La Raza Newspaper receives 2006 El Puente Corporate Award.

St. Augustine College, Chicago’s bilingual University has bestowed its 2006 “El Puente” Corporate award upon La Raza Newspaper, Chicago’s leading Hispanic publication.

The prestigious “El Puente” award was established in 1985 to recognize individuals and corporations for their outstanding commitment to the Hispanic community. The name carries special significance: El Puente or “the bridge” is symbolic of St Augustine’s mission, which is to act as a bridge to a better future.

“For more than a quarter of a century, St. Augustine College has been about changing lives. Thousands of Chicagoans have received life-changing educational opportunities thanks to the financial support raised through the annual El Puente Gala events. In many ways La Raza Newspaper has served as a bridge for our community and has played an important role in changing the lives of our community, as well. This is why in 2006 La Raza Newspaper was selected as the recipient of the El Puente award,” stated Dr. Z. Clara Brennan, President of St. Augustine College.

Robert Armband, Publisher & CEO of La Raza Newspaper accepted the award on behalf of the Newspaper. He stated, “I’m very proud of La Raza’s record in fulfilling its commitment and its mission of empowering Chicago’s Hispanic community through education. I’m honored to accept this award from St. Augustine College as an affirmation of our efforts and the positive impact that we have made to the quality of life for our community.”

In 2003, La Raza established the Luis H. Rossi/La Raza Scholarship fund. Since then, the newspaper has provided several scholarships to deserving Hispanic students through community based organizations including: The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, The Puerto Rican Parade of Chicago, St Augustine College, CUPULA, The Central American Civic Society and the National Association of Hispanic Publications.

More than 300 community, business and educational leaders turned out for this year’s El Puente Award Gala held at Chicago’s grand dame of showrooms, The Aragon Ballroom. The recipient of 2006 Individual El Puente Award was presented to Ivan Fernandez, President of Firm Entertainment, the leading Hispanic event promotion company in the Midwest. Mr. Fernandez is an active and generous Hispanic community leader that serves on the boards of Mercy Hospital and the Aurora Mental Health Organization.