St. Bonaventure’s Latin American Student Organization, otherwise known as LASO, is part of the Damietta Center, an organization working on issues regarding diversity and inclusion at the university. LASO exists in order to preserve and nourish the culture of Latin American students, which is why it is an integral part of St. Bonaventure’s ambition to be both a diverse and inclusive college. LASO strives to make students feel accepted for who they are.
LASO has been around for a decently long time.
“LASO has been around as long as I’ve been here, so at least four years,” said JeanCarlos Aponte, a senior theatre major and the president of the club. “I became president during my sophomore year and I’ve been president ever since.”
The club advisor is the head of the Spanish department, Dr. Alva Cellini.
Club members meet biweekly in room 209 of the Swan business center from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in joining LASO can stop by during a meeting.
During meetings, members will often discuss activism, advocacy, mentorship, race relations, inclusiveness, community service, leadership and Latin American history.
Students can get involved with many LASO-related events on campus. The position of events coordinator was recently added due to the number of LASO events coming up. Alicia Sanchez, a senior health science major, is currently the events coordinator for LASO.
On Wednesday, there will be a Dia de los Muertos parade outside of Plassmann Hall starting at 8 p.m. This is to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that lasts from Nov. 7 to 9. Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is an important part of Latin American culture. It was originally a holiday created to honor the goddess known as the “Lady of the Dead” and now exists to honor deceased infants and children. Celebrations for Dia de los Muertos involve skeletons, flowers and vibrant colors. Students are encouraged to show their support by attending the parade.
Students looking to exercise and learn dance can look to LASO for help. On Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., LASO hosts a Latin Dance Workshop in the Butler basement. Here, members of the club teach other students their cultural heritage through the art of dance.
LASO also hosts an annual tour of the fifth floor of Deveraux Hall , which takes place each October around Halloween.
LASO not only enlightens students with new information about different cultures, but it also provides members with multiple opportunities to learn more about the university itself.
The club is open to students looking to experience a new culture or become immersed in their own. It can also function as a huge benefit to students studying diversity and other cultures, as well as giving knowledge to Spanish majors. LASO openly encourages students to become involved in their numerous activities on campus.
By Grace Usala, Staff Writer
usalagc19@bonaventure.edu
