DURANGO, Colo.— Kali Fajardo-Anstine, an author celebrated for shedding light on the overlooked stories and histories of Chicano and Latinx communities in the American West, will deliver the keynote address for Fort Lewis College’s 2024 Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4.
Fajardo-Anstine, a Denver native and bestselling author whose work explores themes of identity, heritage, and community, has been recognized as a finalist for the National Book Award and is a recipient of the prestigious American Book Award. She is the author of “Sabrina & Corina,” and “Woman of Light.”
Growing up as the second eldest among seven siblings in a culturally diverse household, Fajardo-Anstine faced social and cultural alienation, which led her to seek solace and expression through writing. Despite an early educational setback, she turned her passion for literature into a successful career. Her work is celebrated for her contributions to literature and discussions on identity within the Chicano community.
In 2023, Fajardo-Anstine was named a Guggenheim Fellow, highlighting her significant contributions to the arts. In addition, she has been honored with the 2021 Addison M. Metcalf Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
FLC's campus has a growing population of Hispanic/Latinx students, with 15% of students identifying as Hispanic/Latinx this fall.
“As a campus that deeply values the diversity of our students, we are excited to have a commencement speaker that reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our student population,” said Heather Shotton, vice president for Diversity Affairs.
The 2024 Spring Commencement ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Ray Dennison Memorial Field.
Learn more about the 2024 Spring Commencement.
Former Fort Lewis College cyclist Savilia Blunk captured a pair of national titles at the USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championship.
Durango artist Maddie Sanders (Communication Design, '21) contributed to a collaborative art and science exhibit that will make the Colorado State Capitol home for the next five months. Sanders worked with CU Boulder scientists Nicole Brooks and Diane McKnight to create "Durango: Mining the Mineral Belt." Their work explores the relationship between acid mine and acid rock drainage in the Colorado Mineral Belt and the effect it has on natural waterways.
FLC cyclist Michaela Thompson won her gravel race debut alongside teammates Sarah Sturm (Art, ‘12) and Ellen Campbell (Biology, '20).
For more meaningful relationships and fuller lives, Charlie Rogers (Exercise Physiology, '22) is helping Durangoans create community through play and movement.
Installation artist Chris Erickson (Art, '94) is leading the city of Aspen's first-ever public art installation. The project is a temporary street mural, and community members are invited to help paint it from start to finish.
The Center for Indigenous Health held a graduation ceremony for seven Indigenous scholars receiving advanced degrees from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, including FLC alumna Natalie Joe (Cellular & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, '16), who spoke to Native News Online about her achievement.