Learning about cultural riches:
Campus celebrates diversity

Above: Master Mariachiero Nati Cano directed the Mariachi workshops on campus before performing at the festival. Below: Dean Judy Sakaki garlands the Chavez statue.

Diversity Week and other events brought the spirit of community to campus as celebrations and special activities were held recently.

Fresno State hosted the annual Mariachi Musician Workshops March 25. The following day, Los Danzantes de Aztlan, directed by professor Victor Torres (Chicano and Latin American Studies), entertained the audience with its performances at the 18th Annual "¡Viva El Mariachi!" Festival.

The late United Farm Workers Union founder Cesar Chavez was honored when his son, Paul F. Chavez, was the keynote speaker at the Peace Garden Committee's annual Garlanding Ceremony March 31.

The Drum Major for Peace and Diversity Conference, a Diversity Week event held April 4, commemorated the 32nd year since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The conference was co-sponsored by the university's African American Studies Research Center and the office of Students for Community

Service. University professors and staff members presented concurrent workshops on aspects of nonviolence, conflict resolution and human diversity awareness.

Paul Chavez (far left) leads participants in the garlanding ceremony: (left to right) Ernie Velasquez (Catholic Charities), Nicole Parra (Congressman Cal Dooley's office), Father David Norris (Philosophy), Raul Alcala (CAMP counselor), Reverand Bryan D. Jessup (pastor, Unitarian Church).