On Wednesday, April 11, Ferris State University celebrated the growth of its Center for Latin@ Studies with a program, live music and dining in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center Connector.
CLS Director Kaylee Moreno said the fifth anniversary celebration was an opportunity to think back on the center’s role in Latino communities throughout Michigan and look forward to its future.
“Attendees were able to reflect on the history of CLS, learn about the accomplishments of our students, what the center has been able to do to benefit the campus and community, and the collaborations we have built across the state,” Moreno said. “It also was an opportunity to share the next steps for the center with the students, faculty and staff who joined us for the celebration.”
CLS works with community partners in Grand Rapids, Holland and Oceana County to provide culturally responsive college access and retention programs. Its Promesa Avancemos and Promesa Summer Success initiatives provide junior high and high school students with college prep and leadership programming.
As part of the celebration, CLS launched new promotional designs using compass imagery. Moreno explained that the artwork relates to the center’s key programs.
“The three compasses build upon themselves, much like the students’ experiences in our programs build on the knowledge and skills to not just be bien prepared, well prepared for career success, but bien educado, a holistically developed leader who is resilient, gives back to their community and is prepared for the future,” Moreno said. “This event was a time to celebrate our students, community, and leaders that have helped to build the foundation for our success.”
The event offered refreshments from Grand Rapids-based restaurant Georgina’s and music from Chicago-based Cuban band Los Perros Cubanos.