In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, Marshall University will be bringing in photographer, Jose Galvez to give a lecture and a photo exhibit titled “Hispanic in the U.S.: History, Culture and Image” Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 in the Shawkey Room of the Memorial Student Center. Galvez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who came to the United States from Mexico.

Professor Maria Burgueno is heading the event. “The aim of the event is to develop in our students the awareness of the significant social and cultural presence in the US of people who have various origins and ethnic backgrounds as well as the cultural changes nation-wide that their lives have brought to the country,” Burgueno said.

“Appalachia has not been as exposed to these changes as other regions in the country, yet it is important to understand this important transformation in our national life,” Burgueno said. “For these reasons I am organizing a presentation by Jose Galvez, a Mexican-American whose work as a photographer focuses on the Latino communities in America.”

The event begins at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. Every community member is invited to attend. Galvez’s accomplishments include becoming the first Mexican-American photographer on staff for the Los Angeles Times.

Associate Vice President of the Office of Intercultural Affairs, Maurice Cooley believes that this event can provide students with viewpoints they’ve never had before. “Mr. Galvez’s photography and his own personal story give an interesting and honest account of daily life as a Latino-American,” Cooley said. “This event is a great opportunity for students, staff and the community to learn more about Hispanic culture while celebrating it as well.”

For more information, those interested can contact Burgueno by e-mail at [email protected]

Michael Brown can be contacted at [email protected].