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WIU MCC Director Recognized by State Comptroller Mendoza

October 7, 2020

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MACOMB, IL -- Rocio Ayard Ochoa, director of the Western Illinois University Multicultural Center (MCC), is one of eight Hispanic Illinoisans who are being recognized by Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza during Hispanic Heritage Month. Ayard Ochoa was featured Tuesday, Oct. 6.

"September 15 through October 15 is #HispanicHeritageMonth, and my office will be recognizing eight Hispanic Illinoisans who embody the spirit of Hispanic heritage and have gone above and beyond in their careers and communities," Mendoza said on her Facebook page.

From the Mendoza recognition: "In her role as director, she ensures that she provides a unique and empowering space for students to experience college life. She believes it is important that the Multicultural Center is a space that offers a holistic learning experience allowing students to explore ethnic identity development, engage in social justice, community outreach, cultural expression, social and professional networking."

Ayard Ochoa came to Western in July 2017 as the director of the Casa Latina Cultural Center, within the MCC. She was named the Multicultural Center Director in August 2019.

She was born in Michoacan, Mexico, grew up in California and later moved the Midwest. Ayard Ochoa earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and her master's degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Granada, Spain. She has more than 10 years of higher education experience and has worked internationally for the Ministry of Education in Spain. As an active member of the Macomb community, Ayard Ochoa serves as a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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