by Emily Williams
Daily Lobo
In 1969, Hispanic students created a program on the UNM campus to serve as a support system and encourage the success of students. During the past 30 years the program went through name changes while growing as a staple for the Hispanic student population. Today, El Centro de la Raza continues to thrive and benefit students of all cultures at UNM.
Andrew Gonz†lez is the student programs specialist at El Centro. His responsibilities include course advisement, assisting students with financial aid and career advisement. Gonz†lez said the main goal of El Centro is to recruit and retain students. He said El Centro is not only for academic support but also personal and cultural support.
"We look at the students holistically," Gonz†lez said. "Different components affect how well a student will do. We recruit at the high school level and share the importance of higher education."
El Centro also has a peer-mentoring program called Amistades. Gonz†lez said the program focuses on transfer students, students on probation and freshman.
He said the program helps the students choose classes, professors, edit papers and assist with math. The program also helps orient the students to the University atmosphere.
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"If the students feel better in the new environment, they will succeed and do better," GonzÖles said.
Sonia Gomez, a sophomore in the Amistades program and a computer science major, said she heard about El Centro while attending high school in Hatch.
She says she considers becoming a mentor herself.
"They really help big time," Gomez said. "The tutors are there and available whenever you need them, they'll even stay late."
Gonz†lez said El Centro is a "home away from home" for many students and a welcoming place to hang out.
Anna Sierra, a sophomore said she spends more time at El Centro than she does in her dorm room.
"I would recommend the program a lot," Sierra said. "All the mentors look at you like part of a family."
El Centro maintains relationships with students the entire time they are at school. Gonz†lez said when students graduate they have a "Raza Graduation." He said the Raza graduation is more personalized and gives the students a chance to honor their parents or whoever helped and supported them through college. El Centro does many things to raise cultural awareness on campus. On Sept. 16, Mexican Independence day, El Centro will have a marching band and a flag-raising ceremony. Also, for Hispanic heritage month, Sept.15 to Oct. 15 there will be lectures, films and events to help share what it means to be Hispanic.
The final event of this semester will be for Dia de la Muerta. On that day there will be an alter with candles in the lobby of El Centro were people can put pictures of people who have passed away in their families as a way of respect and honor.
Not only does the program work on campus, Gonz†lez said, but community outreach is a big part of El Centro as well. The program works with community centers and schools around New Mexico to encourage Hispanic studies and the importance of higher education.
El Centro is directed toward the Hispanic community but has an open door policy to all students. The facility has a library, computer pods, copy and fax services and a break room. El Centro is located at 1153 Mesa Vista Hall. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
