About Us

History

The first meeting of the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association took place on Saturday, March 25, 2000. Georgia Burgueno, from the Office of Multicultural Affairs, was instrumental in making this affiliate group possible. Historically, Latino graduates had rarely participated in alumni-related activities. IU Bloomington boasts well over 3,000 Latino alumni who represent a vast amount of untapped resources and expertise from which IU could benefit. To begin tapping those resources, the OMA developed a Latino Affiliate Group, with the assistance of the IU Alumni Association in the year 2000. Alba Franco served as president of the first board of directors

Mission

The Latino Alumni Association shall have, as its primary function, the charge to stimulate and foster an environment of positive interaction between the Indiana University, Indiana University Alumni Association, and the community of Latino alumni. The association will organize to sponsor and promote events that will continue to stimulate, contribute, and foster the existing diverse cultural background of IU and establish an avenue whereby Latino alumni may establish, continue, and foster new and existing relationships between each other and maintain the integrity and rich tradition of educational excellence.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of the Latino Alumni Association (LAA)?

Because the LAA is an affiliate group of the IUAA, you are automatically a member of the LAA if:

  1. You are a member of the IUAA; and
  2. You "self-identified" as Latino or Hispanic upon enrollment at IU.
  3. Members receive their first year free, first five years discounted (include prices), and you can sign up on our Web site and even pay with credit card. Make sure to indicate "Latino Alumni" in the comments box.

The LAA has no further membership fees – that is included in your IUAA membership.

What if I am not Latino or I did not identify myself as Latino while at IU?

Even if you are not Latino, you can be a member of the LAA. The LAA is an inclusive organization that welcomes all interested parties. In this situation, you should indicate your interest in the LAA when you sign up for membership in the IUAA. To be sure you are on the mailing list, you can also or call Clarence Boone Jr. at (812) 856-1050.

If you are Latino, but did not "self-identify" as Latino or Hispanic upon enrollment at IU, you can request that the IUAA designate you as Latino. Many alumni attended IU before race and ethnicity questions were a part of the application process. Additionally, those who are biracial or bicultural may have checked another description. Requests to be designated as Hispanic or Latino should be made to at (812) 856-1050.

What if I attended IU, but did not graduate?

Even if you only completed three credit hours at IU (and are no longer taking classes), you are considered an alumnus or alumna and are eligible for membership!

Can I be a member if I graduated from or attended another IU campus?

You are welcome to be a member if you graduated from another IU campus. However, because the LAA is relatively young, efforts will be focused on the particular concerns and experiences of IU Bloomington alumni. Once the LAA’s presence is better established, the IUAA and the LAA will advocate for and assist other campuses in establishing alumni groups, as well as a Latino alumni network comprised of all campuses.

Why should I become a member?

Membership in the LAA is a way to reconnect and maintain contact with your college friends. The LAA publishes two newsletters annually, provides relevant information via an electronic newsletter, holds an annual reunion and other regional events. Your membership makes all of this possible.

Membership is also a way to give back to the campus. The alumni association facilitates connection with current students through a mentoring program and a scholarship fund. The alumni association also plans to be involved with students through other events such as the Latino Leadership Conference, held annually on the Bloomington campus.

Contact Us

, Latino Alumni Association President
(219) 938-7070 ext. 2707

, Latino Alumni Association Liaison
(812) 856-1050

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