MC observes César Chávez Day with March 28 event

March 13, 2008
Karen B. Eldridge, Director of News and Public Information
865.981.8207; karen.eldridge@maryvillecollege.edu

The Spanish Club at Maryville College will be hosting a celebration of the life and work of César Chávez from noon until 1 p.m., March 28, in the Samuel Tyndale Wilson Center for Campus Ministry.

The celebration is open to students, faculty and the general public. Dr. Ron Wells, author, international lecturer and director of the Maryville Symposium on Faith and the Liberal Arts, will be speaking about the challenges facing the immigrant communities in the United States.

César Chávez was a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist who helped found the National Farm Workers Association. His work led to vast improvements in wages, safety rules and general conditions for farm laborers. Today he is celebrated as one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.

“This is the first time the College has hosted an event like this to honor César Chávez,” said Dr. Alan Watts, instructor of Spanish and advisor to the Spanish Club. “These students recognize that language studies are inextricably linked to the betterment of the community, and I believe it speaks volumes about their dedication to raise awareness for one of the most important social issues of today.”

Chávez’s birthday, March 31, is designated a state holiday in California, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.

For more information, contact Watts at 273.8878 or alan.watts@maryvillecollege.edu.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.