Friends University is pleased to announce the addition of a branch of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO).
“HALO is dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and awareness while at the same time helping the Wichita community and the Friends University community,” said Teresa Molina, visiting lecturer-Spanish. “The organization will also function as a support system for Hispanic students who currently attend or plan to attend Friends University.”
The formation of the group follows Friends University’s creation of the Latino Leaders Program, which gives a scholarship to high-performing students of Hispanic descent who seek to lead and to be mentored. Students, however, do not have to be of Hispanic descent to join HALO.
“We are an inclusive group,” Molina said. “We welcome Hispanic students of Friends and all students who are friends of the Hispanic culture.”
One of the group’s first events will be hosted at Friends University Thursday, April 13, in celebration of Cesar Chavez Day, which occurred March 31.
Approximately 40 high school students are expected to be on Friends University’s campus to watch a documentary about the life of Cesar Chavez, meet with current members of HALO, receive a campus tour, eat lunch and enjoy a presentation by local Mexican artist Armando Minjarez.
Minjarez is a local Mexican interdisciplinary artist, designer and community organizer. He is the cofounder of The Seed House ~ La Casa de la Semilla, founder of the ICT Army of Artists and cofounder of the North End Urban Arts Festival.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.