2009 Oct 26
For Immediate Release
Community Reading & Book Signing Event Adversity is My Angel: The Life and Career of Raśl H. Castro
(PHOENIX, AZ; October 23, 2009) -
The Raśl H. Castro Institute (RCI) at Phoenix College will host a community book signing event for Adversity is My Angel: The Life and Career of Raśl H. Castro, a memoir written by The Honorable Raśl H. Castro and Jack L. August, Jr. The event will take place Thursday, October 29 from 7-8 p.m. in the Dome Conference Room at the Phoenix College Osborn Campus, located at 3310 N. 10th Ave. in Phoenix. A reception will begin prior to the event at 6 p.m.Castro is one of Arizona's foremost trailblazers. He was the first Hispanic governor of Arizona, and also served as lawyer, judge, teacher and ambassador to El Salvador, Bolivia, and Argentina. His life and career serve as shining examples, not only to Mexican Americans, but to all Americans. Castro's story suggests much about the human spirit, the ability to overcome institutional and personal prejudice, and the hope inherent in the American dream.
August is Executive Director of the Goldwater Center for the Southwest and Visiting Scholar in Legal History at the law firm of Snell & Wilmer. He also serves as a member of the RCI advisory committee. August is an expert on water issues in the Southwest and is the author of Vision in the Desert: Carl Hayden and Hydropolitics in the American Southwest and Dividing Western Waters: Mark Wilmer and Arizona v California.
During the event, the RCI will announce the establishment of the Raul H. Castro Scholarship in Southwest Studies. This prestigious scholarship celebrates the legacy of Governor Castro against the backdrop of an Arizona educational tradition, Phoenix College.
"Like many people, Governor Castro came from very humble beginnings," said August. "Higher education played a transformative role in the success he achieved and his ability to help others throughout his life. By making this scholarship available to community college students, we hope to open a pathway for students that encourages future scholars in the study of the Southwest."
Recipients of the Castro scholarship, known as "Castro Scholars," will demonstrate academic excellence in regional studies, including Southwest studies, history, and public policy, and maintain ambition to complete a four-year degree and hopefully continue on to graduate school and/or professional school.
Seating is limited. For reservations call (602) 223-4051 or email raul.castro.institute@pcmail.maricopa.edu by Friday, October 23, 2009.
For media inquiries, contact Micaela Rios at (602) 285-7698 or Michelle Klinger at (602) 285-7842.