ND announces award for public service in Latin America
By MARIBEL MOREY
News Writer
For the first time, Notre Dame will recognize Latin American leadership with the presentation of the Notre Dame Award for Distinguished Public Service in Latin America.
The award, which will be presented on May 9, honors a Latin American who has made extraordinary contributions to the progress of the Latin American region.
"As a Catholic university, [Notre Dame] wants to underscore people who've made singular contributions towards the implementation of social teachings of the Church," said Father Timothy Scully, vice president and senior associate provost. "These are our neighbors who share a common history and Church. We are [all] American."
Latin American leaders should be recognized because of their efforts "to lead a country that is underdeveloped and to sustain a democracy," such challenges which the United States does not face, Scully said.
Notre Dame Kellogg Institute director Scott Mainwaring emphasized Notre Dame's links to the Latin American community.
"Latin America is a huge region of the world, one being very important to us," Mainwaring added. "Notre Dame has historically strong ties to Latin America and for us these are very strong connections."
A committee of six, including First Lady of Brazil Ruth Cardoso, Chilean president Patricio Aylwin, head of the first democratically elected government following the Pinochet dictatorship, Mainwaring, Scully and two representatives from The Coca-Cola Company will decide the recipient after the Dec. 1 nomination deadline.
"We felt it was important to include leaders from the southern part of Latin America [and from] Brazil because it is the largest country in South America with half of Latin America's population," Scully said. "[Chile was chosen] because of its pioneering policy of liberalism."
The winner will receive $10,000 from The Coca-Cola Company.
All News Stories for Tuesday, November 9, 1999
