On April 13, affinity group Puentes (“bridges” in English) welcomed President Le Roy to their meeting. Advisor Rosalba Ramirez, along with student leaders Nataly Najarro, Charlie Silva and Christian Rodriguez, lead the group and organized the event.

Sponsored by MSDO, Puentes provides support to Latino/Hispanic students on Calvin’s campus. Ramirez shared that Puentes “periodically meets to enjoy aspects of Latino culture, such as food, music, dance and movies.”

During the event, Puentes’ student leaders were excited to share their group’s vision and the importance of Hispanic presence on Calvin’s campus with President Le Roy. Le Roy spoke briefly, followed by a large group discussion.

Sophomore Andrea Beltrán noted that Puentes “helps her connect with other Hispanic students on campus who share a strong family-oriented culture.” Beltrán also shared the importance of having Latino staff and faculty to serve as role models, and Le Roy voiced the importance of ensuring greater diversity in Calvin’s leadership.

The group also discussed challenges that Hispanic students experience at Calvin. Ramirez explained the dilemma faced by many Latino students, which includes “hiding who they are to fit in with the majority culture or to embrace who they are as Hispanics.” 

She also addressed stereotypes and the importance of developing a sense of self during one’s college years. Ramirez concluded that she and Martin Avila, the group’s other advisor, want Hispanic students to know that “they are an asset to Calvin and that our cultural differences are enriching our community.”

Puentes hosts many events, including a fall outing to a pumpkin patch, dinners at Hispanic restaurants and dance parties. Ramirez explains that the activities “build community among the members and create a home-away-from-home environment” for Latino students. Last May, Puentes, along with the Spanish House and LASA (a student association for International Latino students), initiated a “Sabor Latino” (Latin Flavor) party, with music only in Spanish and a salsa dance lesson. Sponsored by LASA, the party will be held again this year on April 23.

Ramirez emphasized that Puentes events are open to non-Latino students. If students are interested in learning more or joining Puentes, they should contact her at [email protected].