FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Katherine Shurlds, University of Arkansas journalism instructor and director of the Lemke Journalism Project; Jose Valdez, a senior offensive tackle with the Arkansas Razorback football team; and the university student chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC Council 761, were honored Oct. 17 as “Héroes de Corazón”. The award recognizes “the heroes among us that serve as an inspiration by their dedication to the Hispanic community, in their service, sacrifice, overcoming spirit, and visionary work.”Héroes de Corazón (Heroes of the Heart) is sponsored by the Hispanic Latino Associate Resource Group at Wal-Mart. Each year, the program receives nominations from the community and awards medals to 10 winners. There were 29 nominations this year.

Shurlds teaches media law and multimedia courses in the Walter J. Lemke journalism department of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She also directs the Lemke Journalism Project, which invites regional high school students to the university to study and write about multiculturalism. Most of the students are Latino. The program brings a host of professional journalists and speakers to the classroom. The result of the six-week program is a newspaper written by students about multiculturalism. Some students have gone on to receive college scholarships in journalism. The program will celebrate its eighth year in the spring.

Valdez is a senior starting offensive tackle on the Razorbacks, and has been a significant part of the team’s front line for the past two years. He was cited for his volunteer work in the local Hispanic community.

LULAC Council 761 is a young adults council of University of Arkansas students. The mission of the League of United Latin American Citizens is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.

The local student council approaches its goals by creating a coalition with various nonprofit community organizations, including churches and places of congregation where students visit to talk about the different resources available for the community.

 In partnership with the Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas, some of the students have gone to Washington, D.C., to be trained about the different issues affecting their community. The students have lobbied elected officials using that training and their experiences in the community.

LULAC Council 761 members have concentrated their efforts on education and advocated for higher education for all, including undocumented students, through the DREAM Act. They also advocate for comprehensive immigration reform.

Students attending the awards ceremony were Rafael Arciga Garcia, president; Jazmin Berlanga, treasurer; Daniel Diaz, education chair; Ana Aguayo, health chair; Jenny Penate, public relations; Fernando Garcia, political and civil rights chair; Octavio Santillan, social chair; and members Jose Luis Aguayo-Herrera and Rocio Pena.