The Little Rock council of the League of United Latin American Citizens handed out scholarships to students and awards to university leaders, faculty members and teachers from around central Arkansas on Friday night.
The nonprofit organization, which aims to advance the lives of the Hispanic population in Arkansas, held a reception at the Clinton Presidential Center on Friday to thank educators and to encourage students to pursue higher education.
Joel Anderson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, received the Person of the Year award, which was the first of its kind.
"I don't know how anyone could think they deserve a person of the year award," Anderson told the crowd. "I sure don't."
The chancellor then added that the real heroes were the group's volunteers who put their energy into the nonprofit.
"You put your heart and time into it, and that's what makes it so special," Anderson said.
Tom Courtway, president of the University of Central Arkansas, was given the President's Award. Luis Fernando Restrepo of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville was given the El Sueno Americano award, and UA-Fayetteville was given the University Service award.
Many speakers and honorees at Friday's award ceremony spoke of the importance of higher education, especially for the sons and daughters of immigrants.
Zulma Toro, the executive vice chancellor and provost at UALR, said in the keynote speech that the one clear path out of poverty for Hispanics is to close the educational gap.
Scholarships were awarded to 48 students in various stages of their educational careers.
Andrea Elias, a sophomore at UALR, received the scholarship for a second year in a row. Originally from Mexico, Elias said being the recipient of such awards makes her feel welcomed in Little Rock and will help her as she continues with her education.
"It means I don't have to be worried and overwhelmed with having to work instead of being dedicated to my education," Elias said of the scholarship money. "It's helping me be free of debt, so when I graduate I can pursue my dream."
Elias, who is an international studies major, wants to work for a nonprofit organization and help sex-trafficking victims.
Metro on 10/10/2015