From left are Jesse Bernal, scholarship recipient Cristina Nino-Zavala
and President Thomas J. Haas.
Image credit - courtesy photo
Bernal receives award at Hispanic gala
Oct 29, 2018
Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity, received the Aguila Award at the 14th annual César E. Chávez Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Awards Gala, held October 25 in Grand Rapids.
He was among several honorees at the event, which raises funds for the support of the Lupe Ramos-Montigny Legacy Endowed Scholarship at Grand Valley.
Juan Paulo Palacios, an engineering major at Grand Valley, earned the Youth Award, and three Grand Valley students earned scholarships.
President Thomas J. Haas said Bernal exemplifies the legacy of Chavez by enhancing the upward mobility of Hispanic and Latino communities.
"Through his commitment to people and community, students at Grand Valley and in West Michigan and beyond have been empowered with scholarships and earned excellent education opportunities," Haas said.
Bernal was the first person in his family to attend college, which Haas called a challenging and formational time.
"This would shape his commitment to equity and deep desire to make sure similar college opportunities exist for others, regardless and because of diverse backgrounds," Haas said.
In mid-October, Bernal was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan.
Subscribe
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.
