2003 USDA-HSI FELLOWS

“Partnering to Achieve Educational Excellence

for Hispanic Americans”

United States Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C.

July 10, 2003

Agenda

9:55 AM Introduction Maria Goldberg Executive Director USDA-HSI National Program

10:00 AM WelcomeJim Moseley Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

10:10 AM Presentation of Awards Ed Loyd Deputy Press SecretaryUSDA Office of Communications

USDA-HSI FELLOWS

The USDA-HSI Fellows Program provides faculty and staff from HSIs with the opportunity to work and study with USDA staff and other federal agency personnel for a period of two to four weeks.

The program is designed to:

•Advance USDA’s relationship with the participating institutions

•Enhance the capacity of the institution’s programs and staff

•Engage the HSIs in an ongoing dialogue on the educational challenges of Hispanics

•Increase their awareness of the current demands of the workplace

While in Washington, D.C., Fellows are expected to focus on areas relevant to the needs of their institution and USDA. Fellows work in collaboration with USDA and other Federal Agencies’ staff.

The Fellows were selected based on their interests and the needs of the sending institutions and the USDA. The fifteen participants are high-achieving faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions and will work at USDA for two to six weeks this summer. The Fellows represent institutions from five states and Puerto Rico.

Barbara Sausen

Mathematics InstructorFresno City CollegeFresno, California

“The USDA provides a wide variety of opportunities for colleges, students, and faculty. I look forward to sharing all I have learned with my colleagues and students so we can take advantage of these opportunities.”

Brian Levin, J.D.

Associate Professor of Criminal JusticeDirector of the Center for the Study of Hate & ExtremismCalifornia State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino, California

“The HSI Fellowship has given me a wonderful chance to get practical knowledge about the diverse opportunities at USDA and to do research in my field with Washington, D.C. area experts.”

Eva Serrano

Director of Title V Grant Morton CollegeCicero, Illinois

“The USDA-HSI Fellows Program is, by far, the most significant investment my institution is receiving in building its capacity to connect our students to the multiple and diverse opportunities offered by the USDA. I am convinced that thousands of lives will be positively impacted in years to come. Hats off to USDA leadership for investing in a better future for all!”

Gary Ashida

Vice President of Administration ServicesOtero Junior CollegeLa Junta, Colorado

“Programs of this quality are rarely offered to small community colleges in rural areas. This opportunity has been invaluable!”

J. Michael Patrick, Ph.D.

Director of Texas Center for Border Economics and Enterprise Development, Professor of Economics, Interim Dean, College of BusinessTexas A&M International UniversityLaredo, Texas

“The USDA Fellows Program has offered me the opportunity to gain invaluable information and contacts that will help my institution access critical resources to expand the educational opportunities to the Hispanic community in South Texas. The USDA officials and staff responsible for the program have been fantastic.”

Joseph Bonilla, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Nutrition University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio, Texas

“Over the past two weeks with the HSI Fellows Program here in D.C., I’ve met with incredibly helpful USDA representatives that have given me their insights and ideas as to how the faculty and students at my school can benefit from improved relations with the USDA. My university does not have an agricultural program and I am its first contact with the USDA. After this experience, I will be making sure that I am not the only and the last.”

Laura Young, Ph.D.

Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino, California

“The USDA-HSI Fellows Program empowers educators to encourage their students to aim for the the stars. If you look in tree tops, you’re in great shape for life. If you aim for mud puddles, you’ll hit it every time.”

Leticia Gonzalez

Director of Continuing Education & Title VMidland CollegeMidland, Texas

“Born and raised on a New Mexico ranch and farm, the USDA has continuously had a positive presence in my family’s life. Having been given the privilege to now be a fellow, the USDA will yet again impact my professional career. The knowledge gained during this fellowship will definitely provide a catalyst for future West Texas programs, funds, and opportunities. I assure you that Midland College, the University Permian Basin, local businesses, and students will all benefit from this opportunity. Thank you for this invaluable experience and true honor.”

Madeline Torres

Professor of BiologyUniversity of Puerto Rico, AreciboArecibo, Puerto Rico

“As a Biology and Environmental Science Professor, USDA programs will bring me great benefits, information, and opportunities to become a mentor to my peers, students, and community. Learning about USDA programs is a great experience.”

Mark Sorensen

Director of Workforce Training and Continuation EducationUniversity of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost CollegeBrownsville, Texas

“92% of my institution's students are Hispanic. The USDA-HSI Fellows Program will help UTB/TSC develop many new partnerships that will open doors to agricultural careers to many of our students. I greatly appreciate this assistance in opening doors.”

Michael Meyer

Assistant ProfessorNew Mexico Highlands University Las Vegas, New Mexico

“Great program! I wish that three to four more faculty/ staff were attending from New Mexico Highlands University!”

Michael Stull

Director of the Inland Empire Center for EntrepreneurshipCalifornia State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino, California

“The Fellows Program is an outstanding opportunity for our university to expand its relationship with USDA. As a result, I expect that our outreach programs for the Hispanic community will be greatly enhanced.”

Nora Garza, Ph.D.

Dean of Arts and SciencesLaredo Community CollegeLaredo, Texas

“I’m really grateful for the HSI Fellows Program opportunity. This information will be invaluable as we educate Hispanic students for careers with USDA.”

Shannon Cantrell

Student Intervention Specialist/CounselorMerced CollegeMerced, California

“Thank you, USDA, for assisting me in my efforts to facilitate Hispanic student advancement in academia. The USDA-HSI Fellows Program will influence and strengthen my ability to better serve my students.”

Stanley Lim

Grants Specialist, Resource DevelopmentEast Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park, California

“The USDA-HSI Fellows Program has proven to open doors, opportunities, and build incredible awareness for my institution and the Hispanic community I serve. I am appreciative for this experience.”

USDA-HACU Leadership Group

USDA Members

Charles Onstad Co-chair and Area DirectorSouthern Plains AreaAgricultural Research Service

Jose Acevedo Associate Deputy Chief Natural Resources Conservation Service

Janice Lilja Associate Deputy Administrator for Management Food and Nutrition Service

John Williams Deputy Administrator for ManagementFarm Service Agency

HACU Members

Jose VicenteCo-chair and PresidentMiami-Dade Community College Inter American Campus

Gumecindo Salas Vice-President Government RelationsHispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Miguel NevarezPresidentUniversity of Texas, Pan American

USDA-HACU Leadership Group

HACU Members (Continued)

John D. Welty PresidentCalifornia State University, Fresno

Jay GoguePresidentNew Mexico State University

Agnes MojicaChancellorInter American University of Puerto Rico, San German