Hernandez to present Afternoon Sabbatical on Latino issues

GOSHEN, Ind. – A daughter of migrant farm workers, Rebecca Hernandez has been working through Latino issues her whole life, especially throughout her career. Hernandez is the director of the Goshen College Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning (CITL) and will be sharing her life journey in the first Afternoon Sabbatical of the 2009-2010 series on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. in Goshen College's Sauder Concert Hall.

Born in Joliet, Ill., Hernandez's parents traveled to the Midwest to find work. "Their experiences of hard work strengthened their resolve to have their children go to school and make an easier life," she said.

Because her parents were not able to afford basic health insurance, Hernandez's mother passed away at age 38 from diabetes. "I was in college at the time and determined to study and teach in the Latino community," Hernandez said.

Starting as a middle school teacher, Hernandez realized "student needs went far beyond the classroom setting," she said. She completed her master's degree in public administration and worked in the public sector on children and family issues as an administrator and teacher.

In 2004, Hernandez completed a doctorate in which she assisted in research related to Latinos and program design. "I am committed to issues of access and organizational change to be welcoming to diverse communities," she said.

Since becoming the director of CITL in 2008, Hernandez is still excited about her position. "This job brings together my interest in research, education and Latino studies together with my faith," she said. "I'm committed to helping Latino youth to excel at Goshen College."

Hernandez's initial goals as director were to organize and communicate the goals of CITL more broadly. "[I want] to identify ways in which I can support my colleagues in their work and to develop deeper relationships with Latino organizations, churches and other educational institutions in the Midwest," she said.

"I hope to learn more from Latino families and communities about what they need so their children can be successful, and to engage with faculty," Hernandez said. "It's all about building relationships and listening, and then trying out new ideas."

Future programs in the Afternoon Sabbatical series:

Oct. 13 –"The Empowered Patient," with medical doctor, author, healthcare activist Glen E. Miller, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

 

Nov. 10 – "Sensational Singing and Swinging," GHS advanced Crimson Choir and Crimsonaires with Marcia Yost, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

 

Dec. 8 – "Musical Stylings for the Christmas Season," with Professor of Music Beverly Lapp and friends, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall

Goshen College's Afternoon Sabbatical program is in its 32^nd year of offering rich diversity in programs for the community. A committee of area representatives and college personnel consider the knowledge and talent at Goshen College and among Elkhart County citizens and aim to select programs that will appeal to a wide variety of interests. The program encourages the idea that people need a sabbatical from their daily lives to rejuvenate their minds and spirits.

 

Afternoon Sabbatical programs are usually on the second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in Sauder Concert Hall or the College Church Fellowship Hall and are free and open to the public. For more information on the Afternoon Sabbatical series call the Goshen College Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566.

 

-Julie Weirich 

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.