Latino Community Center Releases Fall Activity Schedule

The La Alianza Latino Community Center (LALCC) at Wabash College announces its first semester’s activities.

Centered around Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), the events work to connect the campus to the Crawfordsville community. Featured events include fiestas, alumni appearances, and musical performances. Events are free and open to the public.

La Alianza is the Wabash student organization dedicated to celebrating Latin American culture.

“The lineup of events celebrates the Hispanic community,” said Julio Enríquez-Ornelas ’08, director of Latino partnerships. “Our goal is to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. I want all who attend our programming to leave proud of the Hispanic Heritage in the United States. Most importantly, I hope our work genuinely connects with both students and community members.”

The LALCC events include:

• Sept. 14: La Alianza Homecoming Tailgate, featuring live mariachi music from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Tacos w/ Alumni: Dr. Juan Carlos Venis ’09. Baxter Hall, room 101, noon-1 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Film Screening and Discussion: El Sueño with producer Raúl Dorantes. Korb Classroom, Fine Arts Center, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct. 1: Reflections on the National Mariachi Education Workshops with Los Pequeños Gigantes, the Wabash mariachi group. International Hall, Detchon Center, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Oct. 18: Tacos w/ Alumni: Matthew Kraft ’10. Baxter Hall, room 101, noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 7: Tacos w/ Alumni: David Wagner ’05. Baxter Hall, room 101, noon-1 p.m.
• Dec. 5: La Posada en Wabash: La Posada is a Christian tradition in the Spanish-speaking world that commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. The event features Mexican Christmas carols, breaking piñatas, and food. International Hall, Detchon Center, 7-10 p.m.

Enríquez-Ornelas, in his first year as director of Latino partnerships and advisor to La Alianza, has worked closely with the student members of La Alianza to develop programming that suits the needs of campus and a growing number of community partnerships.

“On campus, the hermanos of La Alianza are working to provide a diverse range of events and opportunities for our fellow Wabash brothers,” said Cristian Cantú ’26, La Alianza president. “We have collaborations planned with independent living units, fraternities, and other organizations. These events include lunch talks, social gatherings, and cooking for the campus community. In addition, we want to serve the Crawfordsville community through service projects and workshops, particularly aimed at supporting individuals facing language barriers, and our goal is to extend these opportunities to as many people as possible.”

The Latino Community Center, currently undergoing renovations, will be located at the intersection of Wabash and Grant avenues and will serve as both a link between the campus and the community. The renovation of the facility is generously funded by a Lilly Endowment Inc. College and Community Collaboration grant.