My sombrero is off to UCLA for “¡Asking A Mexican!” to be their keynote commencement speaker this year. Congratulations to our esteemed friend, Gustavo Arrellano!
“Gustavo Arellano is a keen observer of life in America — in particular the culture and diversity of Southern California,” Judith L. Smith, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education at the UCLA College, said in a statement. The columnist was recommended by a committee of faculty, students and administrators.
That’s awesome! A Mexican on the westside.
I think he also got a booking to cook up tacos (no burritos) while he’s out there.
I hope he has something eloquent prepared, not just humorous. I could imagine him saying things only Raza would get/laugh at and they will probably make up 15-20 percent of the audience at the most. So, there might be alot of awkward silences. I remember George Lopez hosting an awards show and the audience seemed too p.c. to laugh at a lot of his jokes; I don’t know,maybe they thought his barbs were low blows.
Gustavo kind of resembles my childhood homies,Alfred E. Neuman.
Yay!
He looks like a UCLA grad student, even at his age.
[Chavo, funny!] And why isn’t “Rambling On My Mind: 12th Annual Latino Book and Family Festival. Day 1 Recon” listed as a related post here? Those damn computer gremlins are at it again!
Viva Gustavo! (Or as a family member would say, “Orale Tavo!):
I’m delighted by this selection for many reasons. First, Mr. Arrellano has been a literate, thoughtful, humorous, and insightful reflection of hispanic, and Mexican-American culture in Southern California media for many years. Second, he is a product of the University of California system. No disrespect to the Cal State system, but this man went through the meat grinder of the elite educational system of California and still has a sense of humor and a realistic concept of the importance of family, culture, and his own self-worth. He does not take himself too seriously, and yet he has valuable things to say about other people (without gutting them). I plan to be present at this graduation ceremony, my third (my own, my brother David’s, and this one). I think I’ll learn something, as will everyone who listens.
Good selection, Bruins!
This guy is very entertaining. I used to listen to him on the Tom Leykis Show and it was always a pleasure.
Everyone: Gracias for the kind words!
XicanoSerg: Trust me–I’m taking this one seriously…