The music of Yunuen Carrillo and Mariachi México de Utah welcomed more than 1-thousand guests to Utah Valley University’s 11th annual Celebración Latinoamericana. The evening also included dinner and colorful Latin American dance performances. But it was the hundreds of students honored at the event, and their passion for excelling in education that took center stage.
“This annual event is an opportunity to welcome Latino families to our campus, celebrate the Latino students’ academic achievement, enjoy the richness of the Latino culture through cultural dance performances, and recognize individuals and organizations for their work in advancing the Latino community,” said Yudi Lewis, Latino Initiative program director at Utah Valley University. “It is an event where we celebrate the students and their future generations.”
123 students from Dixon Middle School received Rising Wolverine awards, signifying they had maintained a 3.5 minimum GPA for the academic year. The Utah County Academy of Sciences also honored 27 Latino graduates. 124 UVU scholarships were awarded to Latino students.
Sandra Marza Villarreal received a scholarship from the Woodbury School of Business. Marza Villarreal is a junior, majoring in business, from Bolivia. She said she came to UVU for the opportunity to learn English and get a college education. “This actually means a lot. Being an international student, tuition is really high. I am here by myself. My parents and family are in Bolivia. Being recognized is very nice, and this means a lot for my family too. They are really proud of me.”
President Astrid S. Tuminez was welcomed to the podium by performers and the audience singing “Eres tú.” She delivered her remarks in Spanish, encouraging the audience to achieve their dreams. Marza Villarreal says she is determined to follow that advice.
“I want to go back to Bolivia and have an impact on the economy,” she said. “Comparing Bolivia to the U.S., the reality is, really it is very different. You can see the difference in the lifestyle.”
Her goal is to establish a stronger business community. “I think Bolivia needs local businesses,” she said. “There are local business, but they are small, and I want to make them grow. That is why I am studying business management. I want to go and help the businesses, and eventually have my own business and then make an impact in the economy.”
Meanwhile, although far from home, Marza Villarreal has found a place at Utah Valley University. “I think we have a lot of diversity here at UVU. I feel that no matter where you are from, you are going to be welcomed, and you feel like you are home.”
Lewis says that is the goal of events such as Celebración Latinoamericana and the efforts of the Latino Initiative Program all year long.
“We hope that every student who attends the Celebración Latinoamericana knows that their cultural experiences are valued and that they have a place in higher education. Every one of these students has the potential of achieving their educational dreams.”
Since its inception in 2007, the UVU Latino Initiative has increased the Latino student enrollment by 329% and the Latino graduation headcount by 372%.
We hope that every student who attends the Celebración Latinoamericana knows that their cultural experiences are valued and that they have a place in higher education. Every one of these students has the potential of achieving their educational dreams.
- Yudi Lewis, Latino Initiative Program Director
