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The San Ignacio Society Presents Celebración 2026: Friday, August 7
The San Ignacio Society is pleased to invite the entire Saint Ignatius College Prep community to Celebración 2026, an evening celebrating our mission to ensure talented Latin American students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive at Saint Ignatius.
This year, we are honored to present the 2026 Corazón Award to The Honorable Rubén Castillo in recognition of his extraordinary service to both the broader community and Saint Ignatius College Prep.
We are also excited to welcome Valente Rodriguez as our keynote speaker. A versatile actor, comedian, and storyteller, Valente is best known for his warm and authentic portrayal of Ernie Cárdenas on the hit sitcom George Lopez. His career also includes memorable roles in acclaimed films and television projects such as Erin Brockovich and McFarland, USA.
Born and raised in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, Valente's upbringing—including his experience as a child migrant worker—shaped his deep commitment to education, opportunity, and community. Throughout his career, he has brought Latino culture, humor, and lived experience to audiences nationwide, portraying characters with dignity, authenticity, and heart. Beyond the screen, Valente is a passionate advocate for young people, frequently speaking with students, mentoring future leaders, and championing education as a pathway to success.
We hope you will join us for this special evening of celebration, inspiration, and community on Friday, August 7 from 5-11 p.m.
Click here to learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, or contact Emily Nash with any questions about the event.
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago, is a diverse community dedicated to educating young men and women for lives of faith, love, service and leadership.
