University of Iowa Alumni Association |
January 2010 |
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Latino and Native American Alumni Alliance (LANA3)
NEWSLETTER |
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Join LANA3 Alumni on Ning.com
Due to an impressive grassroots campaign through www.ning.com, UI African-American alumni and friends pulled together a successful 2009 Afro-American Cultural Center and Alumni reunion. Now, it’s your turn! Join TODAY to take part in discussions, reconnect with LANA alumni, and increase the strength of the LANA3 alumni network.
Position Opening
The University of Iowa is seeking to hire a Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President. For details, visit www.uiowa.edu/~cdoavp
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We hope you find the first edition of this newsletter a valuable resource with insights into the UI Latino and Native American campus and alumni culture. This will be our primary source of communication as we near the 40th anniversary of the Latino Native American Cultural Center (LNACC).
In 2011, the Latino and Native American Cultural Center (LNACC), formerly known as the Chicano and Indian American Student Union, will celebrate 40 years on the University of Iowa campus. We look forward to hosting alumni and friends of all generations to help celebrate this milestone. A specific date will be determined, in part, from the opinions gathered in an online survey. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to help plan for the 2011 LNACC celebration. We value your input and want the celebration events to reflect your interests. You’ll also be asked if you are interested in helping with the celebration or a specific event—alumni volunteers are a critical component to the success of this momentous occasion. |
Nancy “Rusty” Barceló to receive UI Alumni Association’s
Distinguished Alumni Award |
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 Each year since 1963, the University of Iowa Alumni Association has presented accomplished alumni and friends with its highest honor—the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA). This year, Nancy “Rusty” Barceló (72MA, 80PhD) has been selected to receive an achievement award. Barceló is a pioneer in convincing university communities to embrace principles of equality, diversity, and multiculturalism. Throughout an illustrious career in academic administration—first at the UI, where she helped found the Latino and Native American Cultural Center—she has proved herself a visionary leader for transformational change. She currently serves as the vice provost for equity and diversity at the University of Minnesota. She will receive her award at the June 12, 2010, DAA ceremony hosted by the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
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| Update: UI Latino Council (formerly the Council on the Status of Latinos), by Dr. Juan Gatica. |
 The University of Iowa Latino Council, established in the fall of 1989 as the Council on the Status of Latinos, was started by Latino faculty and staff to address issues raised by their constituencies who historically had been underrepresented in institutions of higher education. The Council on the Status of Latinos ceased to function for a brief period and is now in the process of reorganizing itself as the UI Latino Council.
The mission of this council is to create and maintain an environment that addresses the needs and concerns of Latino faculty and staff, keep abreast of issues affecting UI Latino students, and serve as an advisory body to the university. This council will impact our campus by pursuing its mission, helping recruit high quality faculty, staff, and students, and mentoring junior members of our community as well as our students.
Questions: E-mail - juan-gatica@uiowa.edu |
Meet Roberto Paniagua |
 Roberto Paniagua, a UI junior from Westchester, IL, recently sat down to answer a few questions about his involvement opportunities on campus. With a double major in political science and economics, he takes full advantage of all that the UI has to offer.
What keeps you busy when you’re not in the classroom?
I’m president of the Multicultural Business Organization; a peer leader for the Iowa Edge summer orientation program for minority and first generation college students; Ambassador and previous peer advisor for the Center for Diversity and Enrichment (CDE); and I help do marketing for the Winterim India Program, where we travel to India with more than 100 professors and students to learn about sustainability and empower villagers. I’m also an Advantage Iowa scholarship recipient and an honors student.
Why did you choose the UI?
I felt comfortable from the moment I stepped on campus. Just as importantly, my parents felt comfortable leaving me—a first generation college student—here. There’s an opportunity to pursue everything I’m interested in: study abroad, international speakers, and cultural and athletic events. Also, I really enjoy a cup of coffee at the Java House.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’d like to work at the Federal Reserve or for an international non-profit organization. I’m interested in monetary policy that focuses on the least advantaged. |
Alumni, We Want YOU! Join us for “Discussions of Color,”
January 21, 2010 |
Each semester, the Center for Diversity and Enrichment (CDE) hosts a campus-wide event called Community of Color that brings some 400 students, staff, and faculty of color together for discussion, camaraderie, and networking. On Thursday, January 21, 2010, participants will enjoy good food and company as they show support for current minority students, as well as a special performance by Voices of Soul.
Due to an overwhelming response to this event, a Discussions of Color Roundtable has been created by the UI Alumni Association for ALL alumni to attend and help support minority students through meaningful dialogue and relationship building. We are seeking alumni who will share their Iowa story, lessons learned, and suggestions for success after graduation. Find out more and register at www.iowalum.com/diversity/discussions/. |
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