Princeton University Graduate School Office of Academic Affairs and Diversity in conjunction with the Latino Graduate Student Association Celebration of “Voz Latina-Symposium on Latinos in America.” October 11, 2008

Buenas tardes… Good Afternoon. Thank you very much for honoring me with the privilege of speaking here today at this great University. This special occasion marks the celebration of our rich Hispanic culture and the many accomplishments we have contributed through the years. It is with enthusiasm that I will share with you today, my thoughts regarding our multicultural relationship with the United States and throughout the world.

My participation in this symposium is very important to me; not because of who I am; but because of the importance of representing the Hispanic heritage and illustrating the innovation and resilience that the Hispanic American has contributed to this great nation.

Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity of meeting with many dignitaries and government officials, world leaders and distinguished business people, who have contributed with their experience and knowledge to the economic development of the world; particularly in the fields of mass communications and telecommunications. And I’ve discovered that many of them, including myself, were successful in their endeavors thanks to the professionalism and team spirit of their employees and students, eager to learn and demonstrate their talents and skills, many of them Hispanic or of Hispanic ancestry.

So my message today, with words of encouragement to all for the future, is specially directed to our Hispanic men and women listening here at this special occasion.

Our generation faces a complex world economy currently plagued by international and domestic turmoil. But, despite this, I remain confident and have great faith in our youth and in this great nation. Trials and tribulations will test our courage and faith but our integrity and resolve will succeed us into the next generation. You mush think and feel about your future not as a distant time from today but as happening right now. You need to pave your own future with a good education, hard work and a moral strong character, in order to contribute change for yourself and the life of others.

Thanks to the cutting edge new technologies, your generation has been provided with marvelous opportunities to progress in whichever field your heart desires. Modern and emerging new technologies such as the Internet, digital telephony, television and access to worldwide satellite connectivity bring the world to your hands with access to information that I could only dream about as a child. Yes, regardless of my youthful appearance, believe ire or not, I must admit I am over 25.

With great privileges comes great responsibilities; and if you are Hispanic or have Hispanic ancestry, you can be proud of over 500 years of cultural traditions, expeditions and conquests throughout the world. It’s important to pay homage to the pioneers of Hispanic ancestry that either came to this country as discoverers, immigrants or as first generation Hispanic Americans; and with much hard work and perseverance, helped pave the path to success and recognitions for future Hispanic Americans. I’m not only talking about Christopher Columbus or Simon Bolivar, both great discoverers and liberators of the Americas, that’s obvious… but would rather focus on modern day ordinary Hispanics that have done the extraordinary, like: Jose Hernandez Rebollar, a young Hispanic whiz kid that invented the Accelglove, a device that translate sign language into speech. Dr. Renee Favaloro, created the technique for Coronary Bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

What about Desi Arnaz? He was the very talented Cuban American that won the hearts of America and took Hollywood by storm along with Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy. We have Bill Richardson, the Governor of New Mexico. Antonia Novello, the U.S. Surgeon General. Henry Cisneros, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

The late Roberto Goizueta, Chairman and CEO of Coca Cola, the man that made the whole world drink Coca-Cola. Emilio Azcarraga Vidaurreta, founder of television and telecommunications companies in Mexico and founder of the first Hispanic Television station in Texas, Channel 41.

I would like to also mention a very special Princeton graduate… the late Mr. Jose Ferrer, American theatre, actor, writer and famed Hollywood director, winner of an Academy Award, 1 Golden Globe award and 3 Tony’s.

These are all Hispanics… inventors, journalists, artists, brilliant minds that changed the world because they were able to see the future and concentrate on their strengths, not their weaknesses.

Pablo Picasso once said… “Inspiration does exist but it must find you working.”

Today, as in the past, we still face many stereotypes about our people and our communities. We have the responsibility and continued hard work of educating others and help change the negative stereotypical images of Hispanics with great accomplishments.

Today, The Hispanic community is a big group with an 853 billion dollar buying power, estimated to be 1.2 trillion by 2012.

A recent report by Nielsen Consumer Insight Magazine on key influences on the Hispanic behavior indicates that from language to education, music to sports, religion to labor, there’s a decidedly Latin beat driving the American growth, economy and vitality.

In their late October issue, the report states that; and I quote: “The Latin flair will become even more pronounced with the growth of the U.S. Hispanic contingent, which now numbers more than 44 million and accounts for roughly 15% of the total population, the largest minority group in the United States.

By the year 2050, the Census Bureau projections show Hispanics accounting for fully one quarter of the U.S. population.

To all I ask, lead by example; feel and live with dignity and desire for progress. Do not settle for the easy road to travel; make your own roads and show others the way. Remember that your future is not an unknown tomorrow but the result of what you are doing today.

To the faculty and friends of Princeton University, and on behalf of CaribeVision, I wish to express my gratitude for inviting me to share my thoughts with you. A very sage man by the name of Miguel de Cervantes said, “Be brief, for no speech can please when too long.”

Thank you all very much…muchas gracias a todos.