La Casa to host Latino leadership conference March 1

“This conference is one of the most energy filled conferences that I have experienced since coming to work on the Bloomington campus. I wish we could bottle the energy and enthusiasm and share it with others,” said Charlie Nelms, IU vice president for student development and diversity.

Students, faculty and professionals from diverse backgrounds will be meeting to explore issues facing Latino college students.

La Casa was established as the Latino cultural center on the IU Bloomington campus in 1973. Its purpose was, and continues to be, to achieve through educational and social programs, a greater historical, political and cultural awareness of Latinos.

“The conference’s goal is to assist in the preparation of Indiana’s Latino college student population into well-rounded leaders,” said Lillian Casillas, director of La Casa.

“Our mission is not only to build leadership within ourselves, but also to create a strong Latino network.”

Nine panel discussions and a keynote speaker, the Hon. Jesse Villalpando, an IU alumnus who presides over the Lake County (Ind.) Circuit Court, are planned. Representatives from several Hoosier colleges and universities are expected.

Discussion topics will be: “The Status of Latinos in Indiana,” “Latino Greek Letter Organizations,” “Going to Graduate School from the Latino Perspective,” “Cultural Competency,” “Networking with Latino Professionals After Graduation,” “Issues of Identity” and “Navigating Through the College Admissions Process.”

In assembling the panels and attendees, Casillas said she works with a variety of constituencies, including the IU Alumni Association, to help students build relationships. La Casa expects to have more than 100 participants this year.

A fee of $5 is required to cover food expenses. For more information, telephone Casillas at 812-855-0174 or E-mail mlcasill@indiana.edu.