Galloway, N.J. – “As a young Latina, I know firsthand the challenges that come with my role. There are times when my intelligence or abilities are questioned or undermined, but you know what drives me? My faith, my family, my colleagues, the role models at this institution who paved the way… and most importantly, you, the students. You all give me purpose.”

Ana Edmondson’s message on the importance of finding support and motivation in your community was emphasized throughout Sept. 13’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising in front of the Galloway campus’ Arts & Sciences Circle.

For seven years, the Pan-American flag — which serves as the logo for the student organization Los Latinos Unidos — has been raised to honor and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic communities on Stockton’s multicultural campus.

The tradition also launches the beginning of a month-long celebration that includes programming until Oct. 15. 

While the crowd enjoyed the sunshine, the speakers discussed many challenges surrounding being a Hispanic student, including, but not limited to, finding financial resources as an immigrant and navigating higher education as a first-generation Osprey.

Despite these systemic barriers, these students persist in their pursuit of education and upward mobility, as demonstrated by LLU president Juan Diego Chaparro Villarreal and Student Senate president Andrea Sandoval.

“We encounter ourselves in a really important moment in the history of this country, where being an immigrant is politicized in every single direction that you can think of. The true reality here is that a good amount of my (executive) board are also immigrants, and we're here to work, to study and to be better because we want our families to be proud. We want to be proud of ourselves. We want to continue the good work that we have always done, and we want to leave our countries of origin in a good place. We want to show the true grit of Venezuelans, Colombians, Mexicans and Peruvians,” Chaparro Villarreal said.

“Often, we don't have the luxury of having easily accessible resources, and a lot of us have continuously been working hard to make it to where we are now. And the education system has continuously worked against us in ways that no one knows until we speak up about it,” Sandoval said. “I just want to say this to all the students who are present here today, Latino and Hispanic: I don't know your story, but you are continuously breaking the ceilings of Hispanic and Latino students by showing everyone that we're here to stay.”

Michelle Puerta, who works in Admissions and who was recently inducted into the 2024 class of Front Runner NJ’s Top 30 Under 40 Latino Leaders of South Jersey, echoed those sentiments on the importance of a strong support system. 

“Our heritage teaches us the value of education, hard work and perseverance, but success also involves knowing where to find support and utilizing our available resources. Additionally, as we build networks, let's remember the importance of giving back,” Puerta said. “Mentoring others in our community can create a ripple effect – by sharing our knowledge and experiences, we contribute to our legacy of empowerment that extends beyond our own. Let us embrace the opportunities to support one another and continue to build a future that reflects the strength and unity of our Hispanic community.”

In her remarks, Nelida Valentin ‘86, chairperson of Stockton’s Board of Trustees, shared how much the fabric of Stockton has changed since she was a student. As a student and president of LLU, she remembers how small the Hispanic/Latino community was and how it proved difficult to host campus-wide events or even find a good empanadilla to eat.

Now, standing next to the current executive boards for LLU, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Lambda Theta Sigma Latin Sorority, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, the Honduran Student Association, the Colombian Stockton Student Association and the Guatemalan Student Association, Valentin felt a strong sense of pride and offered them some advice.

“I didn't have as much of an opportunity to look around me and see people that I can relate to and help me find that sort of emotional strength, but you do! You have it in a big way, and you should bring yourself up to the table and offer it to others as well.”

According to Edmondson, Hispanic/Latino enrollment has increased by 4 percent since 2020, bringing the percentage of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino to 19%. The assistant vice president of Student Transition, Access and Retention, however, said that this incredible progress doesn’t mean that the work is done — it has only gotten started.

“We need to get every student to that finish line. Your mentorship and support for one another, no matter your race or ethnicity, matters. Together, as one Stockton community, we will climb,” Edmondson said. 

All in all, the program was an impactful one for students in attendance.

“Celebrations like this allow for the students to feel seen and heard and as though they have a community to rely on,” Alessandra Cruz, a Psychology major from Pleasantville, said.

“This is my third time going,” said Alexandra Mendora, a Political Science major from Atlantic City. “The speakers related with me more than before, and l understand the struggles they’re talking about with this being my third year here. I think it’s important for minority groups to feel a sense of belonging and celebrations like this are a reminder of your culture and that people here are just like you.”

After a stirring performance by student Genesis Rincon, attendees made their way to the front of the Multicultural Center to enjoy an afternoon of performances and delicious food provided by La Cocina Latino Cuisine in Pennsauken. 

– Story by Loukaia Taylor and Courtney Combs

– Photos by Lizzie Nealis

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