University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO)

¡Bienvenidos a OSU! Maybe you are the first to go off to college, or maybe you are the last; either way, this is the start to some of the best years of your life. At a school like Ohio State you may be a little anxious about the size, but let me tell you… it’s no big deal, really!

Student organizations are a great way to make Ohio State seem smaller. I have been involved in a variety of student organizations and they have made all the difference. They have helped me network, learn time management skills and have helped me create my own little niche here at OSU. UCHO serves as the council that unites the Hispanic/Latin@ organizations on campus. Currently we have 12 organization members which are very diverse but share the common goal of serving the Latin@ students here at OSU. Please take a moment to read their descriptions below.

Get excited to come to Ohio State and get involved!

Maria Sanchez, Chair
sanchez.789@osu.edu


Hispanic Graduate Organization (HGO)

The purpose of HGO is to enhance and promote personal development; provide information; support and assist the academic development; and facilitate social and cultural awareness and activity needs of its members by providing and coordinating services, programs activities, and communications for or with students, administrators faculty, and external entities.

We organize social meetings and movie-nights in which our members have the opportunity to mingle with other Latin Americans on campus; as well as outreach activities that contribute to the betterment of the Hispanic American community in Columbus.

Ernesto Inoa, President
inoa.2@osu.edu

Alpha Psi Lambda members.

Alpha Psi Lambda Fraternity Inc. — Alpha Chapter

On behalf of the noble brothers and sisters of Alpha Psi Lambda, I would like to extend a warm welcome to The Ohio State University. My name is Luis Sanchez and I serve as the president of Alpha Psi Lambda. It is the nation’s first and largest co-ed Latin@ interest fraternity and it was founded right here at The Ohio State University. Our fraternity has provided both Latin@s and non-Latin@s on campus a “home away from home” for over 20 years and we look forward to introducing our familia to incoming students.

As an active Greek organization, our members exemplify a strong focus on academics, community service, and leadership development while holding social activities which bring the fraternity together. Alpha Psi Lambda provides an environment where you can refine your leadership skills and create networks that will benefit you throughout the college experience and upon graduation. Our fraternity also serves as an incredible way to connect with the Latino culture both on campus and within the Columbus community.

As you begin your endeavor at The Ohio State University, I encourage you to seek out involvement opportunities as they will allow this large campus to become more intimate and personal. I hope that you strongly consider learning more about Alpha Psi Lambda and the great opportunities that we offer.

Have a great first year and as always, GO BUCKS!

Luis A. Sanchez, President
sanchez.796@osu.edu

Miguel Lopez, Recruitment Chair
lopez.154@osu.edu
http://apl.org.ohio-state.edu/

HBSA students represent Ohio State at a conference in Los Angeles.

Hispanic Business Student Organization (HBSA)

The Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) promotes the educational and professional careers of its members with an emphasis on the Hispanic minority population at The Ohio State University. Members are encouraged to become future leaders in the business world. Inspiring guest speakers, from the public and private sector, are invited to present. Companies, organizations and individuals host workshops which are designed to address educational issues, business trends, and career opportunities relating to Hispanics.

The organization is open to all graduate and undergraduate students who support strengthening the Hispanic business agenda by indicating a strong interest in promoting business education and the professional advancement of Hispanics.

HBSA meets every other week and actively participates in Hispanic Awareness Week activities, and attends the annual NHBA Hispanic Business Student Leadership Conference.

Maritza Perez, Recruiting Chair
perez.137@osu.edu
http://hbsa.org.ohio-state.edu


College Assistance Migrant Program Alumni Association (CAMPAA)

CAMPAA has taken it upon itself to get involved with the national issue concerning proposed immigration reform by supporting fair and just legislation. This is an extremely important issue because as the majority of migrant workers in the United States are immigrants or children of immigrants. CAMPAA supports reform that takes into consideration the positive contributions this society receives from immigrants, but more importantly the enhancement of our culture by the inclusion of attributions from theirs. Many CAMPAA members have participated in rallies and demonstrations throughout the city and the university communities in support of fair reform. CAMPAA members feel strongly about this issue and know that what is at stake is priceless for many immigrants and Americans.

Additionally, CAMPAA @ OSU did not waste any time this year in getting involved and giving back to the Hispanic community in Columbus, Ohio. Between Sept. 14 and Oct. 15, CAMPAA members supported Hispanic Leaders in Columbus by attending and volunteering in several Hispanic awareness events. For example, on October 14th CAMPAA volunteered in the 3rd Annual Walk-a Thon, for the Columbus Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which rose over $16,000. The city of Columbus recognized October as its official Hispanic Heritage Month. Due to the great effort exerted by the members of CAMPAA@OSU, CAMPAA’s name was included in the official proclamation. Furthermore, the alumni have taken time from their busy class schedules to become volunteers in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio Program, by visiting with elementary and middle school English as Second Language (ESL) students.

Mario Costilla
costilla.2@osu.edu


PAN-Hispanic Latino Organization (PHLO)

The Pan-Hispanic Latino Organization (PHLO) shall provide service and help to the community while promoting a basis for diversity and involvement in campus-wide activities and developing the leadership skills of its members. More importantly it will provide incoming freshmen and currently enrolled Ohio State students with moral and academic support. PHLO will serve as a means of communication and support amongst the Hispanic community within The Ohio State University and the city of Columbus, and will provide cultural, educational, and social experiences to all of its members.

As far as activities, PHLO participates in athletic activities such as playing soccer or football with a group of friends on weekends. We also participate in the Taste of OSU, which is where a group of organizations have an event that serves food from their respective culture(s), and we also have out-of-school activities such as going out to the movies.

By joining PHLO, a student will get to experience the cultural activities that we have to offer. Becoming a PHLO member will allow students to meet with Hispanic OSU faculty and network with OSU alumni that have recently graduated. Members say that their experience with the organization has given them a sense of a family environment. You build friendships that will become important in your college career and life.

Juan Segura, President
segura.7@osu.edu, phlo@osu.edu

Folclor Hispano promotes traditional dances from many Latin American countries.

Folclor Hispano

Folclor Hispano welcomes the class of 2011! My name is Clarissa Pena and I serve as the president of Folclor Hispano. Folclor Hispano is a dance group that strives to learn and perform traditional folkloric dances of Spanish speaking countries. These countries include Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, Spain, Peru and Bolivia. Folclor Hispano has performed in the community at several events representing the Hispanic/Latin@ culture. These events include Fiesta in the Fall and Noche Latina. Noche Latina is our annual spring performance.

We would like to say that joining a student organization is an excellent way to meet other students and become part of a smaller community. We hope that you will take the opportunity to join Folclor Hispano. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of age, ethnicity, or profession. Be sure to visit our table at the Student Involvement Fair during the first week of school. Also, feel free to visit our website http://folclor.org.ohio-state.edu or email pena.19@osu.edu for more information about Folclor Hispano.

Clarissa Pena, President
pena.19@osu.edu

Members of the Puerto Rican Student Organization show their pride.

Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA)

The purpose of the Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA) is to implement Puerto Rican influence into the broader OSU community both on and off campus by working with and conducting events in the cultural, social, political, and educational spectrum. The PRSA is a student organization created to bring together the Puerto Rican community at Ohio State and celebrate Puerto Rican culture. It is an organization that is open to anyone no matter what ethnicity.

Throughout the year, we participate in several events. The most well-known event is our dominadas or domino tournaments. We all get together with friends and other people from the university and celebrate a night of domino tournaments, music, dancing, and of course, Puerto Rican food. We also participate in the annual Taste of OSU and are beginning to co-sponsor charity events for a cure for autism.

We always look forward to new members!

Nati Román, President
roman.60@osu.edu


Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Since its inception, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) has endeavored to attract and retain Hispanic students interested in the science, technology, engineering and math related fields. SHPE’s commitment to students is to provide opportunities for personal and professional development. This is also an organization that focuses on being a social outlet for Hispanic Ohio State students. Our organization is geared around intellect, intelligence, and fun. Every year we hold events ranging from our Symposium in the fall quarter to our picnic in the spring. If you are looking for networking opportunities, Hispanic friends, or just something to get your mind off of school, SHPE is the perfect organization for you!

We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Luis Carbajal, President
carbajal.2@osu.edu


Oi Brasil

The Oi Brasil! OSU Portuguese Club is a student organization that aims to promote awareness of Brazilian and Luso-cultures through language, music and dance. An active member of UCHO and tied closely to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Oi Brasil! also functions as a forum for the diverse academic fields that work with Brazil and the Luso-world.

Oi Brasil! meets weekly for “bate-papo” or informal conversation tables. It is an opportunity to practice your Portuguese, “matar as saudades” and get to know others with similar interests. We are currently coordinating a schedule for a series of dance workshops (forró, pagode, samba, axé).

Isabel Gonzalez, President
gonzalez.204@osu.edu


The Hispanic Oversight Committee (HOC)

The Hispanic Oversight Committee (HOC) is pleased to know you are considering the Ohio State University as an option in your college search. At Ohio State, diversity is very important and the university leadership has shown strong support for Hispanic/Latin@ issues. Appointed by the Provost, the HOC’s main function is to serve as a voice for the OSU Hispanic/Latin@ community to the university administration. The HOC focuses its energies on the recruitment and retention of Latin@ faculty, staff and students, and Hispanic/Latin@ cultural and academic enrichment. Specific initiatives the HOC is currently working on include supporting the continued development of the Latino/a Studies program, enhancing graduate student recruitment, and obtaining increased funds for Hispanics related activities.

The HOC is a body to represent the Hispanic/Latin@ community at Ohio State, so I encourage everyone to become involved and support our efforts. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help, and we hope to see you on campus someday!

Jose Castro, Chair
castro.38@osu.edu


The Organization of Hispanic Faculty and Staff (OHFS)

The Organization of Hispanic Faculty and Staff (OHFS) is the organization of all Latin@ faculty and staff at The Ohio State University. Our mission is to support the success and well being of Latin@ students, faculty and staff of the university. The OHFS promotes a sense of community by addressing issues of relevance for faculty and staff at Ohio State. We meet monthly to discuss issues of general concern to the membership, and often work in collaboration with the Hispanic Oversight Committee.

OHFS plays an important role in providing educational, social and cultural opportunities for faculty and staff at OSU. In the past, OHFS co-sponsored the national premiere of the Costa Rican film Caribe and the Ecuador Cultural Ambassadors Program, helping to bring artists, film makers, and musicians from Costa Rica and Ecuador to our campus. In addition, OHFS sponsors socials for faculty and staff to get to know each other, and supports academic events such as the first ever conference on graduate education lead by the University-Wide Council of Hispanic Organizations.

We hope to see you on Ohio State’s campus soon!

Ernesto Escoto, Co-Chair
escoto.2@osu.edu

Raul Herrera, Co-Chair
herrera.1@osu.edu