For the first time, Newman University was represented at the recent three-day Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) annual conference.
Emerging student campus leaders Melissa Arguijo, Grecia Nunez, Nayelly Rosales, Isabella Torres and Luis Piedra, along with faculty members Sonja Bontrager and Joshua Papsdorf and staff member Daniela Correa, traveled to Aurora, Colorado, on Oct. 30 to attend the conference.
The ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, which translates to “forward” or “onward,” showcases successful programs and initiatives of HACU-member institutions.
Workshops promoted collaboration between institutions, explored policy issues affecting the education opportunities of Hispanics and discussed trends in scholarships, internships, careers and more.
“I was excited for the students to get this national perspective, to recognize their own leadership skills and to develop their expertise,” said Bontrager, assistant professor of Spanish and co-director of Hispanic initiatives. “I think it helps to be removed from campus to see the broader world and then come back together.”
A memorable traveling experience
Rosales is a junior working toward her Bachelor of Science in biology with a pre-medical concentration and a Spanish minor. She still remembers her excitement when she received the email invitation to attend the ¡Adelante! conference.
“I was at cross-country practice and was happy that my teammate and friend Isabella Torres was also selected to attend the conference,” Rosales said.
On the drive to Colorado, the crew stopped in Garden City for breakfast provided by Newman faculty including Dean of the School of Education and Social Work Jessica Bird.
“I am so grateful to the faculty and staff who drove us to Colorado and to see the Garden of the Gods, as well as the faculty who provided breakfast and a warm welcome in Garden City,” Rosales said. “Traveling with faculty was a great opportunity to have casual conversations outside of the classroom setting and allowed for a more personal experience.”
Rosales also enjoyed the spiritual aspects of the trip. She and her fellow students lived out their Catholic identity with prayers before meals and attending a local Mass on All Saints’ Day.
“I also found the workshops that talked about overcoming imposter syndrome and being a first-generation student very useful,” she added.
‘A deeper feeling of belonging‘
Piedra, who is also a junior biochemistry major with a pre-medical concentration, initially hesitated to say “yes” to the opportunity. But as he reflected on the values that brought him to Newman University, — faith and service — Piedra knew he should take advantage of the leadership opportunity.
“I thought it might be weird since I wasn’t especially close with anyone, but being stuck in a bus for eight hours is a good tell of who you’re with,” he said. “I loved seeing a new side of my peers and connecting with the faculty and staff that kept us safe on our travels.”
The most valuable takeaway from the conference was “to take up space,” Piedra said.
“Making a difference isn’t just changing the world, sometimes simply occupying a space where you may not be expected to be is enough to make a change,” he added. “What I walked away (from the conference) with was a deeper feeling of belonging.”
Celebrating cultures through education
Sophomore Nunez of Wichita said Newman’s “strong sense of community and commitment to student success” drew her to attend.
Nunez, a biology major on the pre-physician assistant track, said her biggest takeaway from the conference was the importance of representation and advocacy for Latinx students in higher education.
“I was surprised by the range of perspectives shared from many students of different universities,” Nunez said. “As a HACU scholarship recipient, I will be attending the 39th annual conference next year as well. I am excited and honored to be able to represent Newman in future conferences.”
Like Rosales, Torres is a junior biology major with a pre-medical concentration and a Spanish minor. Newman University aligns with her career goals and values, one of which is her pride in her culture, she said. The ¡Adelante! conference was an ideal opportunity to learn more about the work of other Hispanic-serving institutions across the country.
“I think it is important to go to a university that offers in-depth exploration into something a student is passionate about,” Torres said. “When I was asked to attend such an incredible and uplifting event for Hispanics, I was so happy that I could represent my school and my culture.”
The experience gave Torres a broader awareness of the difference-making work of Hispanics throughout the community and nation.
“I saw the importance of representation and what it means to unite and advocate for education and mentorship,” she said. “There were so many discussions around building networks of support to overcome systemic barriers.”
Torres is excited to carry lessons from the conference into her work as a future health care professional.
“I now recognize the need for more Hispanic professionals in medicine and the importance of cultural pride and understanding,” she said. “It also helped me network and find mentorship opportunities to connect with people who have also been through similar challenges.”
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