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| Vol. 17, No. 2 | Sept. 11, 1997 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 2 | Sept. 11, 1997 |
HOLA is an active and international group. From five members six years ago, it has grown to more than 80 members and welcomes all students from various disciplines, Guzman said.
To kick off the year, the group will hold a welcoming reception for new Latino students and other interested students and faculty at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Multipurpose Room of the Trabant University Center.
According to faculty adviser Elizabeth Bertera, individual and family studies, the event will have information for new students and match them with individuals who can answer their questions and give them friendly support in adjusting to campus life.
The reception also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 25, and HOLA will join with the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington to celebrate the commemoration.
HOLA is involved in several service activities on and off the campus, according to Guzman.
"We are involved with Los Abuelos (grandparents) and the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington as an outreach project. HOLA held a fundraiser last spring that provided more than $600 to the center for much needed arts and crafts materials. This year we hope to bring some of the Los Abuelos participants to campus for a mini-bazaar to sell some of the homemade items to support the center," she said.
"We also are invited to present programs in residence halls and classrooms. We organize Spanish conversation groups at the Deer Park Restaurant for those who want to improve their Spanish or English.
"The group also visits area high schools to talk informally about college life to minority students. We also sponsor several social events to have fun and get to know each other," she said.
HOLA officers-Guzman, Melisa Prado and Carla Rodriguez, vice presidents; Daniel Perdomo, treasurer; and Yasmin Rosado, secretary-have been busy this summer planning HOLA activities.
One major annual event is the HOLA holiday dinner, which will be held Dec. 5. and will feature Latin American food and live music. The only admission charge is the donation of canned food to be given to the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington.
"We represent the Latino community on campus, and members share a common interest in Hispanic culture and language. In addition to being a focus for Latino students, HOLA contributes to both University life and to the community at large," Guzman said.
HOLA meets at 5 p.m., Thursdays, in the Kirkwood Room of the Perkins Student Center, and all interested students are invited to attend.
-Sue Swyers Moncure
