The Latino Experience : (2000 - 2003)

2000

Spring

Mariachi de la Flor, a musical group trained in traditional Mexican music was formed by Dr. Cándida Jáquez of the Folklore and Ethnomusicology Department.

March 25
The Indiana University Latino Alumni Association was launched with an inagural meeting. Among other agenda items, the first board of directors was selected:
* President: Cecilia Vaca, '96
* Vice-President: Michael A. Nino, '93
* Secretary: R.R. Goyakla Apache, '00
* Treasurer: Gloria M. Escabalzeta, '96
* Board Members:
* Diana (Hernandez) Dominguez, '83
* Eliza (Garza) Fisk, '71, '74
* Maritza Quinones-Rivera, '96, '99
* David Hernandez, '75, '99
* Eugenia Castro, '95* Student Representative: Gabino Zapata, senior.

A group called Hombre Latino was started and facilitated by Dr. Manuel Martinez and Ricardo Montelongo. The goal of this organization is to provide a support group aimed specifically at Latino men who are students, staff, and faculty. This group helps members grow academically, culturally, and as a support network.

Gerardo Gonzalez became the first Latino Dean of a school of any IU campus when he took over the position at the School of Education.

The Latino Studies Program was established. Jorge Chapa, Ph.D. was the first director. The first course offered to students was entitled “Latinos in the U.S.: Past, Present, and Future.”

Omega Delta Phi is a Service/Social fraternity which was active on Indiana University's campus during the fall semester. During that time the president was Gabino Zapata. The organization dedicates itself to meeting the needs and concerns of the Latino community.

2001

The Indiana Latina/o Collegiate Leadership Conference provides the Latino community with many opportunities to exchange ideas and consider future endeavors. Pictured here, some graduate student panelists offer their views and help shape the discussion.

Summer

Michael Andrew Nino became President of the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association. Michael was a 1993 graduate of IU with a BA degree in criminal justice.

2002

May 22 The Latino Faculty and Staff Council was created. The Executive Council included Belinda De La Rosa, Chair, Raquel Anderson(not in photo), Faculty Concerns, Gonzalo Isidro-Bruno, Staff Concerns, Lillian Casillas, Student Concerns, Maritza Quinoñes-Rivera, Marketing and Public Relations.

Visitors visit the La Casa tent at the annual Culturefest at IU.

Autumn
The Mathers World Cultures Museum featured La Cara Latina de Bloomington photographic exhibit.

Cyndi Valentín became the first Latina to be offered a basketball scholarship at Indiana University.

Luis Fuentes-Rhower became the first Latino faculty member at the IUB School of Law.

The interest group Lambda Upsilon Lambda (L.U.L.), a Latino oriented fraternity was organized by Melvin Tejada. This fraternal service organization is aimed at uniting men in brotherhood in order to serve the Latino community.

September 27, 2003

Guadalupe Valtierra (on right) is standing with Bloomington Chancellor Sharon Stephens Brehm and was the recipient of 2003 Distinguished Latino Alumni Award during the Latino Alumni Reunion Luncheon.