The University of Texas Libraries will highlight the approaching centenary of the Latin American collections at the Benson Latin American Collection with the help of noted journalist Enrique Acevedo.
“An Evening of Discovery” will feature Acevedo discussing how the growth of Latin American populations and expanded interest in their history and culture has influenced the ascendency of Latin American media in the United States.
Enrique Acevedo is a print, broadcast and digital journalist who is an anchor for Univision and a special correspondent of Fusion Media Group. He has interviewed such iconic leaders as President Barack Obama, Philanthropist Melinda Gates, as well as Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan and Juan Manuel Santos, and his work has appeared in the New York Times, El Pais, Reforma and the New York Review of Magazines. He is also a frequent contributor on NPR's Here and Now and on many radio shows across Latin America.
“An Evening of Discovery” will serve as a launch of sorts for a celebration and fundraising efforts for the Benson Latin American Collection, the foundation for which was the acquisition of the private library of Mexican bibliophile, lawyer and historian Genaro García in 1921 by The University of Texas at Austin. The university established its Latin American Collection — the precursor to the Benson — in 1926. There will be a full calendar of events through 2021 to raise the profile of the Benson Latin American Collection and mark one hundred year of developing the rich Latin American resources and scholarship at the university.
“The Benson Latin American Collection is a university treasure that has broadening relevance in an increasingly diverse society,” says Natalie Hester, Libraries director of advancement. “Over the last century, only eight endowments have been established to benefit the library’s mission. We hope that raising awareness of the Benson will also increase public and private support for the important purpose it serves as a globally-significant resource for understanding Latin America.”
The event will take place Thursday, September 6, from 6-9 p.m. in the Zlotnik Family Ballroom at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, with former university president and interim University of Texas Chancellor Larry Faulkner and Dr. Adriana Pacheco Roldán providing opening remarks.
For more information on attending the event, contact Natalie Hester at 512-495-4349 or nataliehester@austin.utexas.edu.
