Fernando Pico: Humanist of the Year
The Puerto Rican Foundation for the Humanities recognized historian Fernando Pico for the impressive academic labor which he has exercised over the last 30 years. With some 53 books associated, directly or indirectly, to his name, Prof. Pico has had a tremendous influence over our current understanding of Puerto Rican society. From his General History of Puerto Rico, published more than 20 years ago, Pico has continuously proceeded to ask universal questions through mundane topics pertaining to the common man. One of his more valuable contributions pertain to the supposed 'golden age' towards the end of 19th century. It used to be argued that the coffee agriculture was more democratic than that of the sugar plantation. But Prof. Pico aptly described the repressive elements contained in the control of the 'jornalero' labor class. Nonetheless, Dr. Pico is recognized not only for his work, but equally so for his person. An anecdote perhaps aptly captures the character of the man. During the 1970's, when one of his graduate students had to be rushed to the hospital for a medical emergency, Dr. Pico unexpectedly accompanied him during the arduous recuperation period. A sound, dedicated and humble person, Dr. Pico provides a model academic, an exemplar for all of those who follow him. He nurtures those institutions to which he belongs, in contrast to others who consume them.