Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) is being celebrated across the nation. To celebrate local people who reflect the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize two Hispanic heroes, one from Hayward and the other from San Jose.

Dr. B. Roberto Cruz
Dr. Cruz received a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley in 1971 and later became an education professor at Stanford University. After seeing few Hispanics enrolled in colleges, he founded the National Hispanic University (NHU) in 1981. It started as a two-classroom facility in Oakland and grew to an accredited private college, which moved to San José in 1991. NHU is a WASC-accredited, 4-year university authorized to grant degrees since 1981.

Cruz committed 39 years of his life to educating people and pioneering new ways to reach those who needed it most.  He was a visionary leader with boundless energy, which he applied to innovative solutions to educational issues facing Hispanics and minorities. In his lifetime, Dr. Cruz established the Latino College Preparatory Academy, The National Hispanic University, and two childcare centers.  Dr. Cruz received more than 200 awards and recognitions. He passed away in 2002, but not before leaving an educational legacy.

Fernando Hernández
As a young boy, Fernando Hernandez had a unique ability that was passed on in his family. Grandson of Carlos Gonzalez, a well-known muralist in the 1900’s in Mexico City, Fernando was part of an artistic dynasty. Knowing that he wanted to be an artist, Fernando took many art classes in high school. When his family moved to Hayward, Fernando decided to attend California State University, Hayward, where he received a Bachelor in Fine Arts.

Throughout his career, Fernando has participated in many educational and art institutions. He has been a teacher at Cal State Hayward and Diablo Valley College, a Sun Gallery board member, and a volunteer maintainer of a community garden in Hayward. Fernando has also dedicated himself to educate teenagers about the process of bronze casting. Inspired by the Sun Gallery, he teaches aspects of art to high school students. Fernando also helped students of Moreau Catholic High School design and assemble a large steel sculpture. He was also involved in designing another public sculpture for the city of Hayward’s 125th year celebration. Fernando is a dedicated family man, and a great example of a talented and involved Hispanic resident of Hayward.

- Excerpted from an article by Albania Alegría (Hayward High School Graduate, 2005). The article was part of the Latino Oral History Project funded by the Zermeño Family and the Hayward Area Historical Society.