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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 9, 2007 Kathleen McPartland Foreign Languages and Literatures (FLL) Professor Maria Gonzalez has been selected by the Faculty Recognition and Support Committee at California State University, Chico as the Outstanding Advisor for the 2006-2007 academic year. Professor Gonzalez received her PhD in Spanish American Literature from UC Irvine in 1991 in Mexican and Chicano Narrative. She received both her BA and MA in Spanish from UC Santa Barbara. She came to CSU, Chico in 1993. In addition to her full teaching load, Gonzalez advises 125 Spanish majors, minors and travel-abroad students. She was a driving force behind Chicano Studies 354, a general education class with a high enrollment, said Patricia E. Black, chair of the Department of FLL, and thus became a de facto advisor to students in Chicano Studies. As one of the key developers of the Master's in Teaching International Languages, she became one of the principal advisors for students in this program as well. One of the strengths of Gonzalez' advising of graduate students, said Black, is that "she devises courses that not only cover requirements of the master's program, but that motivate the students to think of their studies as leading toward a future where they are researchers and educational leaders." Gonzalez' nominators for the award shared their belief in the strong role model she provides to students. "She is an undeniable role model for Chicano, Latino and all students," said Black. "Once they realize how well informed she is and how genuinely interested she is in student concerns, they seek her out again and again. She speaks frankly, and students know that she has their best interests at heart. Many of her students have gone on to PhD programs, subsequent to her recommendation, in programs of national renown." Gonzalez' work with students extends to extracurricular activities. She has served as an advisor to Chico Latino fraternities and sororities and to MEChA, a Chicano student group. She founded and continues to advise the Student Society for Hispanic Literature, Art and Culture (SELAC). Gonzalez began the observance of Dia de los Muertos on campus 10 years ago, and she still advises several student groups that cooperate in organizing the event. She also initiated the current Cinco de Mayo festivities with music, theatre and invited speakers. Three Associated Students presidents have sought her out as an advisor: Justin Kuykendall, Armando Sanchez and Oscar de la Torre. She even takes her commitment to students off campus, speaking with migrant worker parents about higher education for their children. She has served as a liaison with area high schools for recruiting students to college and for assisting parents and students with the transition from high school to college. Spanish student Beth Carmichael credits Gonzalez with her choice of Spanish as a major. "Dr. Maria Gonzalez has provided hard work, dedication and care when working with students inside and outside of the classroom," said Carmichael. "She inspires students to challenge themselves to gain a more intense, fulfilling education. … Had I not had the opportunity to meet Dr. Gonzalez, perhaps I would not have fallen in love with the Hispanic culture and the Spanish language." ### 
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