On November 18, 2006, MAAA celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala held in Gersten Pavilion which was transformed into a gorgeous ballroom.  More than 550 alumni, students, faculty/staff and esteemed honorees and guests attended this event which rivaled the university’s campaign kick-off gala. This year’s event was co-chaired by Nadine and Alex Chaves, Sr., LMU Regent.  The evening’s master of ceremonies was actor Tony Plana `75 who is always a crowd pleaser and not at all “ugly”.  Accepting the inaugural Leadership Award was Dr. Fernando J. Guerra, Director, Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles. Dr. Guerra was acknowledged for his many accomplishments as well as having assisted in strengthening the MAAA Board.  MAAA was extremely honored to have Ambassador Raymond L. Telles attend the event and accept his award as the Community Service honoree.  Mr. Telles is 91 years old and served under President Kennedy’s administration. He is a living legend and a trailblazer.  Our Alumni Role Model was Dr. Rosalio J. Lopez `76.  Dr. Lopez has also graciously agreed to be MAAA’s keynote speaker at the March 27, 2007 Student/Alumni Mixer to continue the dialogue he inspired with his acceptance speech.  The Corporate Honoree for Distinguished Service to the Community was Southern California Edison, Frank J. Quevedo, Vice President.  The award was accepted by Mr. Fernando de Necochea, Deputy Director of Public Affairs.  Our student honorees were Raquel Avila `06, Merrifield Scholar, and Crystal Landavazo `06, Cisneros Scholar.  The event ended with dancing to the sounds of DomingoSiete.  The event was a tremendous success and has raised $600,000 in support of scholarship funding.