The event will include award presentations honoring Texas Tech and Lubbock community members along with a keynote address from actor and activist Danny Trejo.
WHAT: Texas Tech University's Office of Institutional Diversity will host its annual Celebrate Diversity Awards Banquet.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 17)
WHERE: Frazier Alumni Pavilion, 2680 Drive of Champions, Texas Tech campus
EVENT: This is an annual event that generates scholarship funds for deserving students, while also recognizing those within the Texas Tech and Lubbock communities who exemplify inclusive excellence.
This year, Jorge Iber, associate dean of Texas Tech's College of Arts & Sciences, and Larry Phillippe, managing director of Texas Tech's Student Disability Services, will be recognized as recipients of the Inclusive Excellence Award. Kathy Rollo, superintendent of Lubbock Independent School District (LISD), will be recognized as the recipient of the Senator Robert L. Duncan Community Champion Award.
There will be two new awards given for the first time this year. Anita Carmona-Harrison, retired LISD educator, will be recognized as the recipient of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Excellence in Education Award. Finally, Communities in Schools will be recognized as the recipient of the T.J. Patterson Youth Service Organization Award.
The evening's keynote speaker will be actor, activist and restauranteur Danny Trejo. Trejo has starred in films such as “Desperado,” “Heat,” “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” and “Machete.” Additionally, Trejo has additionally enjoyed a career in television and as a voice actor.
Trejo's diverse experiences, unique background and longevity as an award-winning Latino actor, combined with his passion for empowering the next generation, will inspire those attending the event.
The ticketed event is already sold out, but local media are encouraged to attend.
Parking is available in lot C1 directly north of the pavilion.
CONTACT: Lucy Greenberg
Media relations specialist, Office of Communications & Marketing, Texas Tech University
lucy.greenberg@ttu.edu
(806) 742-2136
