The Latine Cultural Center (LCC) provides opportunities for all UW students to attend social and educational events that highlight the many diverse cultures of the Latin American diaspora. The LCC hosts a multitude of events, including lunch talks, social opportunities, study breaks, and academic workshops that enhance the student experience, support student success, and foster a sense of belonging at UW-Madison and beyond.
The LCC centers the lived experiences and cultures of all students who consider themselves Latine/x/a/o, or Hispanic, or Chicane/x/a/o, regardless of country of origin, religious background, or other identities they hold. We recognize and honor the personal, complex, and fluid nature of identity, and welcome individuals as they understand themselves. As part of the MSC, we take a unified approach to programming that uplifts shared connections and diverse cultural traditions, rather than attempting to define or represent individual countries.
Location
The Latine Cultural Center is a physical space to study, meet, and work. It is located within the Multicultural Student Center (Red Gym), in the North Mezzanine. You can access the space via the stairs, or through the north elevator from the first floor.
Special Features of the Latine Cultural Center:
- The Latine Cultural Center has amenities students can use, such as a library and school supplies.
- The Latine Cultural Center has a vibrant mural created by local Mexican artist Rodrigo Carapia entitled La Cosecha.
History of the Latine Cultural Center
In February of 2018, undergraduate students Josue Velazquez, Jonathan Godinez, Michelle Navarro and Alondra Avitia, now alumni, connected at a social justice leadership retreat and began discussing Latinx issues on campus. The idea for a Latinx Cultural Center was inspired by the recent student activism happening on campus, which resulted in the establishment of the Black Cultural Center and the developing work for the APIDA Student Center. Students advocating for APIDA and Latinx spaces formed a temporary cross-cultural coalition to advocate for spaces while attending the Campus Climate Student Forum. The founders of the LCC met with university administration, after which the university agreed to establish Latinx Cultural Center and APIDA Student Center in the North Mezzanine of the Red Gym. With an end goal of securing permanent homes for the cultural centers, both groups of students decided to label the locations as startup centers. The APIDASC & LCC were opened in the fall of 2018, with the student activists who helped establish the LCC serving as the first interns of the center. In fall 2024, the LCC changed its name to Latinx to Latine after a 6-month period in which staff collected student feedback and researched campus and collegiate trends.
Programming
The LCC honors the intersectional and dynamic identities of students by offering a wide variety of programs and events for students. The LCC uses the following theme areas: Centering Cultura, Alegria: Joy Through Art, and Leading Latine to guide its programming. Centering Cultura encompasses culturally relevant, and/or social events, such as our Dance and De-Stress field trip. Alegria: Joy Through Art allows students to connect to their creativity through art making and creative practices. These events have offered opportunities for students to engage in painting, embroidery, and other artistic practices. Leading Latine provides events based upon academic and professional needs. The LCC also partners with other campus entities to host additional events.
Upcoming Events
No events returned.
Latine Heritage Month
Latine Heritage Month happens yearly on campus from September 15- October 15. The month, which has a yearly theme, is celebrated campus wide and is an opportunity for Latine students to uplift and celebrate their identities.
Large scale programming and many events are put on throughout the month, many of which are developed and facilitated by the student-led Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee, which is advised by the LCC Program Coordinator. LHM begins with March Up Bascom, includes a keynote event, and ends with the Latine Ball.
Any currently enrolled degree-seeking student is welcome to sign up to join the Planning Committee. Students do not need to be affiliated with a registered student organization affiliated with the MSC or the LCC. Recruitment for the Planning Committee begins in the spring semester as the group starts meeting in February. Advertising for this occurs on the LCC Instagram account and electronic newsletter. Membership is voluntary, but students are required to attend either bi-weekly, or weekly in-person meetings (schedule to be determined depending on needs of the committee) with virtual meetings during the summer. Students who are studying abroad may participate at the discretion of the LHMPC Program Advisor.
Student Resources
Chican@ & Latin@ Studies
Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies (LACIS) Program
Scholarships
- Avanzando Through College $500
- Regent Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship (ChicLa Students only)
- UW Summer Term Scholarships
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Fearless Dreamer Scholarship by American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee residents STEM majors only
Community Resources and Volunteer Opportunities
Partnering with the LCC
The LCC partners with student organizations, campus offices, academic departments, and community entities mostly through events. You can see the ways we partner with these different groups below.
- Student Organizations Affiliated with the MSC
- History/Heritage Month involvement
- Event collaborations
- Mentorship & advocacy
- Campus Offices & Academic Departments
- History/Heritage Month collaborations and financial co-sponsorships
- Event collaborations
- MSC tours should be scheduled by emailing the msc@studentaffairs@wisc.edu
- Community Entities
- Partnerships with community entities to support our students are assessed on an individual basis.
- Tours should be arranged through Campus and Visitor Relations. Please know that our ability to provide programming for K-12 students is very limited.
- Financial donations (link to your WFAA account)
Who to Contact at the LCC about Partnering
- Please email Coordinator Natalie Ergas at nergas@wisc.edu
If you are interested in partnering with multiple or all four Cultural Centers (BCC, APIDASC, LCC, and ISC), please contact MSC Assistant Director Noreen Siddiqui at noreen.siddiqui@wisc.edu.
LCC Staff
As part of the MSC, the LCC is supported by staff that work with students from many different backgrounds. They advise on student programming, including Heritage months, well-being, and academic resources.
