UIS Speaker Series explores the history and experiences of Latin Americans in the United States

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series will explore “Latin Americans: Relating Diversity, History, Experiences and Assimilation in the U.S.” during a Hispanic Heritage Month panel discussion.

WHEN: Monday, September 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: Individuals of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity make up the largest minority group in the United States today, and by 2060 the U.S. Census Bureau projects they will make up almost one-third of the country’s population. This panel, made up of individuals from a variety of Latin American countries, will discuss the racial/ethnic makeup and current and historic social/political issues of their respective homelands. They will explain the reasons for immigration out of their respective countries and reflect on their own experiences as they have attempted to integrate into this country’s society.

Panelists will include Adriana Crocker, from Argentina – associate professor of Political Science at UIS; Jorge Villegas, from Mexico – associate professor of Business Administration at UIS; Patrick Anderson Avilés, from Honduras – writing specialist in the Center for Academic Success at UIS; Jesús Canelon, from Venezuela – assistant professor of Management Information Systems at UIS; and Rubén Darío Gómez González, from Guatemala – tour guide, Mayan civil rights advocate, and passionate public advocate for his country. The event will be moderated by Hinda Seif, associate professor of Sociology and Anthropology at UIS.

This event is co-sponsored by the UIS Diversity Center and Organization of Latin American Students. For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speaker Series events and more information, visit www.uis.edu/speakerseries/. All events are free and open to the public.