News

Model United Nations hosts Speaker of the Year

Edward Romero, former U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra, speaks Oct. 28 in LaFetra Lecture Hall as the La Verne Model United Nations Speaker of the Year. Romero discussed his upbringing, his thoughts on immigration and his career, followed by a question-and-answer session./photo by Karla Rendon
Edward Romero, former U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra, speaks Oct. 28 in LaFetra Lecture Hall as the La Verne Model United Nations Speaker of the Year. Romero discussed his upbringing, his thoughts on immigration and his career, followed by a question-and-answer session. / photo by Karla Rendon

Cody Luk
Online Editor

Edward L. Romero, former United States ambassador to Spain and Andorra, spoke about his experiences as a Hispanic politician to students and faculty on Oct. 28 at LaFetra Lecture Hall.

University of La Verne Model United Nations invited Romero to its annual Speaker of the Year.

He gave a speech titled “United States Foreign Policy: A Hispanic Per­spective.”

Romero’s family came from Spain to New Mexico over 20 years before the Mayflower arrived in the U.S. in 1620. He is part of the 14th generation of Romeros in the United States. Romero is a prominent figure in the Hispanic community due to his contributions.

He served on the President’s Hispanic Advisory Committee, and he founded the Hispanic Culture Foundation and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also named him the National Hispanic Businessman of the Year in 1989.

In 1998, Romero received a phone call from President Bill Clinton’s office regarding the position of U.S. ambassador to Spain. Clinton nominated Romero for the position and later for the position of the U.S. ambassador to Andorra as well. Shortly after, Romero presented his credentials to King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

As an ambassador, it was not necessary for Romero to know Spanish, but it was very helpful in communicating, especially when he talked to the king, Romero said.

“For me, it was extremely helpful to be able to communicate without an interpreter,” Romero said. “I was able to talk about cultures and education with the king but never political.”

In his youth, Romero worked with migrant workers.

“It was another wonderful, beautiful experience,” Romero said.

Romero studied at Citrus College and Los Angeles State College, now Cal State L.A., after he returned from the Korea War.

Romero is supportive of immigrants, and he believes they are Americans as long as they are living in the country.

“Our newly alive immigrants should be allowed to say ‘I’m an American,’” Romero said. “If not today then tomorrow, next month, next year – (the immigrants would) be able to say ‘I’m an American.’”

Romero also discussed current issues. He does not want Hispanics to be known only for being concerned about affirmative action and immigration policies.

“We strongly care about foreign policies and entrepreneurships like the rest of the Americans,” Romero said.

Since Hispanic influences are continuing to grow, it is only normal for more Hispanics to be involved with foreign policy, but this is not possible without proper education, Romero said.

Romero also added humor throughout the lecture.

“I have a history with La Verne – I had a girlfriend from La Verne,” Romero said, causing the audience to laugh.

Juli Minoves-Triquell, assistant professor of political science and ULV Model United Nations adviser, gave an opening statement to introduce Romero.

“I’m really grateful to him and for what he has done for my country,” said Minoves-Triquell, who is also a former foreign minister of Andorra and the Andorra ambassador to the U.S.

Romero hopes students would think about current policies that are affecting the society. He also wants them to become mentors as they continue their educations.

“I encourage you to look into and pursue an international career and the best example you have as a Hispanic (is Minoves-Triquell),” Romero said. “It’s a shining example.”

After the lecture, Romero answered various questions from the audience members on politics and current issues.

“I bet you a 101 (percent) we will have a Hispanic president,” Romero said in response to an audience member.

ULV Model United Nations presented the Speaker of the Year award to Romero at the end of the event.

“It’s especially nice to have a great leader on a national and global level to talk to us on a community level,” said Benjamin Deuson, senior political science major and ULV Model United Nations member. “It’s extremely valuable to have someone like that as a leader for the Hispanic community. He actually worked with migrants so he’s relatable, especially in California.”

This event was ULV Model United Nations’ second annual Speaker of the Year event.

“It was just a really good experience for everyone to know about a prominent figure,” said Eden Vasquez, senior political science major and ULV Model United Nations president. “He’s also able to relate to the students. I thought it was really nice for students to meet him,” she said.

Cody Luk can be reached at cody.luk@laverne.edu.

Other Stories
Other Stories
Previous article
Soccer advances to SCIAC finals
Next article
Leopard Scoreboard

Latest Stories

Related articles

News

Honduran ambassador considers climate, equity

United Nations Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores representing Honduras, spoke to the University community about “Climate Change, Humanitarian Aid, and Rehabilitation: The Case of Honduras,” before a virtual audience of 41 Wednesday via Zoom.
News

Keynote applies pressure on the conversation of climate change

The Model United Nations hosted speaker and president of Liberal International, Hakima El Haité, for a virtual talk on climate justice Saturday. The event was co-sponsored by Southern California’s Model Arab League Conference. More than 20 attended via Zoom.
News

Proposed state law would create Youth Empowerment Commission

An amendment to Assembly Bill 46, titled the “The Youth Empowerment Act,” would create a California Youth Empowerment Commission with other changes to support youth political activity.
News

Speaker stresses the urgency of climate action

Steven Linares, minister of housing, technical services, infrastructure, youth and sport for Gibraltar, spoke about the urgent need to address the issue of climate change on a global scale, and how first world countries can contribute to climate reform, Wednesday during a lecture hosted by the University’s International Studies Institute.