Hollister Councilwoman Mickie Solorio Luna received an honorary doctorate in Mexico City last month for her work and dedication to society, youth and the Mexican community.
Luna was honored at the Mexico City headquarters of the Municipal Palace on December 2, 2017 during a gala for nominees to the Doctor Honoris Causa, which the Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano University faculty gave to distinguished leaders in the world and their examples of society.
“I can tell you it came as a surprise to me,” Luna said by phone Tuesday. “You have to be nominated for the doctorate award by a doctor within the organization. I was nominated by Dr. Juan Ruiz out of Salt Lake City. He’s the president of the Iberoamericano College. I’ve worked with him for many years when I was national vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).”
The honorary doctorate degree is given to men and women who have worked to compensate the social fabric and make the world a better place to live. It is the highest distinction that can be granted in honor of the professional work of a cause as recognition of social merit.
Luna was characterized as a compassionate individual with principles steeped in defending human rights and whose work speaks volumes of a constant, arduous dedication to society, youth, and the Mexican community.
“I think it’s quite the honor,” City Manager Bill Avera said. “I think it’s absolutely something that not everybody gets. We’re pretty excited for her.”
The District 2 city councilwoman is a former national officer with LULAC, as well as a member of numerous community service organizations whose purpose is to promote justice, equality, and the best opportunities for American citizens and beyond.
Other recipients include Mexican-United States Chamber of Commerce President Jose Encarnacion Garcia Torres, Mexican Association of Public Accountants President Founding President Antonio Limon Lopez, producer/cinematographer Mark de Mattei, entrepreneur Marcus Duron and others.
“To me and my family, they feel that ‘grandma and grandpa will be so proud of everything you’ve done,’” Luna said. “You really don’t think about that, it’s a generation that’s gone already. But when you do these things and get honored, I think it’s for my grandchildren so they can think ahead and see anything is possible. It was quite an experience.”
