Andrews Becomes a Hispanic Serving Institution

Currently, the first and only school in the state of Michigan to receive such designation

学生 attended a recent bet365中文大学 Latino Association graduation recognition and stole ceremony. (摄影:Jessica Condon)

bet365中文大学 was recently designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Currently, Andrews is the first and only school in the state of Michigan to receive such designation.

In addition to recognizing support and appreciation for the Hispanic students on campus, being a Hispanic Serving Institution provides Andrews with opportunities to further serve Hispanic students in higher education. It enables the University to apply for grants that can be utilized to increase accessibility to education and support Hispanic students throughout their college careers. The HACU also offers external scholarships, 发展项目, internships and other forms of support to Hispanic students across the country.

“Being an HACU member opens doors for undergraduate and graduate summer internships with the federal government in museums, 公园, 参议院, 国会, 美国国税局, 移民等等,——佩德罗·纳维亚, chair of the Department of International Languages & 全球研究，阐述. “Hispanic students from all majors can apply and participate.” The designation can also benefit faculty members doing research or community projects within the Hispanic community.

维亚, who also serves as the sponsor for the bet365中文大学 Latino Association (AULA), headed the application process for this designation. “The HACU used our fall semester numbers for Hispanics enrolled at both undergraduate and graduate levels, which were between 24%–25% with a steady pattern of continued growth,他说.

As Andrews continues to hold a ranking as one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the nation, it is important to recognize the diverse people groups that are represented on campus, both among students and employees. Recent graduate Brandon Alvarez, who served as president of the bet365中文大学 Latino Association during the 2023–24 school year, notes his appreciation for the numerous Hispanic student clubs and religious organizations found in the campus community, 例如AULA, Makarios Ministry and Genesis Fellowship. “It really opens up the doors for Hispanic students to get involved and celebrate their origins,他分享道。.

In addition to clubs and organizations, the university offers several scholarships for students of Hispanic descent. Andrews also recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, which falls between Sept. 15-Oct. 每年15个. In 2023, the campus community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month under the theme “Estamos Unidos,意思是“我们是团结的。.” Programming included church services, 晚祷的服务, 教育课程, 夜市, spirit week activities and a Noche Latina program. Each event honored the diversity within the bet365中文大学 community.

“Andrews has set up so much support for the Hispanic community that resides 在这里,” says senior elementary education major Amanda Orosco, who is of Mexican and Dominican heritage. “From the undergraduate and graduate clubs to even the food served at the cafeteria, I feel my culture is represented on campus, 对我来说, 这太让人欣慰了. It helps me feel like this is a place that I belong.”

在接下来的几个月, a website will be established with more information about and resources from the Hispanic Serving Institution designation.