SANTA ANA : Singer, Folklorist to Speak at College

Bonita Jaros, an instructor of English as a second language at Rancho Santiago College and an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, ethnic folklorist and romance linguist, will speak on cultural diversity at the college on Wednesday.

The title of Jaros’ presentation, which will include music, is called “E Pluribus Unum: The Possible Dream” and will deal with the United States as a pluralistic nation.

“We’ve gone beyond what the founding fathers had envisioned as a heterogeneous society,” Jaros said.

In her presentation, Baros said she will address what she calls “the beauty” of a multicultural society and will also review some of its problems. She will also offer some suggestions on how all cultural groups can interact without losing their identities.

Jaros trained at the Julliard School of Music. She has performed in Western Europe, Mexico and the United States at universities, temples and museums.

She also holds master’s degrees in linguistics from Cal State Fullerton and in romance studies from Cornell University.

In May, Jaros received the Rancho Santiago College Distinguished Faculty Award, the college’s highest honor for teaching excellence. Jaros was praised for bringing “widespread educational and cultural benefit” to the college and its students.

Jaros’ presentation will begin at noon and will take place in Phillips Hall on the college’s Santa Ana campus at 17th and Bristol streets.

The presentation is free to the public.