Illinois State University
April 26, 2013
Dear Marcelo,
Thank you for your lively presentation at Illinois State University’s inaugural Black and Latino Male Summit. Your energetic demeanor, relevant content and motivational attitude is just what we needed to kick off the summit.
Initially, when selecting a keynote speaker for this event, we were in search of someone who was successful in their chosen career field, had a story to tell on how they overcame adversity, and someone who identified with the Black and/or Latino cultures. You were the perfect fit. Your presentation far exceeded our expectations.
After reviewing the participant evaluations about your presentation, it was evident that you made a valuable impact on our students. Participants said:
“I think his keynote was extremely inspiring. As someone who is seeking to become an educator, he spoke about many issues that our future generations are going to face. Since this event, I have made an active challenge to utilize every 1,440 minutes that I am grateful to receive every day.”
“Great opening keynote speaker. His words were a wakeup call, literally. He was just what was needed to kick off the summit. His message hit home and showed that time was precious. Also, when he dressed in his doctorate robe, it sent a great visual message and set the bar high for inspiration.”
“Dr. Vazquez’s speech was excellent. The focus on the value of time was very enlightening and encouraging. I felt it was a great way to begin the conference.”
Using your storyteller approach and equating the analogy of time with money, was a great way to engage our students. You are truly a gifted communicator and we are grateful for the opportunity to have had you serve as the opening keynote for ISU’s first Black and Latino Male Summit. You motivated our students to try, and gave them hope that their goals and dreams can come true. Hearing your story inspired not only students, but full-time faculty and staff as well. We were very pleased to have you on-campus and we look forward to inviting you back for future initiatives.
As you continue to travel to other institutions, conferences, and symposiums, please know that Diversity Advocacy is more than willing to serve as a reference for you for future speaking engagements. It was a pleasure having you at ISU and we wish you all the best with your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Ashley M. Taylor
Diversity Programming Specialist
Mt. San Jacinto Community College
May 24, 2012
Dr. Marcelo Vázquez,
On behalf of Mt. San Jacinto College Talent Search program, it was a great honor to have you speak at the Talent Search Banquet on June 5, 2011. Thank you for taking the time to do this for our staff, students and parents. I want to personally thank you for provided such a compelling and motivating speech. Your story was truly inspiring and your delivery impacted each person in the room. You demonstrated that no matter what obstacles or adversities in life we may face they can be overcome and our goals can be achieved. You are a proof of this example.
The Talent Search Program is a college bound program servicing 600 low-income, first generation students. Our program provides the resources needed for these students to succeed and move onto higher education. With the support of Mt. San Jacinto College and the San Jacinto Community we are able to impact lives. With your motivational and inspirational story, you left our students, parents and staff with a new pair of eyes to see the potential within them.
Thank you very much for providing such a compelling and motivational story.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marisa V. Mendoza, M.A.
TR!O Upward Bound and Talent Search director.
The Princeton Review
Irvine, CA
August 24, 2009
Dear Dr. Vazquez,
My name is Kate Doyle and I am the Executive Director for Educational Partnerships at Princeton Review Los Angeles. On behalf of the hundreds of middle school students you have presented to at the Los Angeles Public Library, I want to thank you for your inspiring message of hope and determination. The teachers, students, and administrators who were on hand were moved by your story as a young boy who took the time for granted but then used life’s circumstances to propel himself to high levels of academic achievement. Your message was especially important because our students think there is too much time to prepare for high school or whatever comes after high school. Your message of ‘living in the present’ was exactly what our students needed to hear.
The Student Smart Program is focused on motivating students to college success. With the support of the Los Angeles Public Library ad its Foundation, we are able to touch the lives of hundreds of middle school students from the Los Angeles area and help them realize that they are college material. Your enthusiastic and engaging presentation made our effort stronger as you truly awakened the students to the potential inside of them.
We look forward to seeing you next year.
Sincerely,
Kate Doyle
Executive Director — Educational Partnerships
The Princeton Review
