The Passing of Dolores Huerta

Dear University Community,

Earlier today, we learned of the passing of Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and one of the most influential labor activists and leaders of the Chicano civil rights movement.

For decades, Dolores championed fair wages, safer working conditions, and dignity for those whose labor too often went unseen. Her courage and determination helped change the lives of farm workers and working families across the country. She also showed tremendous strength in speaking about her own experiences in the wake of the allegations involving César Chávez.

We were honored to welcome her to the university this spring as part of our Voices of Impact Convocation and Lecture Series and as the keynote speaker for our Social Justice Conference.

During her visit, we established the inaugural Dolores Huerta Civic Leadership Medallion and presented the first award to Native American Student Union President Nijohni Castillo. Dolores was deeply moved by the recognition and personally signed 20 copies of award certificates for future recipients. She shared that she knew she would not live to see them all awarded in the years ahead, but she was proud that her legacy would continue through generations of young leaders.

Dolores dedicated her life to advancing the dignity, rights, and humanity of others. Our students had the opportunity to learn directly from her wisdom and experience, making her visit especially meaningful. We will be forever grateful for the time we shared with her and for the inspiration she leaves behind.

Thank you to the student leaders, faculty, and staff who are already creating space to gather, reflect, and remember. As we prepare for Día de los Muertos, we will also honor Dolores' life and legacy as part of this year's altar. Community members are welcome to place artifacts to remember, honor, and celebrate through November 6, 2026, in the Hunsaker Student Center.

• 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Walking Meditation at the Labyrinth​​
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Decoration of Sugar Skulls​​ for Altar Placement (Hunsaker)

Please take care of yourselves and one another. There is room for grief and reflection in moments like these, and we hope you will find comfort in the community around you as we honor a life that has changed so many others.

Warmly,

Krista L. Newkirk
President Image

Sandra Vasquez
Vice President for Student Affairs