Latina/o Studies celebrates the class of 2023

Congratulations to the Latina/o Studies undergraduate and graduate minors and graduates of the class of 2023!

On this festive weekend the Latina/o Studies, Latine Student Success Office, and the Cornell Latino Alumni Association celebrated with families, students, faculty and staff the accomplishments of 10 undergraduate and one graduate student of the class of 2023. The celebration began with a welcome by Latina/o Studies director, Vilma Santiago-Irizarry followed by presentation of minors. "Thank you for inspiring the program with your intellect, curiosity, and creativity, with your sense of hope and collective agency. I hope that you have been transformed as we, your professors and mentors have been transformed by you, by your passion in each of our classes. You have survived a global pandemic."

We announced several awards and recognitions throughout the morning. Award for outstanding work in the Latina/o Studies undergraduate minor, community engagement and academic achievements, nominated by faculty, was given to Claudia Leon and presented by Professor Maria Cristina Garcia, the programs Director of Undergraduate Studies and incoming LSP director; and Bran Alves-Morgan presented the Latine Student Success Office certificates of appreciation recognizing outstanding dedication and service to Cornell's Latinx student community to Mary K. Redmond, Senior Lecturer of Spanish Language, and Azucena (Zucy) Ortega, Events Coordinator/Program Assistant, Latina/o Studies/Latine Student Success Office.

Latina/o Studies student interns, Melissa Montejo '23 and Daphne Lucana '23 were recognized for their years of dedicated support to LSP and LSSO.

Latina/o Studies faculty and staff spoke about the many accomplishments of the minors and graduates who had worked with them over the years, and students and alums who were present shared their memories.

Our special guest was Cornell alum Eric Rosario ’91, Search Director for the Aspen Leadership Group. Eric, the co-founder of the Latino Association of Tompkins County, made history as the first Latino to be elected to the City of Ithaca’s Common Council. He also served as Acting Mayor. He had the honor of addressing the Class of 2023. “Felicitations and congratulations to each and every one of you on your scholarly accomplishments as graduates and minors of the Latina/o Studies Program. As you step into the world as Cornell alumni, I have no doubt that you will inspire, lead, and make a profound impact wherever your journey takes you. For those challenging points along your journey, my advice is to nurture your relationships with those who have helped you recognize your gifts when you doubted or couldn’t see them; and do the same for others. May your futures be filled with purpose, fulfillment, and the unwavering determination to uplift and empower our communities.” 

As is customarily declared at commencement ceremonies, welcome to the Latinx Studies community of scholars. Remember to live out your life with the expectation that your best days will always be ahead of you and keep in touch with us as you move forward into exciting futures.

We welcome you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on all things Latinx.

LSP graduating minors pose for a picture

"Bienvenidos a la familia de graduad@s de Cornell! As the President of CLAA, it makes me so happy that we get to welcome another wonderful group into our strong and diverse familia. This class is extra special because our board has gotten to hear your voices and learn from you about what your dreams and passions are, and what it’s like to be Latino/a/x at Cornell. As you return to your communities and make new communities, remember to reach back and build a path for those coming behind you. We can’t wait to have you come to our regional events. Don’t forget DAP reunion is 2024 and we hope to see you there if not before. Un abrazo fuerte!" Calie Santana '98, President, Cornell Latino Alumni Association (CLAA)

 

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