![President Todd Pfannestiel poses with Jeremy Thurston chairperson Board of Trustees [left] and former chairperson Robert Brvenik [right] after accepting the university's institutional charter.](https://uticatangerine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/unnamed.jpeg)
Students from Fuerza Latina at Utica University attended a presentation sponsored by Mohawk Valley Latino Association on Oct. 5 in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, held at Oneida County History Center, was co-hosted by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and featured guest speaker Karines Reyes, Assemblywoman for the 87th District.
Reyes discussed challenges facing the Hispanic and Latino communities of New York, as well as opportunities present within the state. The state’s Hispanic population grew 15.5% between 2010 and 2020, while the non-Hispanic population grew by 1.8%, which emphasizes a greater need for resources while also suggesting great potential within the Hispanic community in New York State.
A more concerning statistic showed that almost half of Latinos in New York live in poverty or low-income conditions which is a fact that begs for more representation and legislative action within the state in order to reverse this trend. Reyes also highlighted the importance of staying connected to sharing Hispanic and Latino culture, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fuerza Latina students had several conversations with Reyes and Buttenschon. They discussed what it means to be Hispanic and/or Latino, being from New York, and their experiences as students.
Reyes and Buttenschon offered them a key piece of advice in order to succeed in college: Prioritize your academics and while it’s healthy to be social, don’t let social activities distract you from your studies.
Fuerza Latina has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month here on campus by sponsoring other opportunities like Empanada Day and Dominoes Night. If you would like to find out more on Fuerza Latina and the events and opportunities they sponsor, reach out via their PioHub page.
