SAN MARCOS \u2013 A colorful display in the Palomar College Library features photographs of and brief biographical statements about many Hispanic members of the College\u2019s faculty, staff, administration and Governing Board.<\/p>\n
The Library display is one way the college is honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 \u2013 October 15. The month-long celebration will culminate with Tarde de Familia: An Evening for Our Families<\/em> which will be held at the Palomar College Industrial Technology Center on\u00a0 Friday, October 16, from 6 \u2013 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Laurie Hope, adjunct faculty librarian said the Library exhibit is meant to \u201cboth celebrate and inform\u201d the Palomar College community about the \u201crich Hispanic background that exists in and around the college.\u201d Hope spearheaded the Library exhibit project, which includes a map showing the extensive geographical area included in the heritage of the people represented in the display. Hope said many library staff members worked together to install the exhibit, which is growing day by day as more people are being included. The exhibit also includes fashion designs relating to Hispanic heritage that were created by students in the Advanced Visual Merchandising class taught by Rita Campo Griggs.<\/p>\n According to Dr. Jack Kahn, dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), members of \u201cGrupo Maginfico,\u201d an all-volunteer group of staff, faculty, students and administrators have been organizing events to support the Hispanic community all year long, and their flagship event, Tarde de Familia<\/em> coincides with this year\u2019s Hispanic Heritage Month. Designed to bring together students and their families with Hispanic professionals, the event also showcases the many programs and resources available to assist underrepresented students at Palomar College. Presentations are conducted entirely in Spanish and a different industry is highlighted each semester.<\/p>\n This semester, the Tarde de Familia<\/em> event highlights the Diesel Technology program. Featured speakers are Sergio Hernandez, associate professor of diesel technology; Jos\u00e9 Jacobo, Palomar College alumnus and fleet technician for the Sysco Corporation; and special guest Paul Jacobs, California Environmental Protection Agency California Air Resources Board Chief, Mobile Source Enforcement.<\/p>\n The biannual Tarde de Familia<\/em> event was originated in 2011 by Dr. Rodolfo Jacobo, Jr., assistant professor of Multicultural Studies. Kahn said the event was taken to new levels with the formation of \u201cGrupo Magnifico\u201d by bringing together representatives from several College departments and programs. These include English as a Second Language (ESL); SBS; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC); Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP); Star Tutoring; and many others.<\/p>\n \u201cTarde de Familia<\/em> provides a great opportunity for students and their families to be inspired by what others have achieved, \u201c Kahn said. \u201cHispanic professionals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds tell their stories and speak about what helped them persevere.\u201d<\/p>\n