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Saturday marked the 27th anniversary of the assassination of El Salvador's Archbishop Oscar Romero, a man who had dedicated his life to the service of his fellow countrymen. Saturday also marked a celebration of Romero's life as the Oscar Romero Scholarship Committee awarded Genoveva Abreu, A&S '08, a scholarship in recognition of her commitment to service for the Latino community.
The Romero Scholarship has been given annually since 1993. Each year, a Latino Boston College student is awarded this scholarship based upon his or her outstanding record in service for the Latino community both inside and outside of BC. This year, Abreu was one of three finalists for this prestigious scholarship, joined by John Marti, A&S '08, and Amaris Modesto, A&S '08. Each of these finalists received $1,000 credit to the BC Bookstore.
The scholarship consists of a 75 percent discount toward the recipient's senior year tuition.
Inés Maturana Sendoya, director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs and co-chair on the scholarship's selection subcommittee, noted the effort of all of the applicants, stating that just the drive to follow through with such a rigorous application process displays the level of the students' commitment to service.
"It is important for the students to reflect on what kind of person Oscar Romero was; how he gave himself to the Salvadorian people. He wasn't born that man who was killed in 1980, but he underwent a process, and made some decisions along that process that he was to give himself to others, to speak up in order to protect the rights of the people of El Salvador."
And the finalists reflect just that. All three had been involved with organizations such as BC's Organization of Latin American Affairs (OLAA), the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC), and NAACP, trying improve the conditions of the Latino community.
"I think the focus on the Latino community as a part of this scholarship is designed to attract students who are obviously serving the Latino community, but it is a narrower focus for not only Latino students, but for those students who shape their experience around their volunteer service," said Modesto.
Last year's award went to Norah Frias, A&S '07. As is required, Frias served on this year's selection committee, and she saw the values that led her to receive the scholarship in this year's finalists. "Service is a large aspect for this scholarship, and being a community leader: someone the Latino community can look to," said Frias. "This scholarship was started by Latino students for Latino students at BC, to give them motivation to excel."
The award ceremony for the scholarship was held in the Murray Room of the Yawkey Athletics Center. With the theme of "Chile," guests dined on authentic Chilean food and enjoyed the sounds of a Chilean music company. Margarita Zisselsberger, A&S '95 and recipient of the 1995 Romero Scholarship, served as Master of Ceremony. Each of the finalists was introduced, accompanied by a short of biographical sketch focusing on their time at BC. Frias spoke as well, reflecting on her time at BC, seeing it as both bitter and sweet. She called for the student body, especially the Latino community, to keep pressing for their endeavors, to keep challenging the University to promote the needs of its AHANA and GLBT population.
Dr. J. Joseph Burns, associate academic vice president for undergraduate programs, presented the award to Abreu, as the president and provost were unable to attend. Amid the cheers, Abreu thanked the committee and her mother, for her constant support.
"This scholarship truly represents our diversity and how every student wishes to do something for the community, not just the majority of the students," said Abreu.
Along with the presentation of the Romero Scholarship, the Rev. John A Dinneen, S.J., Hispanic Alumni Community Service Award was presented to Dr. Patricia Arrendondo, Ph.D. and A&S '73, for her longstanding service to the global Latino community.
"It is a reminder that when you have a higher education, you have a responsibility to give voice to concerns, to issues, to people other than yourself. It is one you cannot shy away from," said Arrendondo. "You don't do it by yourself; you do it in the company of others in order to make the empowerment occur."
While Romero may not have been a Jesuit, his selfless actions in his service to the Salvadorians mirrored the Jesuit ideal of "men and women for others."
"BC is a school built on the Jesuit ideals. Father Romero was such great a man, standing up for his people's injustices. He was a man that would not stand idly by when injustices were occurring. I think we are all called to follow his example," said Marti.
The night ended with much festivity, and amid the Chilean music playing, a Conga line formed with Abreu in the forefront. "I am very much honored just to receive this award and I am just happy that Boston College is able to recognize the efforts of its Latino students," said Abreu. Hoping to go into higher education after graduating, Abreu saw great parallels between her desire to improve our education systems and the work of Romero. "Awareness in education was something [Oscar Romero] believed in for our society to change. Once you have that education, you have a society that is open to change and progress." n
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