Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Brad Moore

 Director of Communications/Media Relations

Central New Mexico Community College

 505-224-4423

Jennifer McDonald

Communications Manager

505-224-4673

Santiago Baca Hosts CNM Montoya Campus Poetry Event

Internationally acclaimed New Mexico author and poet Jimmy Santiago Baca will host CNM’s Montoya Campus Speaker Series on Jan. 31 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the J-Building, Room 122. Santiago Baca and fellow New Mexico poet Jason Yurcic will read from their works. The community service event is free and open to the public.

The Montoya Campus is located in the Northeast Heights at 4700 Morris Ave. NE, two blocks north of Montgomery Blvd.

Poets Miguel Algarin and Tony Spiller were originally scheduled to participate in this event, but CNM has been informed that they are unable to attend.

Santiago Baca, a New Mexico native who was a runaway at age 13 and later spent five years in prison, turned his life around after discovering his passion for poetry, writing and helping others to overcome hardships. He is the winner of the Pushcart Prize, the American Book Award, the International Hispanic Heritage Award and he won the prestigious International Award for his acclaimed memoir “A Place to Stand.”  His themes include American Southwest barrios, addiction, injustice, education, community, love and beyond. He has conducted hundreds of writing workshops in prisons, community centers, libraries and universities throughout the country.

Yurcic is the author of two books – “Voice of My Heart” and “Word Son.” He was the runner-up for the 2007 New Mexico Book Award and he has a new book scheduled for release in September. He also has a play in production at the Santa Fe Performing Arts Center scheduled to debut this year. Yurcic was born in Santa Fe and moved to Albuquerque at age 5.

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