When College alumna Tatiana Olmedo graduated in 1991, Penn did not offer any cultural resources designed specifically for Latino students.
Twenty-three years later, things are quite different. On Friday evening, La Casa Latina celebrated its 15th anniversary. Since its inception in 1999, La Casa Latina has developed into a thriving organization dedicated to the promotion of Latino identity at Penn.
Even though Olmedo did not experience La Casa Latina during her time at Penn, she is grateful for La Casa’s commitment to alumni outreach. She praised the program’s “family feel” and hopes that it will focus on prospective student recruitment in the future.
Friday’s festivities included a performance by Onda Latina, Penn’s Latin dance troupe, as well as a speech from President Amy Gutmann.
Gutmann spoke about the ARCH building’s recent renovation, calling the new center the “literal and metaphorical heart of campus.” She also emphasized the recent growth of Penn’s Latino community, which now comprises 10 percent of the student body. La Casa Latina, she said, has blossomed as well. “It is one of our true treasures.”
La Casa Latina Director Johnny Irizarry followed Gutmann’s speech with recognition of several individuals who have made great contributions to the program, including Associate Director Patty Mendoza, Office Coordinator Maritza Santiago and President of the Association of Latino Alumni Jasmine Perez.
After the speeches, students, faculty and alumni had the opportunity to meet, reconnect and celebrate La Casa Latina’s progress.
College senior Fabiola Diaz Vera has been involved in the Latino cultural community at Penn for several years. She remarked on the program’s recent expansion and highlighted its importance as a “home away from home.”
Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum called La Casa Latina “the embodiment of the mission of the University of Pennsylvania.” In discussing the future of the program, she summed up her hopes in just one word: “More!”
A full calendar of events for the Latin@ Heritage Month can be found here.
