Hart Receives Romero Scholarship

The Oscar Romero Scholarship Committee selected George Hart, A&S '11, as this year's recipient of its annual scholarship at a ceremony held Saturday night in Yawkey Center.

The Romero Scholarship recognizes a Boston College junior whose life demonstrates an understanding of, and a commitment to, the values and ideals inherent in the life of Romero, who served as the archbishop of El Salvador before being assassinated in 1980.

 "We look for students with outstanding academic records and that display the values of Romero through service for others," said Milvia Sanchez, co-chair of the selection committee.

"It is an intense selection process," she said. "This year, it was very tough to decide among the applicants."

Each year, the committee selects the recipient of the prestigious scholarship from a pool of applicants. The committee composed of students, faculty, and administrators was formed in 1992 to award a scholarship in memory of Romero. The Jesuit community, with the help of the late Rev. John Dinnenn, S.J., donated the funds for the initial award. Today, the award is supported by the University.

The committee selected Hart, this year's recipient, as the candidate that most exemplified the ideals Romero fought for in El Salvador. Hart, the current co-president of the Organization for Latin American Affairs (OLAA), is a political science, philosophy, and history major, who said his goal is to become a politician and shape policy that will better the children of the United States. "As I watched last year's ceremony, I thought I would never be able to follow the footsteps of an individual like that, I cannot even believe this now," Hart said. He thanked his family, the University, the scholarship committee, and the OLAA for their support and recognition. "Despite the doubts and the fears that surround me, the faith in my heart has helped me through it."

    Hart was selected among four finalists as the recipient of the scholarship. The scholarship selection committee selected Eduardo Dorado, CSOM '11, Eric J. Lopez, CSOM '11, and Elizabeth Aleman Rodriguez, A&S '11, as finalists.

Also during the event, the Rev. John A. Dinneen Hispanic Alumni Community Service Award was presented to recipient Maria Lusia Wilson-Portuondo, BC '73, whose work in the bilingual special education field has earned her national recognition. "While there is still a lot of work to be done in the bilingual special education community, it is reassuring to know there is a vibrant community at BC that values equality, justice, and human dignity," Wilson-Portuondo said. "My parents always told me my inheritance was my education. No one could take that away from me, but at the same time, it was also a gift I could share with others."

This year's presentation coincided with the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Romero. The late archbishop wrote and spoke passionately about the need for Christians to work for justice, and he frequently faced threats from those opposed to his ideas. In March of 1980, Romero was shot and killed at the altar by a death squad while celebrating the Eucharist during mass. Speaking of Romero, Rev. Donald MacMillan, S.J., said that winning this scholarship was a heavy burden to the scholarship winners to uphold the tenets of Romero. "Our world is a broken world," he said. "There is a lot of sin. It's a heavy burden not just for you, but for all of us."

The theme of the scholarship event was a reflection on Latino culture and tradition. "We asked the scholarship students to create reflections of Latino culture to honor Romero and to celebrate tradition through music and food," said Marcela Norton, co-chair of the Romero committee. This theme was reflected in the traditional Hispanic food served at the event and through the various performances by Cofradia de mi Pueblo. Confradia de mi Pueblo is a group that was formed three years ago and is composed of individuals of different Central American nationalities, although the majority of the participants are Guatemalan. They celebrated their country's tradition at the event through dances that represented the mixture between Spanish and indigenous cultures. Dressed in traditional clothing, the men and women of Cofradia de mi Pueblo paraded into the event, weaving their way around the tables to traditional Guatemalan music.

The importance of tradition in remembering one's culture is an important aspect of the scholarship. Many of the attendees spoke of the importance of the scholarship in furthering the academic possibilities for Latino students. "As a Latino in higher education and who has gone through the college process, an event like this is an opportunity for us to reflect upon all the work there is still left to be done," said Jose Ramon, assistant director of BC Law admissions. "A scholarship like this creates role models and inspires others in the Latino community to accomplish more."

University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J. spoke of the continued importance of work in the Latino community and in the world and its connection to Romero. "On March 24, 1980, almost 30 years ago, a major change occurred in his [Romero's] country and the rest of the world," he said. "There is still much that remains to be done today. Through the nominees and those who are with them that help them be who they are, I am reminded how much BC can do and needs to do for the Latino community. I hope we realize tonight what has been done in the world, what needs to be done, and what we need to do."