UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 32, Page D3
May 21, 1992
Diversity
Organization celebrates diversity of Hispanic cultures

     The Organization for the Advancement of Latin Americans (HOLA) is
a student organization serving Hispanic undergraduates, though
Hispanic graduate students and students from other backgrounds are
welcome to join.
     While HOLA serves as a meeting ground for students from Latin
America and the Caribbean, according to vice president Magda Pagan, a
primary purpose of the group is to make the University of Delaware
community aware of the diversity in Hispanic cultures and to share the
beauty and values found there. Faculty adviser Elizabeth Bertera
agrees.
     "We all have pride in our many different backgrounds and
histories, and want to share this knowledge with others," says
Bertera."We recognize our commonalities. We also learn to appreciate
and celebrate our many differences."
     HOLA has approximately 160 student members from Central and South
American countries and the Caribbean. Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama,
Puerto Rico and Peru are among the countries represented in the group,
as are Portuguese-speaking Brazil and several Hispanic cultures in the
United States.
     The organization is about to undergo a name change, according to
Bertera. Although not yet determined, the new name will reflect a
wider number of Spanish-speaking countries.
     "Students from Spain may be put off by the name, which at present
designates only Western Hemisphere countries," explains Bertera. "And
since respect for diversity is what this organization is about, we
want the name to encompass and encourage every Hispanic culture."
     HOLA makes an effort to attract any student who is interested in
learning, regardless of whether the person is Hispanic or not. A
number of HOLA members are not Hispanic, but Anglo.
     "Of the three HOLA officers, two are Hispanic-Dorcus Rodriguez
and Magda Pagan. But the treasurer, Tony Ciuffetelli, is Anglo,"
Bertera points out. "That's a indication of how open to diversity our
group really is."
     Guest lecturers are invited to meetings to speak about Hispanic
countries and cultures. Lydia Garner, a history professor, recently
gave a presentation on Brazil and how it differs from neighboring
Spanish-speaking countries in South America. Films are also shown.
     "These activities and the opportunity to meet with us will help
to affirm a more positive image of Hispanics, their cultures and
lifestyles," Pagan says. "Too often, U.S. news media, television shows
and films portray us in a very negative way."
     Pagan adds that the first HOLA newsletter, Entre Lineas, which
literally means "reading between the lines," was published this month.
Its purpose is to provide information about student activities and to
promote further understanding of Hispanic cultures.
     During the academic year, HOLA meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in
102 Purnell Hall.