Latino Student Union: The New Kids on the Block By Tina Sickier Capital Times Staff Writer “We’re making dreams a real ity. We can grow together through mutual learning and mutual respect. We’re breaking down barriers and bringing peo ple together,” said Ken Lopez, a senior communications student. Lopez was bom in Mexico and left for the U.S. at the age of six. His mission is to bring peo ple together to join in a common purpose and understand one another. After almost two months of hard work, the Latino Student Union (LSU) received SGA approval a few weeks ago. Lopez, the founder of LSU, is starting off with high hopes. “Originally there was no plan because there was just not enough people, but this is a pro gressive campus. One out of every ten students is a minority. This year marks the largest num ber of minority students this campus has ever had,” said Lopez. Last year he discussed the possibility of this new club with the student activities and student CAMPUS POLICE REPORT By Kristy Pipher Capital Times Staff Writer October 14,1999 12:35 p.m. Traffic stop at College Avenue and O Street. A traffic citation was issued for a speed-related moving violation. October 15, 1999 1:10 a.m. Motorist assistance on College Avenue. Provided jump start on a vehicle with battery problems. 3:30 p.m. Motorist assistance. Student needed vehicle to be jumpstarted at the Olmsted Building. October 16,1999 12:22 a.m. Noise complaint on Weaver Avenue. Received a report of a large crowd outside of residence. Verbal warning given. October 17,1999 8:50 p.m. Harassment on Nelson Avenue. Complainants receiving unwanted phone calls from for mer boyfriend. affairs office, Lopez said, “They didn’t real ly feel at the time there was any reason for the club due to low minority enrollment, but I dis agreed and went on with my plans.” In late August, Lopez designed a media packet. This packet included information about the proposed club, book marks labeled with objectives and LSU events, and a cover let ter with additional information regarding his mission. Lopez did not stop there. He wrote a constitution that described what the LSU meet ings would be like and the responsibilities the club would face. He also created a budget to be approved by the Finance Committee and Student Government along with a state ment of objectives. For a couple of weeks Lopez actively recruited students for the new club. Having recruited almost 20 members, Lopez has just begun. “What people don’t under stand is that this club is not just October 18, 1999 9:25 a.m. Domestic dispute on Nelson Drive. Argument between boyfriend and girl friend. No criminal activity noted. Verbal warning given. 5:52 p.m. Traffic stop on College Avenue. A citation was issued for a speed-related moving viola tion. 6:02 p.m. Traffic stop on College Avenue. A citation was issued for a speed-related moving viola tion. 7:20 p.m. Community relations. Spoke at domestic violence panel discussion meeting at Meade Heights. 8:35 p.m. Escort service. Provided student escort from Olmsted Building to Meade Heights. October 19,1999 5:40 p.m. Traffic stop on College Avenue. Stopped a motorist for a for Latino students, it’s for everyone. The club was named LSU because I wanted to give a voice for the underrepresented students that attend this cam- Yes, it does have a personal aspect to it. I can relate because I am Mexican-American and have had to face stereotypes and boundaries myself, so why not join with others who endure the same situations?” LSU will connect students to a broad group of professionals. At meetings students will discuss job skills, leadership, and com munication. So far, club members include Hispanics, Caucasians, and African-Americans. Lopez is hopeful a wider variety of people will join. An important mission of the club is stressing the fact that LSU is for everyone. Lopez says, “By having stu dents from all areas of life, we can learn from each other. Students are the backbone of any University and this club is a building block to achieve our goals.” speed-related moving violation. 12:30 p.m. Traffic stop at Registration and insurance were College Avenue and O Street. A expired. License plate seized. traffic citation was issued for a speed-related moving violation. 9:45 p.m. Escort service. Provided student escort from 12:56 p.m. Traffic stop at Olmsted Building to Meade College Avenue and O Street. A traffic citation was issued for a speed-related moving violation. Heights 10:00 p.m. Escort service. Provided student escort from 3:55 p.m. Traffic stop at College Olmsted Building to Meade Avenue and O Street. A traffic citation was issued for a speed related moving violation. Heights October 20,1999 2:15 p.m. Motorist assistance at the Olmsted Building. Provided a student with jumper cables to start vehicle 10:32 p.m. Escort service. Provided student escort from Olmsted Building to Meade Heights, October 21,1999 11:05 a.m. Motorist assistance on College Avenue and University Drive. Provided jumper cables. Lopez wants students to have an opportunity to talk to high profile employers and try to understand what they want and expect. Damaris Perez, a student member of LSU, said, “I’m Latino and wanted to be one of the first members of this club, especially since it’s new. This is a great opportunity for all stu dents to get involved with the community. Not only will we know each other as colleagues, but friends as well.” LSU meets on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Oliver LaGrone Cultural Arts Center in the Olmsted Building. Currently Ken Lopez is acting officer for all positions in the club. He encourages anyone and everyone to help out by becom ing involved. Lopez states, “This is a slow process, but it will happen.” LSU has many exciting ideas and projects. An awards ceremo ny dinner, field trips, and a web site are being discussed. Lopez has been working with this campus and University Park and received full support from 9:04 p.m. Disabled motorist on Wharton Avenue. Provided a jumpstart on student vehicle. October 22,1999 1:49 p.m. Vehicle assistance at the Olmsted Building. Vehicle jumpstarted. October 24,1999 1:50 a.m. Traffic stop at College Avenue and Route 230. Subject stopped for erratic driving and was found to be operating vehi cle under suspension. students and faculty. Lopez said, “If it were not for all the support we have been receiving this club would never have happened.” Lopez said, “Being only the third Hispanic Organization out side of University Park, we are the new kid on campus and proud of it!” In addition to tha baste Mack mxJwMH, ttnmfctftOffltM tmton that rang* from brown and gray to snow whits, blond and lavan dar. Tha numbor of atrtpoa con vary from two to four to ala. Some arc svan spotted. BPS w&w PnMtdant Jama* QarfMd was •bto to write in Or««k with on* hand white shnultanaoucly writ ing In Latin with tha other hand. 11:40 p.m. Traffic stop at Olmsted and O Street. Vehicle stopped for equipment viola tions. Curfew violation. Parents notified. October 25,1999 10:00 a.m. Traffic stop at College Avenue. A citation was issued for a speed-related violation. 10:10 a.m. Community relations. Attended the Silent Witness pro ject presentation on domestic violence at the Gallery Lounge. 5:40 p.m. Escort service. Student escorted from Olmsted Building to Meade Heights. 8:30 p.m. Escort service. Student escorted from Olmsted Building to Meade Heights. 8:40 p.m. Escort service. Student escorted from Olmsted Building to Meade Heights.
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