UCLA Celebrates Community and Culture at Latinx Success Welcome

On September 28, 2023, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) hosted its annual “Latinx Success Center Welcome,” marking a vibrant gathering that celebrated community and culture. Following a morning of steady rain, the skies cleared just in time for the event at Wilson Plaza, where music filled the air and the scent of traditional foods like flautas and pupusas welcomed attendees. This year’s theme, “Rooted together – our community, our future,” encapsulated the essence of the gathering.

A Celebration of Community and Culture

The Latinx Success Center, newly established on campus, organized this beloved bienvenida, which serves as both a homecoming and an information fair for new and returning students. With a focus on fostering connections among students, faculty, alumni, and staff, the event offered an opportunity for attendees to learn about campus resources while honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Among the highlights was the lively atmosphere created by DJ Olea, a UCLA alumnus who has been a staple at previous Latinx Welcomes. The event featured performances from the Afro-Latinx Connection de UCLA, a student organization dedicated to connecting African and Latino communities. Nearby, members of the student-led Grupo Folklórico de UCLA encouraged newcomers to participate in dance practices, emphasizing the importance of community and friendship within the university’s diverse environment.

“This is a place for you, by you,” said Arlene Cano Matute, executive director of the Latinx Success Center, as she introduced the center’s mission to support students academically and personally. She expressed gratitude to the ancestors who paved the way for the current generation, recounting a touching story about her children’s definition of “home” as a place where individuals feel valued.

Empowerment Through Connection

The spirit of belonging resonated throughout the event. Under canopies in front of Kaufman Hall, nearly 100 organizations provided information to students. Members of the Latina-based sorority Lambda Theta Alpha shared their experiences, highlighting how cultural organizations foster a sense of belonging. Student member Daniela noted, “We create that space and make it more accessible for Latino students to engage in leadership and campus events.”

Visibility and representation were recurring themes. Second-year doctoral student Nico emphasized the importance of events like this, stating, “Having events that show just how many people are here and that support you is important, especially as you progress in your education.”

During her address, Adriana Galván, dean and vice provost of undergraduate education, compared UCLA’s Latino community to ecosystems, emphasizing that growth is a collective effort supported by mentors and peers. “The Latinx Success Center is here to help you reach toward that light,” she affirmed.

Elizabeth Gonzalez, director of UCLA’s Hispanic-Serving Institution initiative, reflected on her own journey at UCLA, recalling how the university became a nurturing environment for her aspirations. “I learned quickly that UCLA would be the place where I would feel seen, understood, and empowered to lead with purpose,” she shared.

Internal vice president of the UCLA Student Body, Tommy Contreras, connected the event to a legacy of perseverance, stating, “When we come together like this, we bring the love and labor of our communities, the sacrifices of our parents, and the dreams of our ancestors.”

As the event concluded, organizers expressed their commitment to ensuring that all Bruins, particularly those who identify as Latino, first-generation, or low-income, can thrive. “The Latinx Success Center stands as a powerful expression of UCLA’s commitment to student success,” Galván stated, highlighting the center’s role in providing essential resources and guidance.

As attendees began to leave, the last notes of cumbia music echoed across the plaza. The gathering had turned Wilson Plaza into a space of connection, reflection, and community, embodying the spirit of “home” that was celebrated throughout the day.