Latinx family night was hosted on the evening of Sept. 10 on campus in Student Center 212 and saw a turnout of approximately 100 people.

Of these event goers, not only were students present, but additionally, many students’ families were in attendance too. Music helped set the mood and create a laid-back atmosphere. Free food was served, and the event organizers were helpful and inviting. For the most part, people just enjoyed the food and each other’s company.

Many of the people present at the event spoke highly of it, as a way of celebrating the Latinx community. “It’s a Latino event, it’s my community, my family,” said Carlos Matute, sophomore student and ASGCC member. Matute is pursuing a double major in both political science and administration of justice, with the goal of becoming a diplomat. The gathering was also described as a place where “we could all get together and share ideas and our backgrounds, so that’s why I like it” by Alejandro Zamarripa, another member of ASGCC that attended the event. “I like to be the voice for others, or for those who are afraid to talk,” said Zamarripa, who hopes that majoring in political science will aid him in realizing his ambitions.

Along with students and other attendees, staff too had high praise for the occasion and its relevance as a way of reinforcing community bonds. “It’s important to help students feel connected and feel like they have a space that they belong in, and so with all our welcome activities, that’s what we’ve been trying to incorporate, building communities; building relationships,” said Dean of Student Affairs, Tzoler Oukayan, who helped organize the event and has done so for the past three years.

Additionally, multiple short presentations were held throughout the evening that detailed the plethora of ways in which GCC seeks to support all students, but particularly those belonging to the Latinx community. This turned the occasion into more than just a social gathering, but also a helpful resource for students in need of guidance for their time at GCC and beyond.

Away from the event, Hispanic Serving Initiatives director Michael Davis listed some specific ways in which GCC aims to aid its Latinx population. The college, being a Hispanic serving institution, qualifies for unique federal grants. Currently, there are three different federal awards being offered that can benefit Latinx students, Davis explained. Information regarding these grants can be received through the financial aid office and the scholarship office.

Davis went on to explain some of the student-oriented groups on campus specifically geared towards the Latinx community. La Comunidad, a learning community that offers private counseling, events, and field trips for Latinx students, Estudiantes Unidos, a Latinx leadership program where students can meet with administrators and propose projects, and Orgullo Latine, a club for Latinx students, were all mentioned by Davis.

Lucas Lignini can be reached at [email protected].