Garcia to Receive Honorary Doctorate from National University of San Martin

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Charly Garcia will be rockin’ the halls of National University of San Martin soon…

Next week, the 62-year-old Argentine rock singer-songwriter will receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of “his inestimable contribution to music and culture,” the National University of San Martin has announced.

“Charly is the musician with the most academic and classical preparation in the history of Argentine rock,” university chancellor Carlos Ruta said in a statement.

Garcia’s body of work “reveals the vigor of a great creativity” responsible for art that has become an integral part of the national culture, Ruta said.

Garcia, a recipient of the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, has recorded more than 45 albums – including several that went platinum – and is regarded as the father of rock in Spanish.

“Latin America’s first and most legendary rock idol” will perform a few songs during Monday’s ceremony, the university said.

Sanz Receives Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

There’s a doctor in the house… And, his name is Alejandro Sanz.

The 44-year-old Spanish singer has received an honorary doctorate degree from one of the world’s foremost institutions devoted to his craft.

Sanz accepted the honor from Berklee College of Music in Boston on Wednesday before more than 1,200 people who had packed the school’s performance center for the sold-out event. A group of 40 students performed his music.

The “No Me Compares” singer has sold more than 23 million albums worldwide and received several Latin Grammy and Grammy awards during his esteemed career.

Sanz said that when he first heard he would receive the honor, he was delighted but thought someone wasn’t thinking straight.

“I was very happy but I thought they were crazy,” said Sanz. “But I wanted to learn about the school. It’s my first time inside a music school, and I was very happy to get to know the students.”

The school reserves the honor for artists who have the overwhelming respect of their peers. He joins the ranks of fellow Latino superstars Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Linda Ronstadt, Juan Luis Guerra and Ruben Blades.

Pitbull Opening Sports Leadership Charter School in Miami

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is giving children in his old stomping grounds a slammin’ opportunity…

The 32-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has announced plans to open SLAM, or the Sports Leadership and Management School in Little Havana, the Miami neighborhood where he grew up.

It’s “all about giving back to the neighborhood in any way, shape or form,” says Pitbull.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Pitbull said he sees the education as the “real revolution.”

“There is no way you can tackle any obstacle or any issue around the world if you’re not educated.”

“My mother always told me two of the most dangerous diseases in the world are ignorance and greed,” said Pitbull. “That’s why we have to educate. That’s why I fight for it and that’s why I feel it’s the real revolution.”

The goal behind SLAM, which will be run by a non-profit that is part of the national charter school management company, will be to show kids that learning is sexy.

“What happens is that education is no longer sexy, it’s no longer cool,” he said in the video interview.

By focusing on preparing kids for careers in the sports field, Pitbull hopes to show schools that they can create curriculum that entertains and engages Today’s generation of students.

“I can speak from the heart when it comes to charter schools for the simple fact that teachers have changed my life,” said Pitbull.

“I had a second grade teacher who taught me there is a way out and then I had an 11th grade teacher, Ms. Martinez, who taught me to believe in myself.”

“That’s the same thing I want to do,” Pitbull added. “One way or another just make it fun again to learn.”

Sanz to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz is preparing for a little pomp and circumstance…

The 44-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter, a 15-time Latin Grammy winner, will receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music on November 6, 2013.

Sanz is being heralded for his achievements and influence in the world of contemporary music.

“It is a great honor for me to receive this doctorate degree from one of the most prestigious music schools in the world,” said Sanz. “I will continue to work every day of my life to deserve this honor.”

The President of Berklee College of Music will present Sanz with the degree in special ceremony that will include a career-spanning concert by Sanz and Berklee College students.

Previous honorary doctorate degree recipients include Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Paco de Lucia and Chucho Valdes.

Longoria Receives Master’s Degree in Chicano Studies

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Longoria is a master Chicana….

The 38-year-old Mexican American actress graduated this week with a Master’s degree in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge.

The former Desperate Housewives star, who is serving as an executive producer on Lifetime’s highly anticipated sudser Devious Maids, had been pursuing her Master’s for the last three years.

During the official graduation ceremony this week, Longoria joined her fellow classmates to collect her degree, which she earned in part by writing a thesis entitled “Success STEMS From Diversity: The Value of Latinas in STEM Careers.

“STEM” is the acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.

Longoria also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University, according to IMDB.

A representative for the actress said tshe attended classes in person and studied simultaneously while working on Desperate Housewives, even bringing her university classwork to the film set.

To celebrate her graduation, Longoria went to dinner with her parents after the ceremony.

She also posted several photographs on her account page on the Whosay social network showing her wearing her graduation robes and posing with several family members and friends.

Pitbull to Perform on “The Real Change Project: Artists for Education” Special

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull will be singing for real change…

The 32-year-old Cuban American rap superstar will appear in the upcoming one-hour television charity special, The Real Change Project: Artists for Education, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The special is set to air at 7:00 pm on April 23 on CBS and other syndicated networks, two weeks before National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Miley Cyrus, Lady Antebellum, LMFAO‘s Redfoo and SkyBlu, Jason Mraz, Quincy Jones and Glee‘s Matthew Morrison will also take the stage.

The Real Change, produced in association with Adopt a Classroom, combines celebrities with philanthropy and includes musical performances, interviews and more.

The special will see the musicians — who will sponsor classrooms — go back to their hometown schools, introduce the teachers who inspired them and surprise deserving students and organizations.

“Teachers are often the unsung heroes, while actors, musicians and pro athletes get all the praise. I’m willing to bet, though, that each one of us has had at least one teacher who changed our lives forever,” said Liam Murphy, founder and CEO of Real Change Productions. “The goal of our show is to not only honor these teachers but to also inspire Americans to adopt a classroom and support those who are shaping the minds of tomorrow by providing the supplies that enable them to keep making a difference today.”

Adopt a Classroom is a group that empowers teachers with the resources they need for their classes and increases their students’ chances for success. Teachers can participate by registering on the LiveRealChange.com website. Once they are selected, teachers can use the funds to improve their classrooms.

Quezada Running for School Board in Albuquerque

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

He’s been Breaking Bad on television for five seasons… But now Steven Michael Quezada will bebreaking down barriers to education in New Mexico.

The 49-year-old actor, who stars as DEA agent Steven Gomez on AMC’s Emmy-winning series Breaking Bad, is running unopposed for the school board in Albuquerque.

“My concern for education in New Mexico has always been there,” said Quezada during an appearance on CNN on Monday. “I’m one of those kids that struggled through school, and I feel like I fell through the cracks.”

Quezada has three children in charter schools and said he feels the need to help them and other kids in the state. He doesn’t think he’ll seek a higher title anytime soon; the actor says his political ambitions are limited to school board and that he’ll continue to act.

“The good news about New Mexico is we bring a lot of movies, a lot of television series out here, so I’m hoping I continue to work out here in New Mexico along with being part of my community,” he said.

Quezada said some of his Breaking Bad co-stars have even gotten involved in the Albuquerque community as well. Bryan Cranston has helped Quezada start programs that train children for work in the film and TV industry.

“They care about what’s happening in New Mexico,” Quezada said of his co-stars, who have shot much of Breaking Bad in the city. “Bryan and the rest of the cast are awesome, great people, and they’ve invested in New Mexico.”

Breaking Bad returns this summer on AMC with the second half of its fifth and final season.

Venegas Hosts Buenos Aires’ Bookstore Night

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Julieta Venegas is curling up with a good book this Sunday…

The 42-year-old Mexican singer on Saturday night hosted the 6th Buenos Aires Bookstore Night, a celebration of books and their authors.

Along with serving as the host, Venegas performed for an estimated audience of 40,000 at the literary event, organized by the Buenos Aires municipal government, on Corrientes Street, which runs through the cultural heart of the Argentine capital.

The evening’s program includes such noted authors as Ernesto Mallo, Gabriel Rolon, Claudia Piñero and Sergio Olguin, along with musicians, illustrators and artists.

Numerous bookstores also organized poetry readings and storytelling events, while the group Siempre de Viaje-Literatura en Progreso has organized what it refers to as “literary bicycling.”

“Buenos Aires is one of the cities with the most bookstores per capita in the world,” the capital’s culture minister, Hernan Lombardi, said at the inauguration of Bookstore Night.

Lombardi also said that the Argentine capital “cultivates reading and creativity as one of its most symbolic activities.”

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, designated Buenos Aires as World Book Capital 2011, citing the quality of its programs to promote book distribution, promote reading and grow the publishing industry.

Cisneros to Chair the National Hispanic University’s Advisory Board

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Henry Cisneros is ready to do his part to increase the number of Latino college students in the United States…

The 65-year-old Mexican American politician and businessman, the former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and first Hispanic mayor of a major American city, will chair the National Hispanic University’s newly formed advisory board.

Comprised of prominent leaders from across the country, the board will provide guidance on overall strategy and serve as the university’s ambassadors to the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

“The National Hispanic University has a strong educational foundation, a proven track record for student success and, most important, a noble goal that I fully embrace — to increase the number of Latino college graduates,” said Cisneros. “I am honored to serve as chairman of the board and support the university and its mission and vision.”

Cisneros served as secretary of HUD in President Bill Clinton’s administration from 1993 to 1997. Prior to his cabinet position, he served four terms as mayor of his hometown, San Antonio. As the executive chairman of CityView, Mr. Cisneros remains actively involved in urban investing and building for community revitalization projects in large cities throughout the United States.

In addition to Cisneros, the advisory board includes:

Janet Murguia, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) — As president and CEO of the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. Murguia often testifies before Congress about issues affecting the Latino community. She previously served as deputy assistant to President Clinton, providing strategic and legislative advice to the president on key issues.

Cesar Conde, president of Univision Networks — Conde is responsible for overseeing the Univision Network, TeleFutura Network and Univision Cable Networks, as well as Univision Studios, and has held a number of senior positions within the company. Prior to joining Univision, Conde was one of 12 White House Fellows (2002–2003) appointed by President George W. Bush and served as White House Fellow for then Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Ronald Blackburn-Moreno, president and CEO of the ASPIRA Association — Blackburn-Moreno has played a major role in shaping national education policy to benefit Latinos since assuming leadership in 1994 of the ASPIRA Association, the only national organization dedicated to the education and leadership development of Latino youth. A past chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, he has previously served on several advisory boards, including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education and the Ford Foundation. Blackburn-Moreno speaks nationwide on education issues.

Nely Galan, media entrepreneur/Latina advocate — Galan, a first-generation immigrant and self-made media mogul, was the first Latina president of a U.S. television network, Telemundo. She’s an award-winning producer of more than 600 episodes of television programming in Spanish and English, including the FOX reality series The Swan. She’s the founder of The Adelante Movement, which includes a national tour and a digital platform to economically empower Latinas in the U.S and connect them with financial opportunities. Galan has also recently gone back to graduate school. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is currently completing her doctorate.

“This esteemed group of nationally recognized leaders will be instrumental in advancing our university’s mission of increasing access to quality higher education for Latinos and others serving multicultural communities,” said Dr. David P. Lopez, president of The National Hispanic University. “As we continue to focus our efforts on expanding access nationally through on-campus and online programs, we will greatly benefit from the talents and unique expertise of this distinguished group of advisors.”

The National Hispanic University is part of The Laureate International Universities network, which includes more than 60 accredited campus-based and online universities worldwide, including more than 30 postsecondary institutions in Latin America. The university was founded in 1981 by the late Dr. B. Roberto Cruz, who dedicated his life to making educational opportunities available to Hispanics and members of other underrepresented groups.

Elias Donates $1 Million for Undocumented Immigrant Scholarships

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Ric Elias is doing his part to make sure undocumented immigrants have access to a higher education…

The Puerto Rican entrepreneur, the CEO of the technology company called Red Ventures, has donated $1 million to launch a non-profit organization offering full college scholarships for undocumented immigrants, despite the current heated debate about illegal immigration, especially among young undocumented immigrants or so-called DREAMers.

The non-profit, called Golden Door Scholars, is currently finalizing partnerships with up to five North Carolina colleges, according to Elias.

“I don’t really care,” Elias told the Charlotte Observer of his critics. “It doesn’t faze me. If we can get people talking about this, (criticism) may not actually be a bad thing, given the lack of understanding out there on this issue.”

The scholarship will be available to all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. this fall and promises to pay for all four years of a college in North Carolina, including room and board, while offering students mentorship, internships and job placement.

While details on how the partnerships will work aren’t entirely known, Elias says the yet-to-be named four-year institutions are making these promises: To either cut their tuition rates by at least half, donate money to the fund, or help pay for a set number of scholarships so that the organization can help more undocumented students nationwide.

Meanwhile, Elias hopes other CEOs and corporations will join him in offering undocumented students across the country an opportunity to go to college.

The scholarship announcement comes during a growing national debate over whether or not undocumented immigrants should be allowed to attend college, through legislative acts like the DREAM Act, and whether they should be allowed to pay in-state tuition rates.

“There is going to be negative feedback. The thing we have been trying to make clear, this is not a political issue,” Kylie Craig, director of communications for Red Ventures and a volunteer for the non-profit, told Fox News Latino. “This is about doing what we believe is right. This is much more a humanitarian pursuit than a political pursuit.”

Currently, 13 states (many with large immigrant populations) have laws allowing undocumented students to receive in-state tuition rates. Other states, including Arizona and Colorado, prohibit in-state tuition rates for undocumented students.

The North Carolina legislature is considering a bill that would bar schools from offering in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants. But that bill remains stuck in committee after a divisive debate within the state’s academic community.

In North Carolina, an estimated 1,500 undocumented immigrants graduate each year from public high schools.

Since its website has gone public, Golden Scholars has received more 100 applications and inquiries about the scholarship as well as donation inquiries, said Craig.

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