It is my pleasure to serve as the current Chair of the Department of Chicano & Latino Studies. In existence since 1972, this historically important and socially significant institution was one of the first full-fledged Departments of Chicano & Latino Studies in the nation and it remains fairly unique in the Upper Midwest. While other universities and colleges have programs in Chicana/o and Latina/o studies, ours is still the only Department of Chicano Studies in Minnesota. We pride ourselves in carrying forth the legacy of the students and community members whose vision, advocacy and activism preceded the establishment of this department.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Peer mentor Evert Escobar-Bonilla accepts job in admissions.
Evert Escobar-Bonilla was the peer mentor for the 2013-2014 school year and has recently accepted a job in the Office of Admissions here at the University of MN. As a Student Territory manager, Evert will be focusing on upcoming prospective Latino students. So future Soler@s-you might be getting a call from him!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Heartfelt Farewell to Former Chair Dr. Louis Mendoza
To the Friends of Chicano and Latino Studies
It has been my privilege for the past ten years to work with Dr. Louis Mendoza in his capacity as a Professor and Chair of the Department, as well as in his roll as Associate Vice Provost in the Office for Equity and Diversity. It is with sadness that we announce his departure from the University of Minnesota. Yet we are excited by the possibilities that await Dr. Mendoza in his new position with Arizona State University. Dr. Mendoza has been a teacher, friend, and mentor to many students, as well as a trusted colleague to faculty across this campus and beyond.
Within a very short time of his arrival, Dr. Mendoza forged meaningful relationships with many organizations outside the University like Academia César Chávez, La Escuelita, El Colegio, the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, and the Minnesota Humanities Center among others. He has also worked with incarcerated members of our communities at Stillwater.
In theoretical discussions, I have always been struck by Dr. Mendoza's innovative ideas, logical and practical thinking skills, and the significance of the questions he raises. I have also appreciated the intensity with which he approaches community problems and advocates for Latino youth. Mendoza works remarkably well in groups because of his ability to listen, to succinctly sum up arguments and to move discussions in productive directions by bridging seemingly intractable positions on opposite sides of any debate.
As a leader, he has helped to redefine the intellectual core mission of the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies and to forge strong connections between classroom instruction and experiential learning. In the past decade, Mendoza has published six books-three as the sole author and three in collaboration with other writers, scholars or editors. He has also written and co-authored refereed journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and non-refereed pieces as an important public intellectual. Louis has become an important and sought after keynote speaker, roundtable discussant, and workshop leader throughout the five-state area and was the primary founder of the Minnesota Network of Latinos in Higher Education. In the summer of 2013, Dr. Mendoza's international reputation was confirmed when he was invited by the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, to teach a course in Puebla, Mexico on "Greater Mexico and the National Imaginary."
In addition to his impressive scholarly record, Dr. Mendoza has become an important public intellectual who has been interviewed for several national news programs, political topics programs, and televised investigative reports. He has also often been quoted in newspapers and news magazines regarding immigration, the socioeconomic condition of the Chicano and Latino communities, and public policies impacting Latinos. Much of this public recognition comes as the result of his scholarly expertise in the field and the ease with which he appears on camera, but it is also linked to Mendoza's remarkable "Journey Across America." As part of a very unique research project, this 8500-mile bicycle trip took him around the perimeter of the U.S. to discuss the changing demographics of the U.S. Over the six months of his journey, Mendoza created a unique and significant archive of important interviews that will be used by historians as well as social and cultural researchers for many years to come.
One of his lasting legacies will be the Mira Me Corazón event-an annual fundraiser for student scholarships that jointly benefits The Department of Chicano and Latino Studies and our community partner site, El Colgeio. As part of an effort to recruit and retain talented Latino Students, Mendoza-in collaboration with other faculty members and education professionals-started CASA SOL, a living learning community for incoming freshman and new transfer students. As the driving force behind this initiative, Mendoza created a space where Latino students new to the University could find community, focus on their academic pursuits, and take advantage of opportunities for leadership. This program has shown remarkable success at shepherding students from their freshman year through graduation. Over the years, Mendoza has shown a particular dedication to these students, to preparing them to see themselves as historical actors and engaged citizens. Several of the first participants are now in graduate or other professional schools across the country.
Mendoza was referred to in the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, as a "brilliant analyst" who had critiqued and challenged some of the major works in Tejano and Chicano history. They went on to say that he had written some of "the most engaging and thoughtful" discussions on history and narrative and that his work was a must read for all "institutional historians." While we respect and know these things to be true, we are more likely to miss Louis for his sense of humor, his gentle chiding, and his tireless work ethic on behalf of Latinas/os.
It should be abundantly clear that Mendoza treats intellectual production and service to a variety of constituents, not as isolated deployments of his individual talents, but as part of a collective and ongoing effort to educate responsible citizens and to dismantle, or at least mitigate, inequality. Like all shooting stars, he passed by us much too quickly. But it was no accident that brought him here. We needed him. Unfortunately the time has come for all of us to move on. The state, the Twin Cities, the University, the College of Liberal Arts and many of us will miss him terribly. Yet we feel sure that he will remain in our corner, no matter where he happens to reside. We will try our best to continue and expand on the good work he has started. Adios, profesor querido.
~Edén Torres
It has been my privilege for the past ten years to work with Dr. Louis Mendoza in his capacity as a Professor and Chair of the Department, as well as in his roll as Associate Vice Provost in the Office for Equity and Diversity. It is with sadness that we announce his departure from the University of Minnesota. Yet we are excited by the possibilities that await Dr. Mendoza in his new position with Arizona State University. Dr. Mendoza has been a teacher, friend, and mentor to many students, as well as a trusted colleague to faculty across this campus and beyond.
Within a very short time of his arrival, Dr. Mendoza forged meaningful relationships with many organizations outside the University like Academia César Chávez, La Escuelita, El Colegio, the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, and the Minnesota Humanities Center among others. He has also worked with incarcerated members of our communities at Stillwater.
In theoretical discussions, I have always been struck by Dr. Mendoza's innovative ideas, logical and practical thinking skills, and the significance of the questions he raises. I have also appreciated the intensity with which he approaches community problems and advocates for Latino youth. Mendoza works remarkably well in groups because of his ability to listen, to succinctly sum up arguments and to move discussions in productive directions by bridging seemingly intractable positions on opposite sides of any debate.
As a leader, he has helped to redefine the intellectual core mission of the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies and to forge strong connections between classroom instruction and experiential learning. In the past decade, Mendoza has published six books-three as the sole author and three in collaboration with other writers, scholars or editors. He has also written and co-authored refereed journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and non-refereed pieces as an important public intellectual. Louis has become an important and sought after keynote speaker, roundtable discussant, and workshop leader throughout the five-state area and was the primary founder of the Minnesota Network of Latinos in Higher Education. In the summer of 2013, Dr. Mendoza's international reputation was confirmed when he was invited by the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, to teach a course in Puebla, Mexico on "Greater Mexico and the National Imaginary."
In addition to his impressive scholarly record, Dr. Mendoza has become an important public intellectual who has been interviewed for several national news programs, political topics programs, and televised investigative reports. He has also often been quoted in newspapers and news magazines regarding immigration, the socioeconomic condition of the Chicano and Latino communities, and public policies impacting Latinos. Much of this public recognition comes as the result of his scholarly expertise in the field and the ease with which he appears on camera, but it is also linked to Mendoza's remarkable "Journey Across America." As part of a very unique research project, this 8500-mile bicycle trip took him around the perimeter of the U.S. to discuss the changing demographics of the U.S. Over the six months of his journey, Mendoza created a unique and significant archive of important interviews that will be used by historians as well as social and cultural researchers for many years to come.
One of his lasting legacies will be the Mira Me Corazón event-an annual fundraiser for student scholarships that jointly benefits The Department of Chicano and Latino Studies and our community partner site, El Colgeio. As part of an effort to recruit and retain talented Latino Students, Mendoza-in collaboration with other faculty members and education professionals-started CASA SOL, a living learning community for incoming freshman and new transfer students. As the driving force behind this initiative, Mendoza created a space where Latino students new to the University could find community, focus on their academic pursuits, and take advantage of opportunities for leadership. This program has shown remarkable success at shepherding students from their freshman year through graduation. Over the years, Mendoza has shown a particular dedication to these students, to preparing them to see themselves as historical actors and engaged citizens. Several of the first participants are now in graduate or other professional schools across the country.
Mendoza was referred to in the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, as a "brilliant analyst" who had critiqued and challenged some of the major works in Tejano and Chicano history. They went on to say that he had written some of "the most engaging and thoughtful" discussions on history and narrative and that his work was a must read for all "institutional historians." While we respect and know these things to be true, we are more likely to miss Louis for his sense of humor, his gentle chiding, and his tireless work ethic on behalf of Latinas/os.
It should be abundantly clear that Mendoza treats intellectual production and service to a variety of constituents, not as isolated deployments of his individual talents, but as part of a collective and ongoing effort to educate responsible citizens and to dismantle, or at least mitigate, inequality. Like all shooting stars, he passed by us much too quickly. But it was no accident that brought him here. We needed him. Unfortunately the time has come for all of us to move on. The state, the Twin Cities, the University, the College of Liberal Arts and many of us will miss him terribly. Yet we feel sure that he will remain in our corner, no matter where he happens to reside. We will try our best to continue and expand on the good work he has started. Adios, profesor querido.
~Edén Torres
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Chicano and Latino Studies student releases new book on Postville Raid
Former Chicano and Latino Studies student, Luz María Hernandez, along with Virginia Gibbs have published a new book about the May 2008 ICE raid of Agriprocessors in Postville: Shattered Dreams: The Story of a Historic ICE Raid in the Words of the Detainees.
Released this April by Floricanto Press, the book includes the testimonials of 10 undocumented Postville residents affected by the ICE raid of the Agriprocessors meat-packing plant. The accounts of each witness include not only the experience of the raid and its aftermath, but also background information about life with their families in their home country, the decision to come to the United States, the border crossing, and their experiences living in the United States and working in the meat-packing industry.
Gibbs is professor emerita in Luther's Department of Modern Languages and now lives on the Oregon Coast. Hernández is completing her Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics at the University of Minnesota. Both women will travel to Northeast Iowa in October for a series of readings and presentations. The book is currently available on Amazon.
Released this April by Floricanto Press, the book includes the testimonials of 10 undocumented Postville residents affected by the ICE raid of the Agriprocessors meat-packing plant. The accounts of each witness include not only the experience of the raid and its aftermath, but also background information about life with their families in their home country, the decision to come to the United States, the border crossing, and their experiences living in the United States and working in the meat-packing industry.
Gibbs is professor emerita in Luther's Department of Modern Languages and now lives on the Oregon Coast. Hernández is completing her Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics at the University of Minnesota. Both women will travel to Northeast Iowa in October for a series of readings and presentations. The book is currently available on Amazon.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
2014 Paso al Futuro
On Sunday, May 18th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. a special event to commemorate graduating students & their families who major or minor in Chicano/Latino Studies or who are Latina/o students will be held in the Mississippi Room of Coffman Memorial Union. Registration for the event as a graduating student is now closed. More information is provided on the following page.
Registration is now closed for graduating students.
Dear faculty, staff, and students,
We are excited to invite you to the 6th annual Paso al Futuro Graduation Celebration being held on Sunday, May 18th from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m in the Mississippi Room at Coffman Memorial Union.
Paso al Futuro is a bilingual bicultural celebration that acknowledges the perseverance, dedication, and determination that has contributed to the successful completion of education for Latina/o students and pays tribute to them and their families. This event places the individual success of these students in the context of the larger Latina/o community's struggle for education as well as the familial sacrifices that have been a contributing factor of these students' success.
This event recognizes and celebrates the significant accomplishments of Chicano Studies majors, minors and Latina/o graduates of the University of Minnesota. Also included in this event is an inspirational keynote speaker and recognition of those who have supported the students in their educational journey to underscore and strengthen the role community support plays on Latina/o graduates' accomplishments.
Graduates appreciate the presence of their staff, faculty, and other students who have all made positive impacts and supported the students through their undergraduate academic careers at the ceremony.
We hope to see you at this wonderful celebration! Sincerely,
The Paso al Futuro Planning Committee
Registration is now closed for graduating students.
Registration is now closed for graduating students.
Dear faculty, staff, and students,
We are excited to invite you to the 6th annual Paso al Futuro Graduation Celebration being held on Sunday, May 18th from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m in the Mississippi Room at Coffman Memorial Union.
Paso al Futuro is a bilingual bicultural celebration that acknowledges the perseverance, dedication, and determination that has contributed to the successful completion of education for Latina/o students and pays tribute to them and their families. This event places the individual success of these students in the context of the larger Latina/o community's struggle for education as well as the familial sacrifices that have been a contributing factor of these students' success.
This event recognizes and celebrates the significant accomplishments of Chicano Studies majors, minors and Latina/o graduates of the University of Minnesota. Also included in this event is an inspirational keynote speaker and recognition of those who have supported the students in their educational journey to underscore and strengthen the role community support plays on Latina/o graduates' accomplishments.
Graduates appreciate the presence of their staff, faculty, and other students who have all made positive impacts and supported the students through their undergraduate academic careers at the ceremony.
We hope to see you at this wonderful celebration! Sincerely,
The Paso al Futuro Planning Committee
Registration is now closed for graduating students.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Human Rights and Theater
Professor Luis Ramos-García
(Spanish Dept.)
Prof. Ramos-García has worked with many human rights organizations as well as theater groups. He will be discussing his most recent trip to Colombia.
"Human Rights and Theater: Colombian Antigonas"
Thursday, May 1st, 4:30pm
Coffman Room 211
(Spanish Dept.)
Prof. Ramos-García has worked with many human rights organizations as well as theater groups. He will be discussing his most recent trip to Colombia.
"Human Rights and Theater: Colombian Antigonas"
Thursday, May 1st, 4:30pm
Coffman Room 211
Thursday, April 24, 2014
La Raza SCC Faculty Talks Presents
Professor Bianet Castellanos
(American Studies Department and Affiliated Faculty Department of Chicano & Latino Studies)
"The Cultural Politics of Housing and Indigeneity in Mexico"
(American Studies Department and Affiliated Faculty Department of Chicano & Latino Studies)
"The Cultural Politics of Housing and Indigeneity in Mexico"
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