Mayor Ron Gonzales and The National Hispanic University: Graduating Class of 1999

Release Date: April 22, 1999 (draft)

On the morning of June 5, 1999, the Mayor of San Jose, Ron Gonzales, will help in honoring The National Hispanic University's (NHU) graduating class of 1999. Graduates, their family members, and other guests will listen to Mayor Ron Gonzales and Dr. Roberto Cruz, President of NHU, speak at the graduation. Ceremonies will be taking place outdoor at The National Hispanic University campus in San Jose. Approximately 50 graduating students will be entering into the Silicon Valley workforce with the new skills and degrees they earned at the University.

The graduates of The National Hispanic University are needed greatly in the Silicon Valley workforce for the high tech and specialized skills and degrees they acquired. Of the Hispanics who graduate from high school, a mere 3.9% meet the University of California requirements and, only one of ten or 19% of Hispanic high school graduates pursue a four-year college degree actually complete a baccalaureate degree. This graduation is among the highlights in the Hispanic community, in that these graduates are starting a positive trend of attending and successfully completing higher education.

The National Hispanic University is an independent, nationally accredited, non-profit institution of higher education that was authorized to grant degrees in 1981 by the California Department of Education, Office of Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education. The University offers degree programs in business, liberal studies, education, and computer science at the Associate and Bachelor's levels. The University also sponsors various extended programs that address the educational needs of K-12 within the community.

For more information about The National Hispanic University or the graduation for the class of 1999, please call (408) 254-6900.