The Latin American and Caribbean studies program held an open house on Oct. 15, featuring food, music, tabling, poetry and raffles in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The open house attracted students, faculty, alumni and staff to learn more about the program, while offering a space for organizations like the Latin American Student Union, Corazoncitos and the McNair Scholars program to showcase their missions and celebrate Latin American and Caribbean culture. Tables decorated with bright colors and cultural displays drew visitors in, while the poetry readings and raffles added excitement and energy to the event. Overall, the open house carried a celebratory and welcoming spirit, encouraging everyone to learn, connect and take pride in the diversity that defines LACAS.

Robyn Cope, associate professor of French and director of LACAS, and Liyang Dong, graduate assistant for LACAS and a Ph.D. student studying English, hosted the event, promoting the LACAS program and its affiliated organizations. Cope described what LACAS can offer students and faculty beyond academics, including a shared community.

“LACAS is more than an academic program,” Cope wrote in an email. “LACAS is a place where students and faculty come together to find intellectual community and human connection; moral encouragement and creative inspiration. Students of Latin American and Caribbean descent and all those with an interest in the region will find a home in LACAS.”

Among those highlighted at the event were Marisol Marcin, a lecturer in global studies and romance languages and literature, and María Luisa Arroyo Cruzado, a second-year Ph.D. student studying comparative literature and an author and poet. Cruzado’s work, written in English, Spanish, Farsi and German, explores themes of identity, domestic violence, womanhood, language and diaspora. During the open house, Cruzado captivated the audience with readings from her book “Destierro Means More Than Exile,” which was also included as a prize in the event’s raffle.

The raffle held after the poetry reading offered prizes, including a $50 cash award, Anderson Center tickets and Cruzado’s books. As numbers were drawn, people buzzed with excitement, adding a fun and lighthearted vibe to the event. Many attendees stayed afterward to chat with Cruzado, take photos and celebrate their shared love of literature and community as classic Selena Quintanilla songs played in the background.

“It was really nice to see all of the orgs come together and talk to each other,” said Dana Diaz, a senior double-majoring in English and Latin American and Caribbean studies and president of Corazoncitos. “I feel like this is the one year I’ve seen the staff also be very involved. I feel like they’re always involved, but I really appreciate them trying to encourage all the other ones.”

The event also emphasized collaboration between student programs and academic resources. The presence of the McNair Scholars program showcased LACAS’ dedication to supporting underrepresented students in higher education and fostering mentorship across departments.

Kaya Foster, coordinator for the McNair Scholars program and first-year graduate student studying political science, was delighted to have the McNair Scholars program at the event.

“It was a great cultural event to display and to highlight not only the award recipients, but also the scholars that are in this program and the program itself,” Foster said. “So we really love LACAS and all that they do, and we appreciate this a lot.”

The LACAS open house not only showcased the diverse organizations and voices that make up the campus community but also reflected the program’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and inclusivity. Through Latin music, poetry and connection, the event reminded attendees of the importance of celebrating Latin American and Caribbean heritage while fostering collaboration across many cultures and identities.
Dong emphasized the importance of community and support within the LACAS program throughout the event.

“The mission of the Open House was to raise awareness of our programs and initiatives within the broader campus community, recognize individuals who have made extraordinary and meaningful contributions to the LACAS community, and create a space for attendees to connect with the many vibrant student and university organizations we partner with,” Dong wrote in an email. “What I hope people took away from the event is a strong sense of belonging within LACAS. I want them to know that we are always here for them, offering support, resources, and community, especially during times of uncertainty or when those they care about are made vulnerable.”

“I hope people know that LACAS not only supports their intellectual and academic advancement, but also cares about them as part of the big familia and their overall wellbeing,” she finished.