Latinx Resource Center to host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Taking a proactive step to better serve the growing Hispanic student population, Governors State University’s (GovState) Latinx Resource Center (LRC) will celebrate its launch with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Feb. 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Located in C2340 in a newly renovated library space, the LRC will intentionally serve Latinx students by creating an intersectional and empowering space where they are supported, appreciated, and culturally represented.
Currently, GovState’s Hispanic undergraduate enrollment is approximately 20%, making the university a proud emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (eHSI). Once enrollment reaches 25%, the university will become a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), joining 31 others in the state, according to the Department of Education.
The LRC’s launch comes at a time when nearly half of Chicago's public school students are Latinx, says Emmanuel Lopez, the LRC’s Inaugural Director. “The Latinx Resource Center can become the differentiated factor when it comes to where Latinx students attend after high school and community college,” added Lopez.
Born in Harvey and having lived in Glenwood for most of his life, Lopez is no stranger to the area or its educational system. Honored to serve as the LRC’s director, Lopez looks forward to this next step in serving Hispanic/Latinx students at GovState.
“I want more students to know about GovState and the great work we are doing to support our Hispanic/Latinx students,” said Lopez. “I want GovState to become a hub for Latinx student success and that starts with intentionality.”
Students can expect a variety of programs from the LRC on a semester basis, including in-person or virtual advising appointments, monthly professional and cultural workshops, virtual “Sesion de informacion” for prospective students, high school empowerment presentations, and undocumented/DACA support.
To RSVP for the ribbon cutting ceremony and learn more about the LRC visit their webpage.
To hear more from Emmanuel Lopez on serving the Latinx student community, check out Episode 13 of the podcast, Teaching and Leading with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi.