For junior Stacy Lopez, the Latino Student Union isn’t just an organization, it’s a home at the University.
“If you join, you instantly become a family member,” Lopez said. “Everyone’s really open.”
The Latino Student Union hosted their semester kickoff meeting Wednesday night, where they discussed their plans for the coming months, including a hope to continue this familial bond.
Ray Plaza, faculty advisor for LSU, said this semester will be about building upon last semester.
“Basically, the goal is to just keep moving forward with what took place in the fall,” Plaza said.
Juan Pimiento, president of LSU, said the organization is planning on emphasizing recruitment and awareness. Specifically, awareness that LSU is for everybody, not just Latinos.
“There’s a lot of diversity within Latinos,” Pimiento said. “The goal is to show we’re back, and that we’re back for everybody.”
LSU is spreading this awareness through a variety of events to be held throughout the semester, including the Ceasar Chavez Blood Drive, an event LSU hosts in collaboration with the American Red Cross to honor the memory of Latino migrant farmer activist Ceasar Chavez, and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), where students can attend workshops and speeches.
Plaza said LSU attended USHLI last year, where it proved beneficial for those who attended, some of whom now hold leadership positions within LSU.
“What I noticed is some of them seem unsure of what they wanted to do,” Plaza said. “I have them the impetus to run for office … these conferences help students to come out of their shell.”
Pimiento said while LSU prides itself on working with a variety of other organizations, they are aiming to branch out in terms of who they work with this semester. It all comes down to inclusiveness, Pimiento said.
“We’re really trying to branch out to organizations we haven’t had exposure to,” Pimiento said. “This is a place where you can find a family, and a place where you can expand your cultural awareness.”
Jonathan Sabino, co-public relations chair for LSU, said the organization already has its calender set for the semester, and that LSU is hoping to build upon last semester’s mission of spreading Latino culture throughout the community.
The Ceasar Chavez Blood Drive will take place March 25-27. Other events that are planned are the Latino Issues Conference on April 2, the LSU Olympics on April 26, and Latino Awareness Week, which will take place April 21-26.
