Latinx Cultural Center builds community and connection on campus

This academic year, DePaul will continue its work toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a focus area of Designing DePaul. While a specific enrollment goa​​​l must be met to gain this designation, the university understands it is not enough to simply achieve that number; DePaul must continue to serve these students with time, care and resources to ensure their time as a Blue Demon is successful.  

The designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution will strengthen the university’s existing efforts and resources available to DePaul’s Latinx-identifying students, such as the Latinx Cultural Center. 

“The center is a place where people from all Latinx backgrounds can be their authentic selves. Even our orange-painted walls – which is common in Hispanic households – are intentional and meant to help the center feel like a home away from home for our students,” says Flor Reza, program manager for the Latinx Cultural Center. “From international snacks to programming, we aim to help our Latinx students see themselves and their culture represented on campus.” 

Chicago has the fifth highest Hispanic population amongst large cities in the U.S.​ According to the 2020 census, just under 30% of Chicagoans identify as Hispanic or Latinx, with dozens of countries and cultures representing the population. As the university’s Latinx student body continues to grow and reflect the broader Chicago community, Reza and her team aim to continue seeking out and incorporating feedback from across campu​s on what initiatives and programs can best serve diverse students. Much of her work as program manager is centered on community building, a crucial aspect of retention, Reza notes. 

“Before joining the cultural center in 2023, I worked in Academic Continuity and Engagement at DePaul for two years. My role there focused on retention of our Black- and Latinx-identifying students,” she says. “I have seen how important just one relationship or experience can be in making a difference in students’ time here – if a student stays or leaves. I am so grateful to now be in a position where I can help develop programming to positively affect even more members of our community.” 

While regular programming is offered through the Latinx Cultural Center throughout the academic year, Reza and other campus partners have developed a number of events this fall in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The Latinx Cultural Center’s signature event, FERIA, will return to the Lincoln Park Campus on Sept. 26 with food, activities and live entertainment. 

“We’re really excited for this year’s theme, ‘Jaripeo,’ or ‘Mexican rodeo,’” Reza says. “Each year we try to use some aspect of Latinx heritage as a theme for the event. Not only does this help us educate the DePaul community about our community’s history and impact on modern culture, but it’s also fun!” 

For more information ab​out Latinx Heritage Month events at DePaul, visit the Latinx Cultural Center page on DeHub.  

Questions about programming or the Latinx Cultural Center can be directed to Flor Reza​.