Malgorzata Oleszkiewicz-Peralba,  Associate Professor of Spanish recently published her book "The Black Madonna." Oleszkiewicz-Peralba explores the iconography and function of the Black Madonna throughout history in countries such as Poland, Mexico and Brazil and in the American Southwest. Additionally, she examines the role of Virgin of the Guadalupe and the creation of the mestizo identity in Mexico.

Often seen as a symbol of national identity, resistance against oppression and female empowerment, the Black Madonna is seen as a form of the sacred dark feminine and as the symbol of motherhood and protection. The book investigates the cross-cultural comparisons of the Madonna's influence on local and national traditions.

Nancy Membrez, Associate Professor of Spanish and Media Studies, was honored when her digital film "Portrait in Sepia Tone" won awards for Best Feature Film and Best Sound Track at the International Filmmaker Festival in Kent, England June 20-27, 2008.  Set in San Antonio in the early 20th century, the film portrays mismatched couple Marshall and Helen Dekker. Marshall's affair with a cruel mistress leads to unimaginable consequences for his family. Membrez is screenwriter, director, executive producer, editor, and production designer of "Sepia Tone;" the film was nominated in 6 categories.