Karina Rodriguez
Arts Editor
The Wilson Library, in collaboration with the Harris Gallery and the University government relations office, held the “Discover the Legacy of Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano” reception featuring the recently retired congresswoman’s talk and a display of archives of her career.
The event Wednesday in the Harris Gallery was designed to honor the democratic congresswoman’s 25-years in Congress through memorabilia and documents. Napolitano, whose district included the city of La Verne, served in Congress from 1999 to 2024.
Approximately 70 members of the University of La Verne community attended the event, set against a backdrop of memorabilia of Napolitano’s accomplishments in Congress, which were hung on the gallery wall. The display, including awards, signed legislation, a map of her 31st Congressional District with pins from her campaign days, photos and more will hang in the gallery through May 1.
Also on display was a boxing belt from the World Boxing Council; Rep. Napolitano has teamed up with athletes to advocate for mental health.
The Wednesday event began with a Q&A session, for which pre-selected students were allowed to ask Napolitano a few questions.
The questions were both biographical and political, including such topics as Immigration and how to navigate the current political climate.
Napolitano urged the audience to participate in the democratic process on the local level.
“Get involved in meetings,” Napolitano said. “Learn how your school boards operate, your University, your state, your federal government because it affects everything you do.
“The current administration is doing everything illegally … and we can’t allow it to happen,” Napolitano added.
Napolitano has been an advocate for University programs, including helping the University get a $2.2 million grant for the Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing.
University of La Verne President Risa Dickson, who attended the reception, said the event was important for students.
“It’s their history,” Dickson said. “It’s the history of the state of California, and she has, in part, set the trajectory,” Dickson said.
Senior political science major Joseph Montes, who attended the event, was delighted to meet the former Congresswoman.
“To speak with an actual representative (was) something I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams,” Montes said. “Advocacy has always been on my mind and perhaps one day I’ll be able to do the good work like Representative Napolitano.”
Zuhey Espinoza, associate vice president and chief government relations officer, said the University was honored to host the congresswoman’s archives.
“Because of the good relationship that we built with the Congresswoman, she decided to honor us with donating her legislative archives,” Espinoza said.
During her career in Congress, Napolitano was a pioneer in shaping policies for areas such as natural resources, mental health, public transportation, and the concerns of the Latino community.
The Harris Gallery is located in the Landis Academic Center, adjacent to the Wilson Library.
Karina Rodriguez can be reached at karina.rodriguez3@laverne.edu.
Karina Rodriguez is a senior journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and editor-in-chief of the Campus Times. She has previously served as sports editor, social media editor, arts editor and a staff writer.
