October 12, 2009
by Konstantine Zhuk | Staff Writer
Criminal justice major Julio Duarte (left) and chemistry major Angel Rojas show their support at the Sept. 22 event. Kristen Stauss | staussk@imail.losrios.edu
Several of the approximately 200 students who piled into the Student Center Sept. 22 for another lunch-and-study session, were given quite a surprise when chair of the City College Counseling Department Mauricio Gonzalez approached a podium center stage and shouted, “Welcome, La Raza!”
One by one, faculty, staff and students approached the podium to cast a welcome to City College Latino and Chicano students as well as other students from indigenous communities in all the Americas.
“We want to help you attain your academic, your personal, your professional goals,” said counselor Maria Carmen Villanueva.
Representatives from Chicano and Latino student clubs such as MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan), Brown Issues, Puente Club, Dream Team Latinos and Indigenous Peoples Club, stood up to assure the students that they’re here to help.
“[This welcoming event] gives students a chance to assimilate with faculty that they have available to them that can benefit them along the road to their success,” says Joseph Perez, a community studies major and president of the Indigenous Peoples Club.
“In the past, I’ve seen these people walk by, but I didn’t say ‘hi’ to them,” said Perez of the new faces he met at the event. “But here we get to see each other, people who have same interests.”
Students at the luncheon were presented with numerous services and programs available
to help them succeed, such as counseling services and R.I.S.E (Respect, Integrity, Self-determination, Education).
During the interactive part of the luncheon after the reception speeches, Gerardo Ochoa, an undeclared major, expressed his satisfaction with the event.
“It’s helpful to know that there are places I can go to, if I have any questions,” said Ochoa.
Students who don’t identify themselves as Latino or Chicano also attended the event.
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