* San Antonio College kicks off the first week of its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, featuring a talk on Monday by Andy Hernandez (Executive Director, Wesley Center for Family & Neighborhood Development) on Latino leadership and culture, a talk on Wednesday by young adult novelist Michele Serros, and a panel discussion on Thursday by Inka Clothing Co. representatives on "Art Meets Business."

* In addition, there will be Conjunto and punk rock music, a youth folkloric dance group from Monterrey, Mexico, and a showing of Mexican director Guillermo del Toro's Academy Award-winning "Pan's Labyrinth" (see the full schedule below for details).

Note:  VATC refers to the Visual Arts & Technology Center, which is located at San Antonio College at

the corner of Dewey and Lewis streets.  The Loftin Student Center is located due south of the corner of

Dewey and Belknap streets.

* Monday, September 17:

11 - Noon: Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff & Welcome - Opening remarks by Dr. Kristine Clark, SAC Executive Vice President. Followed by the presentation: "Latino Leadership, Culture & Intellect - Our Rich Heritage & Untapped Wealth" - Andy Hernandez, Executive Director, Wesley Center for Family & Neighborhood Development, Visual Arts & Technologies Center (VATC), Room 120.

Noon:  Youth Folkloric Group from Monterrey, Mexico (Loftin Student Center Mall Area)

* Tuesday, September 18:

10:50 - Noon:  Puro Conjunto:  Chicano Music Traditions - Juan Tejeda, Conjunto musician & Music Instructor at Palo Alto College (VATC, Room 120)

* Wednesday, September 19:

10 - 10:50 a.m.:  Michele Serros, award-winning poet, former writer for "The George

Lopez Show," and author of the new book "Scandalosa!" (VATC, Room 120).

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.:  Latino Fashion Show - (Loftin Student Center Fiesta Room), contact Carrie Hernandez at 733-2641 for details

* Thursday, September 20:

10:50 - Noon:  "Creative Ideas: Art Meets Business" - Inka panel, from the Inka Clothing Co. (VATC, Room 120)

* Friday, September 21:

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.:  Punk Rock/Accordion performance - Piñata Protest Band (Loftin

Student Center Fiesta Room)

Dusk:  SAC Night at the Movies - "Pan's Labyrinth," written and directed by Mexican director Guillermo del Toro (Loftin Student Center Mall Area) $1 general admission; free for SAC students with ID.

CONTACT:       

For more information, contact Hispanic Heritage Committee Co-Chairs:

Rosa Maria Gonzalez (gonzalez@accd.edu or 733-2984) or

Patricia Portales (pportale@accd.edu or 733-2519).