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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO AGUSTIN SILVAS ``GUS'' CHAVEZ
______
HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of
Agustin Silvas ``Gus'' Chavez, who passed away surrounded by friends
and family on August 18th. He was 76 years old.
Agustin, affectionately known as Gus, was an exemplary community
leader and activist who worked tirelessly for the Latino community in
San Diego, California. He advocated for the importance of education as
the most effective way to achieve economic success and self-
sustainability.
Born in Texas, Gus arrived in San Diego in 1963 after joining the
United States Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman at Balboa
Naval Hospital. It was during Gus's time in the Navy that he first
began to work within the San Diego community and found his passion for
activism through education and social justice work.
After he was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1966, Gus earned
his Associate of Arts degree from San Diego City College and later his
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University.
Throughout his education, Gus worked with several student associations
to fight for equal access to education. His work led to the founding
charter of the Latino student group Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlan (MEChA), as well as the Brown Berrets and MAPA.
In 1969, Gus co-founded the Chicano Federation of San Diego, a group
dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Mexican American
community in San Diego. The Chicano Federation started as a way to
provide valuable resources and services to the Latino community. Today
the organization offers child care programs, nutrition assistance
programs, and affordable housing for families and seniors across all
underserved communities in San Diego.
Gus served as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at
San Diego State University for 30 years. Throughout his tenure, Gus
took personal interest in students. He constantly motivated them to
reach new heights and celebrated their accomplishments. I loved his
sense of passion and excitement at the success of his students. I
always felt a kindred spirit with Gus and his enthusiasm for lifting
every student he worked with to their full potential.
Gus never stopped advocating for educational equity and educational
access for all, particularly on behalf of first-generation students
from marginalized communities. He firmly believed in the value of
service and mentorship, and instilled that same sense of purpose into
countless students.
I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I take
comfort in knowing that Gus leaves behind a legacy of service and
empowerment.
____________________