Funds from 'Mariachi Sin Fronteras' festival support SDSU Imperial Valley students
Following the September 2023 event, SDSU Imperial Valley received $7,000 to support student success and academic achievement.
San Diego State University Imperial Valley received $7,000 in scholarship funds from its “Mariachi sin Fronteras” festival, a community event with the Calexico Rotary Club and the Consulate of Mexico.
The Sept. 16 festival drew more than 1,000 community members from across Imperial Valley to the university’s Rollie Carrillo Quad to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day.
The $7,000 will fund undergraduate and graduate student scholarships at SDSU Imperial Valley. Additional funds raised during the festival will benefit Calexico High School students.
“Our key goal and mission is to be of service to our community,” said Luis Delgado, Calexico Rotary Club president. “Through these funds, we hope to support and empower local students to continue their education and establish their careers. We could not be more excited to see our students and community grow.”
For Guillermina Gina Núñez-Mchiri, dean of SDSU Imperial Valley, the partnership was much more than a fundraising event.
“We are a small and mighty border-connected community that is rich in tradition and culture,” said Núñez-Mchiri. “I felt our community was hungry for more events that honor our traditions.”
More than 80% of SDSU Imperial Valley students are from underrepresented communities, and more than 70% are eligible to receive financial assistance.
“If students are able to pay for books, bus passes, laptops, or other basic needs, we are able to provide a strong foundation to succeed inside and outside the classroom,” said Núñez-Mchiri. “It takes a village to raise and support our students.”
Two local mariachi groups, Mariachi Amanecer and Mariachi Aurora of Calexico, performed during the festival. Grupo Norteño Corona also performed regional Mexican music and Folkloric Sunshine of El Centro performed traditional folkloric dances from across Mexico.
