Isabel Allende, world-renowned author and journalist speaks at the Joe Crowley Student Union on Thursday, October 9, at 7 p.m. “Stories and Dreams: An evening with Isabel Allende” is hosted by the University of Nevada Reno’s Latino Research Center as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Tickets for the event are on sale with $35 for students and seniors, and $150 for VIP seating. All proceeds will fund research at the Latino Research Center and scholarships for University students.

Allende is a native of Chile and has received several literary awards for her fictional works. Allende’s books include “The House of Spirits” and “Of Love and Shadows,” both of which were adapted to film. Many of her other works have also been produced as plays, operas and ballets. Currently, Allende tours locations all over the world giving lectures and speaking about her works and her life.

Emma Sepulveda, director of the Latino Research Center, hopes Allende’s appearance at the University will expose many to Hispanic culture and the immigrant experience, whether they are Hispanic, immigrants or not.

“Isabel Allende’s story is one of many immigrants to this country,” Sepulveda says. “She is not only a top Latin-American writer but she has also personified what the life of an immigrant is all about.”

Sepulveda urges students, faculty and community members to attend the event to fulfill the unique opportunity to meet an internationally celebrated female writer. She says that Allende’s speech may also inspire others to write and to chronicle their experiences.

As part of the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sepulveda says Allende’s lecture can provide a positive example of a successful Latino immigrant.

“It was our special task to bring someone who could inspire Latinos in the community and be an example to the rest of the community of who we are,” Sepulveda says. “People have many negative aspects about immigrants but there are also great examples, and she is one of those.”

The task to bring Isabel Allende to the campus for a lecture has been an ongoing project for 15 years, Sepulveda says. Allende maintains a full schedule with lectures, other events and writing. It was truly a University and community-wide effort to finally book Allende with the help of the College of Liberal Arts, the Hart Foundation, the EL Cord Foundation, and NV Energy.

For tickets or more information, contact the Latino Research Center at (775) 784-4010.