Striving for intercultural awareness, acknowledgement and inclusion
History:
In 2000, a group of progressive students at LCU got together and realized that LCU could use a student organization that highlighted the interests of the school’s growing Hispanic student population. LCU had other organizations, other than social clubs, whose purpose was to bring students together who had shared special interests. Organizations such as SWOA for social work majors and SEA for education majors, existed to better serve the LCU population. Therefore, the Organization of Latin American Students, also known as OLAS, was formed as a student-led organization that strives for intercultural awareness, acknowledgement and inclusion.
Mission Statement:
“The Organization of Latin American Students at Lubbock Christian University seeks to validate and empower students by providing a forum for service, fellowship, education and opportunities for leadership within LCU and the community.”
Club Verse:
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all of them in all men.” - I Corinthians 12:4-6
Join Us:
If you're a civic-minded, progressive student interested in developing your leadership skills, meeting with others interested in the Hispanic culture and ready to make a positive difference on campus--then OLAS is for you. Meetings are held Friday mornings from 9:40 to 10:20 in the CDC Room 108.
Interesting Fact: 13.7% LCU’s Hispanic population
Service Projects:
Adopt-an-Angel Project
OLAS students have organized an impressive campus-wide initiative that enlists the help of students, faculty and staff in order to help give junior high students a better Christmas. A special part of the effort entails bringing the junior high students onto the campus to have the sponsors meet and personally deliver the gifts. The students take with them a glimpse of a university that cares and that has minority students who are part of this initiative. Every year, the junior high students are also encouraged to think of attending college and to remember LCU when they're making their decision.
Literacy Outreach
At least once a year, OLAS sets up booths at local supermarkets to hand out free children's books and to give information about free classes to help individuals who want to improve their reading skills or who want to learn or improve their skills in English. The classes are provided by a local literacy advocacy group, Read! Lubbock
Fiesta de Diversidad
Every September, in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, OLAS organizes a school-wide party to highlight the growing diversity at LCU. OLAS students and sponsors cook and enlist the help of Student Senate and local businesses to provide the Mariachi band entertainment and Mexican food for the approximately 200 students, faculty and staff who attend.
Hispanic Alumni Reception
As part of the activities for Homecoming, OLAS hosts a reception in which Hispanic alumni are invited back to meet and encourage current students. The event draws students and parents who see the enduring and significant contribution that Hispanics have made and continue to make in many different fields and professions. This offers a good opportunity to seek mentors and to network for the future.
Community Service Project
We also complete at least 1 service project a semester, which include:
- Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Lubbock with cleaning and gardening.
- Make an LCU campus clean-up service project
- Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen or Carpenter’s Kitchen.
- Volunteer at a Nursing Home with cleaning and gardening
Pages:
Related Links:
Do you need guidance, training, and resources to help you succeed on your career path? Visit Wayne Perrin in Career Services.
Are you interested in Study Abroad, but are finding that it is difficult to find the resources to do so? Check the following website that describes government funding for study in other countries.
http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/generalinfo.htm
Want more information about graduate school. Visit the following website for tips. Contact Becky Paden for information about LCU graduate program admission requirements.
http://www.gradschooltips.com