Hispanic and Latinx Alumni Council – Clemson Alumni Association

The purpose of the Hispanic and Latinx Alumni Council (HLAC) is to plan and implement programs and events that are mutually beneficial to Hispanic and Latinx alumni, friends and undergraduates of Clemson University. HLAC works to inform, involve, and serve all as it promotes Clemson University by recognizing academic excellence through scholarships.

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Mission Statement

To serve as a bridge to Clemson University as well as an advising group to the Clemson University Alumni Association by conveying the Hispanic and Latinx perspective from a variety of backgrounds.

To support Clemson University’s missions and interests by creating, developing, and/or sponsoring programs, services, and events that meet the needs of minority students as they prepare to become alumni.

To assist the Alumni Association in achieving its mission of serving, involving, and informing our alumni, current, and future students and encourage them to develop a lifelong connection with the university.

To encourage and help retain current minority students and provide support to the university with minority student recruitment.

Leadership

LEADERSHIP and REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

President	Rosalia Vazquez ’13, M ’17
Vice President	Daniel Hernandez ’18
Secretary	Xiomara Mendez ‘16
Treasurer	N/A

Charleston, SC Representatives	Francisco Gutierrez and Alondra DeSantiago
Greenville, SC Representatives	Eliset Garcia, Caroline Vargas, Melissa Espinoza, Patrick Mispireta and Jennifer Cabezas
Austin, TX Representative	Andres Vinueza
Scranton, PA Representative	Valentina Suarez
Atlanta, GA Representative	Victoria Gonzalez
Memphis, TN Representative	Michelle Fuentes

History of HLAC

Chronicle of Hispanic and Latinx Council

Clemson University’s goal of increasing diversity numbers and initiatives has been visible in the last few years, thus increasing the number of Hispanic and Latinx alumni as a whole. Because of the strong spirit of Clemson’s students and their willingness to give back to the university, there was a need for the establishment of this council. This council was not only an idea to maintain a connection with fellow Clemson Hispanic and Latinx Alumni, but strongly to support Clemson University’s missions and to give back to the university.

Our foundation was built with a very strong and eager team including Bubba Britton, Julio Hernandez, Corrine Grant, and Rosalia Vazquez. An initiation meeting was held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 with this group as well as with nine additional board members. The increase presence of Hispanic and Latinx students on campus further increased the board’s enthusiasm to move forward and give back.

On November 29^th, 2018 we had the honor of having our initiation meeting published in the Independent Mail in which we were able to share our goals and drive in the article. Much to our surprise, our article was heavily shared across major media teams, even having our Hispanic and Latinx Alumni Council highlighted in USA Today on November 30^th.

At least seven official conference calls have been held after the initial meeting on campus. Topics such as our mission, goals, events, and extension of our board have been discussed. One of the main goals derived from our meeting is to become self-sustaining enough to be able to provide scholarships to future Clemson students – a goal that will take some time to achieve.