Carmen M. Cervantes, EdD, executive director of Instituto Fe y Vida (Institute for Faith and Life) in Stockton, CA was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. and by the University of San Francisco (USF) in San Francisco, CA during their commencement ceremonies May 14 and May 20, respectively.
CUA bestowed on Cervantes a doctorate in theology, and she received a doctorate in humane letters from USF. Cervantes was awarded both degrees in recognition for her outstanding contributions to the empowerment of young Latinos for leadership in church and society. That includes the co-founding of Instituto Fe y Vida, which has been a pioneer in the field of Hispanic youth and young adult ministry.
Fe y Vida provides young adult leaders and ministers with the knowledge, skills and tools to promote evangelization, faith formation, and leadership development among young people, particularly Latinos in the United States, since its inception in 1994.
Under Dr. Cervantes’ leadership, Instituto Fe y Vida co-founded the National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, and she is also co-founder and past president of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry, and of the National Organization of Catechesis for Hispanics.