SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio College Public Administration Club (SACPAC) will present the First Henry B. Gonzalez Public Service & Integrity Award to President & Mrs. Jimmy Carter at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 17 at The Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Ga.

The Henry B. Gonzalez Public Service & Integrity Award was created by the students of the SAC Public Administration Club to recognize those individuals who have dedicated themselves to public service, and who exhibit the highest level of integrity while serving.

Former Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez was an advocate in fighting for equal rights for all Americans regardless of ethnic heritage. He defended the individual rights of the poor, minorities and veterans. In 1956, Gonzalez was the first Mexican American elected to the Texas Senate, and in 1958, the first Mexican American to run for governor. In 1961, Gonzalez was the first Mexican American elected from Texas to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served 37 years in an outstanding capacity representing the San Antonio area before he died on Nov. 28, 2000.

The award was created with the assistance of Gonzalez' son, U.S. Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, and his family to recognize individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service and who exhibit the dedication, integrity and perseverance that Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez exhibited throughout his life.

SACPAC is a student-run organization at San Antonio College for students majoring in Public Administration and is devoted to helping others through various community service projects. Since 1993, the PA Club has helped over 1,460 children, and contributed 10,994 community service hours to the San Antonio Community.

For more information, contact Sylvia DeLeon, sdeleon@accd.edu, or Geraldo R. Guerra, geguerra@accd.edu, of the SAC Public Administration Club at 210/733-2888 or 210/269-3519 after May 14. Visit the Web at: http://www.accd.edu/sac/business/clubs/sacpac.htm