Latinx/Hispanic Identity Development Resources

This initiative is an open monthly gathering designed to foster community and connection among all students, with a particular focus on those who are interested in engaging with Latinx/Hispanic cultures. It provides an opportunity for students to meet, share experiences, and discuss college life at Elon in an informal and supportive environment. All students are welcome to participate, learn from one another, and contribute to building a strong support network on campus.

Café con Leche is always in El Centro and from 5:30 – 7PM. The dates for Spring Semester 2025 are:

• Thursday, February 6th
• Tuesday, March 11th
• Tuesday, April 22nd

If you’d like to RSVP, email MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director of CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu).

Conexiones is a partnership between El Centro and Admissions highlighting the vast opportunities for newly accepted students to engage with Latinx/Hispanic culture at Elon University.

For more information on this program, email Kimberly Romero, Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Diversity and Access (kromero@elon.edu).

This culminating event of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates student success while highlighting the contributions and achievements of the Latinx/Hispanic community at Elon. Open to all students, faculty, and staff, it serves as a space for empowerment, recognition, and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

Gala Latina 2025 will on Friday, October 24th.

For more info, contact: MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

This stole ceremony is held the day before graduation to honor the achievements and contributions of all graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who identify with Latinx/Hispanic identities and cultures. This celebration recognizes their dedication, resilience, and success while welcoming the entire university community to participate in support, appreciation, and recognition.

The 2025 ¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight will be Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. in Lakeside/Medallion Plaza.

Visit the 2025 ¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight page to register.

For more info, contact: MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

The Elon Latinx/Hispanic Alumni Network (ELHAN) was established to unite and represent the interests of Latinx/Hispanic alumni, students, faculty, and staff. ELHAN strives to empower Elon’s Latinx/Hispanic community by connecting alumni through in-person and online events and by creating a support system for current students and alumni to address their specific needs.

As an official affinity network of Elon, ELHAN’s primary objectives include:

• Promoting and facilitating the interests and activities of Latinx/Hispanic alumni.
• Connecting ELHAN alumni through various social, cultural, educational, and community service events.
• Developing and maintaining the connection between the university, students, and fellow alumni.
• Promoting and sustaining general alumni contributions to the university through the Elon Latinx/Hispanic Alumni Network fund.
• Fostering a sentiment of regard and support amongst Elon’s Latinx/Hispanic alumni.
• Assisting Elon in the recruitment and retention of Latinx/Hispanic students.

Alamance County is a county in North Carolina, with a population of about 183,040 residents (2024). About 15.4% of Alamance County’s population identifies as Latinx or Hispanic. It is located in the Piedmont region of north-central North Carolina, which was formed in 1849 out of Orange County. The cities and towns of Alamance County are Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Town of Elon, Haw River, Village of Alamance, Green Level, Gibsonville, and Swepsonville.

• El Carbonero – 517 W Elm St, Graham, NC 27253
• Tacos Azteca – 404 Huffman Mill Rd #104, Burlington, NC 27215
• San Marcos – 3111 Waltham Blvd, Burlington, NC 27215
• La Fiesta Restaurante Mexicano – 1824 S Church St, Burlington, NC 27215
• Taquería Aztlan – 1118 Vaughn Rd, Burlington, NC 27217
• Panadería El Dorado – 801 W Front St, Burlington, NC 27215

• Plaza Latina – 502 W Elm St, Graham, NC 27253
• Guzman’s Market – 813 E Webb Ave, Burlington, NC 27217

The Dream Center is a hub of activity for the Latinx/Hispanic community within Alamance County. Their dream is to create a sense of belonging within our community so that we can inspire, develop, train, and advocate for Latinx/Hispanic children, students, and families in Alamance County.

Volunteer Opportunities began in Fall 2022 with the CityGate Dream Center as a partnership between El Centro and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. After school mentoring will be at the Dream Center every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer with the Dream Center, reach out to Kyle Anderson, Associate Director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, (kanderson52@elon.edu).

We also have a semesterly Donation Drive for the Dream Center. Each year, donations have looked different (diaper drive, school supply drive, feminine hygiene products drive) but has always been successful!

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

The month begins on September 15, a date that marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile following shortly after on September 16 and 18, respectively.

This celebration highlights the diverse cultural traditions, achievements, and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their vital role in shaping American society.

To learn more about the events offered, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month page.

Spring 2025 Newsletters

Fall 2024 Newsletters

Perspectivas, a series addressing Latinx/Hispanic community issues, was revamped into two avenues:

1. An educational program focusing on student perspectives and deliberative dialogue, in collaboration with Kernodle Center.
2. A zine that welcomes contributions from all, showcasing the diverse perspectives, creative works, and histories of Latinx/Hispanic identities while fostering an inclusive platform for expression and dialogue.

For more info, contact: MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

Join us for an afternoon of fun, music and soccer as we cheer the Women’s Soccer Team on. Go Phoenix! Announcements are made in both English and Spanish.

Noche Latina 2025 will be announced at a later date.

For more info, contact: Zoe Mooney, Assistant Director of Marketing for Athletics (zmooney@elon.edu).

A joint effort between El Centro & CREDE to celebrate Afro-Latinx culture – happens annually in February/March.

Carnaval is a vibrant celebration of life, bringing together music, dance, and cultural expression to foster self-discovery and cross-cultural understanding. Long before the discovery of the New World, the Catholic Church in Italy established the tradition of hosting a lively costume festival on the eve of Lent.

Deeply rooted in Latin American culture, Carnaval blends European, African, and Indigenous influences. Originally, it marked the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and joy. At Elon, our Carnaval event embraces this rich history, offering a dynamic space to honor traditions, celebrate diversity, and build community through music, dance, and festivity.

For more info, contact: MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

Siéntate y Hablemos is available on Spotify. Join us for a monthly conversation about everything and anything Hispanic/Latinx in our new podcast: Siéntate y Hablemos!

El Centro offers free conversation classes to Elon students, faculty, and staff. They are non-credit bearing classes offered to different levels, from new beginners to advanced.

If you have any questions about Conversation Classes, contact Sylvia Muñoz, Director of CREDE (munozs@elon.edu).

Elon offers an engaging program in the Latin American Studies Minor, open to students of all disciplines.

Vamos A La Cocina

This is El Centro’s NEW hands-on cooking series designed to celebrate and share the rich culinary heritage of LatinX/Hispanic cultures. Each session focuses on creating traditional dishes while fostering community and cultural appreciation. All classes will be held in the El Centro Kitchen.

Spring 2025 Dates – 

• Thursday, March 13th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 1st, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 18th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 9th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Email mlarrazabal@elon.edu to reserve a class! Spaces are limited.

Mi Casa LLC

Overview:

The Latinx/Hispanic Living Learning Community (LLC), also known as “Mi Casa” offers all first-year and transfer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture, traditions, and lived experiences that form the foundation of Latinx/Hispanic identity.

In collaboration with the Latinx/Hispanic Advisory Council, the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education/El Centro, and Residence Life, this LLC promotes both academic exploration and co-curricular engagement, allowing residents to deepen their understanding of the diverse cultural and historical contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities. This community aligns with the strategic goals in Boldly Elon and the university’s commitment to inclusion, leadership, and dialogue.

Open to all students, this LLC fosters a multicultural environment where curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for Latinx/Hispanic heritage thrive. Through a combination of academic study and experiential learning, students will not only celebrate the diversity of Latinx/Hispanic cultures but also build a supportive cohort that enhances their personal well-being and academic success.

Mission:

To create a culturally enriching and inclusive environment, rooted in a Latinx/Hispanic context, that supports the success and well-being of all students, by offering a community-driven residential experience focused on cultural pride, academic development, and leadership.

For more information, contact Sylvia Muñoz (munozs@elon.edu), or Dr. Vanessa Bravo (vbravo@elon.edu)

The mission of the Latinx-Hispanic Union (LHU) is to create unity in our Latinx/Hispanic community and foster diversity at Elon University.

LHU advocates on issues that impact Latinx/Hispanic communities. Their goal is to be the voice for the Latinx/Hispanic community at Elon University and be a place where all feel that they belong.