Best of CASE District IV Award
 

Institution: University of Texas at San Antonio

Title of entry: UTSA Celebrates Jovita Idar Commemorative Quarter Release

About this entry: On September 14, 2023, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), in collaboration with the United States Mint and the National Women’s History Museum, hosted an event marking the release of ninth coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program honoring journalist, activist, teacher and suffragist Jovita Idar.

Born in Laredo, Texas in 1885, Idar devoted her life to fighting against separatist ideologies and sought to create a better future for Mexican-Americans. The quarter release served as a perfect signature event for the university’s renowned Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, amplifying the university’s identity as one of the nation’s leading Hispanic Serving Institutions.

The sold-out event began with a panel discussion featuring UTSA history experts and Idar family members, as well as Deputy Director of the U.S. Mint Kristie McNally and Vice President of External Affairs for the National Women’s History Museum Jennifer Herrera.

The evening continued with an inspiring keynote by award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, a ceremonial coin pour, a heartfelt presentation to the Idar family, and a performance by UTSA Mariachi Los Paisanos and Ballet Folklórico de UTSA. All attendees received a complimentary Jovita Idar Quarter in an American Women Quarters™ Collector Coin Board.

The evening was a smashing success, bringing standing room-only crowds to the Buena Vista Theater on the university’s downtown campus. The event built pride within our local community, fostered an opportunity to forge national partnerships, brought visibility to an underutilized campus rental venue, and most importantly, celebrated an unsung hero in Latino history.