UTSA president honored at La Prensa Foundation gala

(Oct. 7, 2003)--UTSA President Ricardo Romo received the education award Oct. 3 at the La Prensa Foundation's seventh annual "Celebrate Hispanic Heritage" awards gala at the Omni Hotel.

The award recognizes Romo's efforts to elevate UTSA to flagship status while providing opportunities and resources to make college more accessible for South Texas students.

Pictured are Ricardo Romo (center) with Tino Duran and Amelia Duran of the La Prensa Foundation, Inc.

Romo, a San Antonio native, grew up on the West Side and graduated from Fox Tech High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in history at UT Austin, and a doctorate in history at the University of California at Los Angeles. In 1999, Romo returned to San Antonio to become the fifth president of UTSA.

Since its beginning seven years ago, the awards dinner has raised and distributed more than $575,000 toward college scholarships. According to founder Amelia Duran, the foundation raises $150,000 annually through corporate and individual contributions and sponsorship.

"We continually make our scholarship program available to students in special needs and circumstances," said Duran. "What [donors and sponsors] are doing is affecting many students and their familes."

Other award winners at the gala were Frances Teran, Mexican American Unity Council (business award); Anita Heim, Paricutin and Educational Foundation, Inc. (community award); Juan J. Amaro, Budco Ltd. of San Antonio (corporate award); singer Gary Hobbs (entertainment award); Elizabeth Tobias, American Diabetes Association (health award); attorney Luis Roberto Vera Jr. (legal award); Jacqueline Ortiz, WOAI-TV anchor and reporter (media award); attorney John A. Longoria (politics award) and Rev. Buckner Fanning (religion award).