FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   DATE:  September 4, 2007        CONTACT: Brenda Rodriguez, 361.825.3430; Cassandra Hinojosa, 361.825.2337 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Events Open to the Community CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – From flamenco performances to documentary films and discussion panels, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events beginning Monday, Sept. 17. All events are free and open to the public. Monday, Sept. 17 – The Clearinghouse for Mexican American Research (CMAR) will present the documentary film “Mexican American Legislative Caucus: The Texas Struggle for Equality and Opportunity” from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The event will include a panel discussion with State Judge Linda Reyna Yañez; State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa; insurance executive Eddie Garcia; history professor Dr. Anthony Quiroz, and city councilwoman Nelda Martinez. Wednesday, Sept. 19 – The Hector P. Garcia Celebration, sponsored by Islander Cultural Alliance and Title V Trio, will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. in the Hector P. Garcia Plaza. The celebration will include folklorico performances by Early Childhood Development Center students, and flamenco performances by Sentir Flamenco. Dr. Nancy Vera, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 4444, will speak on leadership development and community engagement. Dr. Pat Carroll, University professor of history, will discuss his book “Felix Longoria’s Wake” from 1 to 2 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. Thursday, Sept. 20 – The Women’s Center for Education and Service and the Islander Cultural Alliance will present actress and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi alumnae Lydia Blanco who will speak on “Breaking Stereotypes.” at 6 p.m. in the University Center, Ballroom A. Thursday, Sept. 27 – The Islander Cultural Alliance will present an authors’ panel discussion on “Active Citizenship: Historians, Rhetoricians, and Literary Critics Comment on Hispanic Activism,” from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University Center, Oso Room 221. University faculty expected to participate include Dr. Tom Kreneck, Dr. Anthony Quiroz, Dr. Jesus Rosales, Dr. Diana Cardenas, Dr. Cristina Kirklighter and Dr. Susan Murphy. Monday, Oct. 1 –The Islander Cultural Alliance will sponsor the Batanga College Tour for Latino students on campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Center for Instruction courtyard. The faculty panel “Educators Speak: Contemporary Concerns and Solutions for a Growing Demographic Group” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University Center, Oso Room 221. Participating faculty will include Dr. Veronica Guerra, Title V Trio director; Dr. Frank Lucido, professor of education; and Dr. JoAnn McDonald, associate professor of education. Wednesday, Oct. 3 – The Counseling Center will hold a discussion on “Respecting Differences, Understanding Similarities” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the University Center, Tejas Room 106B. Monday, Oct. 8 – The Islander Cultural Alliances will present the panel discussion, “Social Scientists and Art Historians Explore the Mexican American Experience,” from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University Center, Oso Room 221. Panelists will include Dr. Carlos Huerta, Dr. Laura Munoz, Dr. Carey Rote, Dr. Alan Hansen, and Dr. Luke Moissinac.