Join us for our keystone event of the year, the Annual Dinner! We will share updates about the association and our scholarship winner, vote for next year's executive board members, recognize our hardworking volunteers, and present the Distinguished Service Award to Carlos Tortolero, President Emeritus and founder of the National Museum of Mexican Art. This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow Keyholders as we celebrate our accomplishments of the past year.
The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) is the first accredited and largest institution celebrating Mexican culture outside of Mexico. Admission has been free since Carlos opened its doors to the public in 1987. In 2020, The Ford Foundation named the NMMA as one of America's Cultural Treasures.
Carlos also created the national Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance, the Yollocalli Youth Program, co-founded the Sor Juana Festival and Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, and is one of the original members of Enrich Chicago, which strives to eliminate racism in the arts. He has served on numerous cultural and education boards, including the American Alliance of Museums, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Smithsonian Latino Center, and the Illinois Humanities Council. He was a Chicago Public School teacher, counselor, and administrator. He has published work in books and articles, and made presentations around the world.
Carlos's numerous recognitions include the City of Chicago's Fifth Star Award, the Chicago History Museum's History Makers Award, the Chicago Sun-Times' "200 for 200," and the Ohtli Award, which is the highest honor given by Mexico's Foreign Relations Department.
Open to all, members and non-members alike. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to our Scholarship Fund.
6:30 - 7:15 pm - Reception
7:15 - 8:15 pm - Dinner (multi-course meal with wine included)
8:15 - 9:30 pm - Annual Meeting; Presentation of Award and Address
Loyola University, Lewis Towers, Beane Hall, 13th Floor, 111 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL
Parking at 111 E. Chestnut St. (entrance on Pearson across from Lewis Towers)
