NEW GROUP SEEKS DIVERSITY
By Patrick Finnegan
For the Duquesne Duke

Diversity is one of the most celebrated facets of Duquesne University. That celebration has grown larger over the past few months with the formation of the Latin American Student Association (LASA). LASA is a national organization with many chapters throughout the United States. Planning for the Duquesne chapter began in mid-January, and its official constitution was established on March 19, 2001.

LASA's president is Francisco Cabrero, a sophomore studying technology marketing. Cabrero expressed the goals of the new organization. "LASA acts to preserve and enrich Latin American culture and ethnicity. It cultivates Latin American culture in forms such as dance, visual arts, literature, and other expressions."

One of LASA's major focuses is service on the local, national, and international levels. Duquesne's LASA has already exhibited its service concentration in just the first few months of its existence by raising two thousand dollars to aid earthquake victims in El Salvador.

Cabrero mentioned that the latest census reported the presence of approximately 11,000 Hispanic families in Pittsburgh. He expressed that one of LASA's goals would be to "establish ties with the local Latin American communities in Pittsburgh."

Cabrero also believes LASA will benefit students. "LASA can serve as an avenue for Duquesne students who wish to practice the Spanish language. Vice president, junior Lourdes Loubriel, added that Spanish tutoring would be made available to students.

LASA can also serve as a major resource for companies, organizations, and students by providing help and research in Latin American issues. As the organization grows, LASA will sponsor activities encouraging Latin American culture and attempt to promote student interaction.

The executive officers of LASA are Cabrero (president), Loubriel (vice president), junior Mariana Cordova (secretary), sophomore Mariana Arroyo (treasurer), and Marissa Echenique (public relations). LASA is still in the process of organizing different committees of specialization. LASA's advisor is Brent Rondon, a director in Duquesne's Small Business Development Center.

LASA is open to all students interested in service projects, activities, and any other involvement. For more information about this worthwhile organization, email lasa@duq.edu or contact president Francisco Cabrero at 412-512-2774.

Created by the Web Development Center (CTS), and maintained by lasa@duq.edu.
The URL for this page is: http://www.lasa.duq.edu /diversity.html
Copyright © 2001 Duquesne University
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Feb-2002 22:45:04 EST