Wednesday, April 25, 2007

ROCK LEGEND SANTANA VISITS EAST FOOTHILL'S NHU

Carlos Santana speaks to students at the National Hispanic University about the importance of education. Photos by Julie Ramirez

By Len Ramirez
Legendary Rock guitarist Carlos Santana paid a visit to the National Hispanic University to deliver a message of inspiration and hope to hundreds of high school and college students.
Santana's visit was another coup for the small, predominantly Latino university on Story Road at the base of the East Foothills.Santana decided to visit the students from the Latino College Preparatory Academy and the NHU (which share the 11 acre campus) after being invited by a small but persistent group of students who never gave up in their efforts to bring the Grammy Award-winning artist to their campus. Santana, like many of the students, was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States as a child. His family settled in San Francisco's Mission District. Santana said visiting and speaking at schools helps him pursue his interest in helping students realize their full potential.
Carlos and his wife, Deborah, have been active in making a positive contribution to the welfare of the underserved through their foundation- The Milagro Foundation. The Milagro Foundation was started in 1998 to benefit underrepresented and underprivileged children around the world. With funds generated by concert ticket donations and generous individual and corporate donors, the foundation makes grants to grassroots, community-based tax exempt organizations that work with children and youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, the United States and countries around the world touched by the music of Santana.
"We are honored to host Mr. Santana and that he has taken an interest in the great work we are doing here at NHU and LCPA", said NHU President Dr. David Lopez.
The National Hispanic University is a private, accredited, 4-year university celebrating its 25th year in higher education. Founded in 2001, the Latino College Preparatory Academy is a charter high school for English Language Learners and is the first part of the NHU 8-year academic ladder (Grades 9-baccaulaureate degree at NHU).

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