During Session IX: "Identity & Individual", moderator George Westermark introduced three papers: Claudia Gonzalez (University of San Francisco) “The Not So Invisible Color Hierarchy among Latin@s”; Alberto Quintanilla (St. Mary’s College of California)  “Setting the Foundation”; and Francesca de Sola Funsten (University of Southern California)  “Solomon:  The Life History of a Venice Beach Street Performer”.

As each student completed his or her paper, they fielded questions from the audience.  Alberto disscussed his experiences in the January Term class and facilitated a discussion concerning first generation issues and the importance of collecting their narratives.

Alberto was joined by his family and other supportive St. Mary's students.