Dr. Ernesto R. Escoto, co-chair of OHFS

As part of the concerted efforts to meet the professional, cultural, and academic needs (as reported on the 2006 Needs Assessment Study) of OSU Latin@ faculty, staff, and students, the Organization of Hispanic Faculty and Staff (OHFS) is moving forward with plans to host Repertorio Español, a New York-based theater company. With the generous support of the Office of Minority Affairs, OHFS has secured close to 50 percent of the funding needed to bring to campus one of the largest and most successful Repertorio Español productions — Crónica de una muerte anunciada, based on Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez’ novel of the same name (click here for details).

In the 2006 Needs Assessment Survey, members of our OSU community strongly voiced their concerns about the lack of cultural events showcasing the artistic, scientific, or professional contributions of Latin Americans and Latin@s in the United States. The developers of the Needs Assessment Survey clearly understand the link between the retention and professional development of talented Latin@ students, staff, and faculty and the presence of a cultural and educational environment that not only welcomes but also promotes and showcases the scientific and artistic, among many others, contributions of Latin@s across the globe.

Repertorio Español is one of the many steps that would allow us to build such an atmosphere. This current project includes other productions that would be scheduled at various times throughout the academic year. If you are interested in learning about Repertorio Español you may visit their website at http://www.repertorio.org. In addition, the OHFS has submitted a list of names containing Latin@ scientist, educators, movie producers, actors and actresses, politicians, singers, painters, and others to the Office of Dr. Mac Stewart to be considered for the President and Provost’s Diversity Lecture Series. Most recently, in an effort to support the success of our students, OHFS sponsored the efforts of the University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO) and its statewide Hispanics in Higher Education Conference. The conference, organized by Samuel Saldivar, aimed at preparing graduate-school-bound Latin@ students for the challenges of applying for and graduate school work itself.

OHFS welcomes any ideas for cultural and educational events. Please send them to either Dr. Raúl Herrera at herrera.1@osu.edu or to this writer at escoto.2@osu.edu.