Artist
Spring Valley Extension Center

September 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Reception with the Artist Maritza Budde
Spring Valley Extension Center
Info: Cathlene Cruz, 574-4140, Beverly Jackson, 574-4700

Every Wednesday, September 15-October 15
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Latin dish available
Cultural Arts Center Cafeteria
Info:  574-4754

October 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The Element Band
Refreshments will be served
Cultural Arts Center Atrium
Info: Cathlene Cruz 574-4140

October 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The Life of Diego Rivera, Artist
Lecture by:  Dr. Susan Aberth
New York Council for the Humanities
Refreshments will be served
Technology Center, Ellipse (Room 8180)
Info:  Professor Josephine Tarsia, 574-4170

October 16, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lecture by Soledad Arias, visual artist
Technology Center, Ellipse (Room 8180)

Her work: www.soledadarias.net/
Info: Eugenio Espinosa, Art Department, 574-4268 or 574 - 4567 

October 20, 6:30 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Student Achievement Awards
Guest Speaker:  Ricardo Aguirre, Counsel to the Secretary of State
Cultural Arts Center Theater
Info:  Professor Josephine Tarsia, 574-4170

October 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m.
“El flechazo”
The arrow shot or love at first sight
Written by Carlos Etxeba
Interpreted by Professor Josephine Tarsia
Refreshments will be served
Black Box Theater (Room 7100), Cultural Arts Center
Info:  Professor Josephine Tarsia, 574-4170, Professor Patty Maloney-Titland, 574-4471

October 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Rich Ramirez
Stand Up Comic, Actor, Writer, Singer
Student Union, Room 3214
Info:  Jessica Ricciardi, 574-4370

October 30, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Career Mosaic:  “Career Pathways of Prominent Latinos”
Student Union, Room 3214
Info:  Nilda Aragones, 574-4381, Kathy Carroll, 574-4319

For more information contact Cathlene Cruz, Chair, Hispanic Heritage Month Committee at (845) 574-4140 or ccruz@sunyrockland.edu or visit www.sunyrockland.edu

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.