Aurora Univ. students meet Obama

Nine Aurora University students attended the 40th annual National Council LaRaza conference July 11-15 in San Diego, Calif.

The conference is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. "A Stronger America Together" is the theme.

More than 20,000 community organization leaders and activists, elected officials, members of the corporate and academic communities, senior citizens, and youth were expected.

The conference consists of four days of cutting-edge workshops addressing critical issues in the Hispanic community, five key meal events before an audience of 2,000, and presentations from prominent national and international speakers.

Other activities included leadership training, exhibits, town halls, and entertainment.

This is the third annual NCLR conference trip sponsored by AU's Latin American Students Organization.

Two AU students, Jorge Cabadas and Rosalinda Nino of Aurora, were among 12 students selected in a national competition to serve as volunteer leaders at the conference. Both are East Aurora High School graduates.

As volunteer leaders, they had their expenses paid by NCLR and spend 10 days helping to set up the conference.

Other AU delegation members were Gustavo Uribe, Ana Guerrero, Eva Orozco, Olynda de Hoyos, and Socorro Nicasio, Aurora residents; Orlando Carreno, Harvard; and Gina Alcobia, Justice. Eva Serrano, LASO adviser, accompanied AU students.

AU students raised funds for the trip through a car wash and donations from Aurora aldermen. Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns, Ward 7, contributed $250 each to three students from her ward. Aldermen Stephanie Kifowit, Ward 3, and Juany Garza, Ward 2, contributed $250 to a student from their wards.