Annual Latino Connection event

Walking past the multi-purpose room (8500) in the Eastview Campus on Oct. 22, students may have wondered what all the festive food, music, and booths were for.

The Student Success Office hosted the third annual Latino Connection.

The Latino Connection featured many booths displaying information on universities, scholarships, tutorials, and student groups. There was also Latino music, food, and flags.

The event targeted current and prospective Hispanic students, as well as alumni, in an effort to create a Hispanic support network throughout the campuses.

"One-third of our Latino population drops each semester simply because they do not feel involved," explained Dr. Richard R. Armenta, associate vice president of the Student Success Office.

Armenta explained that the Student Success Office's goal is "to allow students to meet with people who can answer their questions, and get them to embrace the opportunities that higher education provides."

The event featured an inspirational speech from 2008 Teacher of the Year, Eric Cruz.

Cruz, a ninth grade English teacher, spoke of the rising opportunities for Latinos everywhere.

He also acknowledged the many difficulties that Latinos face daily. Despite these obstacles, Cruz urged Latinos to push harder, earn their degrees, and make a positive difference in the world.

Latino Connection featured other support groups for students such as financial aid information sessions and meetings for the Transfer Academy.

The Student Success Office also held a raffle every 30 minutes, which was effective in keeping the crowd present for the entire event.

Many door prizes were raffled off including one-hour massages, flowers, jewelry, and coffee makers.

The main prize, a semester worth of free books, was not raffled off until the end of the event.