HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND THE NOTRE DAME MISSION

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September 15, 2021

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

HILDA SOLIS

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
Christian Person, Upright Citizen

Hilda Solis (1957-present) was born in Los Angeles to parents who immigrated to the United States from Mexico and Nicaragua. She was the oldest of seven siblings and the first person in her family to go to college. After graduation, she moved on to the White House Office of Hispanic Affairs, but later went back to her local community to manage a program that helped disadvantaged youth navigate the road to college. As the first Latina in the California State Senate, she backed bills to prevent domestic violence and champion labor, education and health-care issues, but she is most known as a pioneer in the fight for environmental issues. Her goal was to protect low-income and minority communities from newly located landfills, pollution sources and other environmental hazards, calling for "the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws". 

Her additional work in the area of labor and fighting for everyday workers eventually earned her a confirmation as the United States Secretary of Labor — the first Latina member of the Cabinet. She is a proud Roman Catholic and openly shares a deep commitment to her faith.

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RICHARD CAVAZOS

U.S. Four-Star General and Former Armed Forces Commander
Upright Citizen

Richard Cavazos (1929-2017) was born in Kingsville, Tex., to parents who immigrated to the United States from Mexico. After graduating from what is now Texas Technological University as a distinguished army reserve officer, he went on to further military training and was eventually deployed during both the Korean War and later the Vietnam War — and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during both wars for his heroic actions — as well as numerous other distinctions throughout his career. 

As he moved up the ranks to Commander, he became recognized for his innovative leadership of the Army Corps. By 1982, he became the first Hispanic four-star general and later, assumed command of the US Army Forces. He retired after 33 years faithfully serving his community and his nation.

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ROBERT DAVILA , Ph.D.

Former Gallaudet University President
Academic Scholar

Robert Davila (1932-present) was born in Los Angeles to parents who immigrated to the United States from Mexico. At age eight, he contracted meningitis and became deaf and traveled alone from Southern California to attend the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley. He attended Gallaudet University, the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students, earning a bachelor's degree in education. He later received a master's degree in special education, a Ph.D. in educational technology, as well as honorary degrees from four institutions. 

He worked as a high school math teacher, assistant principal, K-12 superintendent, assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education, a college professor, a college administrator, vice president and later president of Gallaudet University. He is a lifetime teacher and learner and a champion of valuing what makes us as citizens and people unique.

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.