Rick Prusso

I worked at Sonoma State University for 23 years in the Computer/Media Maintenance Shop. SSU was a vibrant inspiring environment to work and study in. I learned about and assisted in the ever evolving computer and communications infrastructure at the University. I've been retired for more than 20 years now. I became interested in my Spanish heritage on my mothers side of the family and in October 2022 I joined a group of American Spanish descendents on a tour in Spain to discover more about my grandparents and great grandparents circumstances and journey from their homes, in 1907 on the ship Heliopolis, to a distant land, Hawaii, with the promise of a better life than they were experiencing, famine and unemployment. Two tours compressed together one focusing on the emigrations from Extremadura the other from Andalucia where my ancestors came from. I met others who share the same curiosity about where we came from and yearn to understand the Spanish culture and language which for me has been lost. We formed bonds and friendships and we have collaborated to spawn the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association to honor the heritage of our ancestors by promoting the Spanish culture, research ancestral lineage and foster cultural partnerships.

As Vice President I am a member of the Executive Committee, attend Cultural Committee meetings, Fundraising meetings, help with planning events, Insure we follow fiscal sponsor guidelines, Review legal documents and agreements. Consult with and communicate regularly with fiscal sponsor Affiliate Coordinator and Executive Director. Review website content and help our Website Director, Amber Quinn.