by Abigail Ramirez
Daily Lobo
John Benavidez said the expenses of higher education can discourage Hispanics from obtaining a master's degree.
That is why he created Hispano Master of Business Administration Day this year.
"Culturally, families might not encourage you to go to school, but we are hoping by bringing in professionals we can show that it's important to get an MBA and what it means for the students' future," Benavidez said.
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About 45 people attended the event Saturday to learn more about the degree program.
The event was created to increase the number of Hispanic students in business administration to better reflect the state's population, Benavidez said.
Twenty-three percent of the program is made up of Hispanics, but New Mexico is made up of about 40 percent Hispanics, Benavidez said.
UNM alumna Alma Gonzalez said she attended the event because she is interested in continuing her education to get a master's in business administration.
"It gives you an edge over the competition already out there," Gonzalez said. "I think Hispanics tend to lack in pursuing their education, and it's important to continue."
Graduates of the program spoke at the event encouraging higher education.
Information was provided about how to apply for the degree program, scholarships, student organizations, employment places and the exam needed to get into the program.
Elva Hernandez said she is thinking about pursuing a master's in business administration.
"I believe a lot of people have a bad impression of Hispanics, but they are just as capable as any other ethnic group to contribute to the economy and to the community," Hernandez said.
In 2005, the Hispanic Business magazine named the Anderson Schools of Management among the country's top 10 business schools for Hispanic students.
The degree program is 48 credit hours, or 16 classes.
There are nine concentration areas available in the program, such as accounting management and international management in Latin America.
Charles Crespy, dean of Anderson Schools of Management, said the school is undergoing a $1.6 million construction project to create a center for business ethics, technology management and a financial services facility.
Crespy said the construction project will make the school more welcoming.
"We are working hard at Anderson to create the kind of environment that's for all people open, welcoming and nurturing, so that when you make the commitment to do something that is difficult, we're there to help you, and we're there to help in a variety of ways," he said.
Students interested in the program should contact the Anderson Schools of Management office at 277-3147.
The deadline to register for fall semester in the Anderson Schools of Management is June 1.
