USF brings former U.S. treasurer for talk on diversity
Former United States treasurer Rosario Marin, the highest ranking Latina in the Bush Administration and the first U.S. Treasurer born outside of the country, will present "Dispelling the Myths of Diversity" at the University of St. Francis on Thursday, Sept. 22.
The public is invited to this free event, sponsored by the university’s Joliet Diversity Initiative. Marin will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the University of St. Francis Recreation Center. Reservations are recommended. For reservations or information, call (815) 740-3404. 
"Rosario Marin will provide an important perspective on the benefits and need for diversity in all aspects of our society," said University of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra. "Her life of hard work and achievement and her advocacy for Hispanics and disabled persons is an example for us all as we seek to go beyond tolerance to embrace and celebrate our differences as a people. Diversity adds richness and value to every aspect of our society and country," Vinciguerra added.
"The University of St. Francis is committed to being a community resource for discussion of important topics that affect the quality of life in our country and region," noted Vinciguerra. "The Joliet Diversity Initiative, sponsored by the University of St. Francis, will play a significant role in creating opportunities for dialogue that will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of all peoples. This is at the heart of our mission as a Franciscan educational institution," Vinciguerra added.
Marin came to America at the age of 14 not speaking English. Her parents, like many immigrants before them, came to this country in hopes of providing an opportunity for their children to achieve the American Dream. In August of 2001, Marin, the daughter of a janitor and seamstress, was sworn in as the 41st Treasurer of the United States as her parents and family watched. Marin is fond of saying her "signature validated the most powerful currency on earth." President Bush's appointment and the U.S. Senate's unanimous confirmation of Marin to this historic position is evidence of the hard work, dedication and perseverance that has distinguished Marin's life.
Marin has extensive professional and life experience: in the private sector, as a mayor and city councilwoman, as an advocate for the disabled, as an official in Gov. Pete Wilson's administration and as treasurer of the United States. She accomplished all of this while raising a family. Growing up in an economically disadvantaged family, Marin understood at a very young age that education is the key to achieving her goals. Marin learned English, graduated in the top of her high school class and worked her way through college.
Spurred by the birth of her son Eric who was born with Down Syndrome, Marin became a fierce advocate for people with disabilities, and she saw a particular need for a support and advocacy group to help Spanish speaking families with children with disabilities. In 1987, Marin founded such a group which later came to be called FUERZA, and which continues to assist many families today. As president of FUERZA, Marin spent countless hours assisting and counseling families and lobbying the California Legislature to change the laws to help people with disabilities. Governor Pete Wilson noticed Marin's efforts and quickly enlisted her to serve in his administration, as chief of Legislative Affairs in the Department of Developmental Services. During her tenure, the governor signed the most sweeping legislative reform in 20 years to help people with developmental disabilities. Marin was later appointed by Governor Wilson to Chair the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Marin has received numerous awards including the distinguished Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Prize in 1995; the following year Marin was named to the Special Olympics Board of Directors, where she continues to serve today.
In 1996, Governor Wilson appointed Marin to be deputy director of State Department of Social Services, where she participated in the development of the California State Plan for Welfare Reform. While serving the State of California, Marin also served as mayor and councilwoman of Huntington Park, a city of 85,000 residents, with a population that is overwhelmingly Hispanic. As a life long Republican in a city that is staunchly Democrat, Marin was first elected to the city council in 1994 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 1999.
As the highest-ranking Latina in the Bush Administration and treasurer of the United States, Marin took the historic office that oversees the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to a new level. She led the U.S. Treasury's Financial Literacy program and played an important role with Partnership for Prosperity which helped create a new era of cooperation between the United States and Mexico in the areas of increased economic and labor opportunities.
She traveled the country as a champion of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act and also helped launch the "Yes, I Can" website to help encourage Hispanic students to continue their education beyond high school.
Marin’s presentation will address the benefits of diversity to business and the community at large. Her presentation is part of the Joliet Diversity Initiative, begun by the university’s Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity appointed by USF President Michael Vincigerra in spring 2003 to encourage dialogue on the many aspects of diversity. The initiative sponsors nationally recognized experts on the topics of diversity, such as Civil Rights pioneer Julian Bond; football coach Herman Boone, subject of the film Remember the Titans, and nationally recognized expert Dr. James B. Ewers. The Joliet Diversity Initiative also sponsors a community dinners series. The community dinners, held in homes throughout the community, have brought some 200 people together to discuss how their views on diversity were formed; what diversity means to them; and the advantages and disadvantages of a diverse society.
The University of St. Francis, at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet, is a Catholic, Franciscan institution that offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in the areas of arts and sciences, business, education, music, nursing and allied health and social work. USF also offers 11 graduate programs in health care, business and education. The university serves more than 4,100 students nationwide.