Luna, who graduated from UD in 2000, has worked at the University for four years. During her time as an undergraduate, she was a member of the DSharps a cappella group, a Blue Hen Ambassador, a Spirit Ambassador and a student building supervisor. In addition, she was a member of HOLA, the University's Latino heritage group, and of the University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
As a program coordinator for the Student Centers, Luna remains just as busy--serving as the adviser to HOLA and working with many other registered student organizations (RSOs), including fraternities and sororities, to plan events. Luna also supervises students when forming new RSOs. She is also a member of the Latino Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month planning committees and played a major role in the creation of LEARN, the Latino Enrichment and Resource Network.
Becki Fogerty, manager of the Office of Women's Affairs (OWA), said she serves on the executive committee and chose to nominate Luna for her dedication and contributions on and off campus. Fogerty said part of the OWA's mission is to celebrate women like Luna by nominating young women professionals on campus for awards like the ACE/OWHE Rising Star.
“Students, colleagues and supervisors alike rave about Lalena's commitment to improving student leadership and appreciation of diversity,” Fogerty said. “Her unique perspective as a student leader and now as a staff member in the Activities and Programs Office make her a valuable asset and the reason she was chosen as one of this year's Rising Stars.”
Luna said while she was aware of the nomination, she was surprised to learn she won. “It was exciting to learn I was one of the recipients for the award,” she said. “I love what I do, and it's gratifying to receive that recognition and appreciation, especially to know that I had an impact on a colleague from another office who nominated me.”
Luna said she hopes to continue to build upon her role with the Student Centers and work with as many RSOs as she can. “I want to continue working with the Latino Enrichment and Resource Network for freshman and transfer students and keep working with student organizations at the University,” she said.
Luna said she believes it is the time she spent as a student leader that makes her time at the University as an employee so worthwhile.
“I don't think I would have this position at any other school,” she said. “My experiences specifically at Delaware helped me know where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. Long after I graduated, I kept the lines of communication open with the people I worked with as an undergraduate.”
Article by Sarah Lipman, AS '08
Photo by Kathy Atkinson
