On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m., Union’s Latin American Students’ Organization (LASO) put on Spanish Worship Night in the Bowld Student Commons gym, where El Shaddai Praise Band led worship.
Spanish Worship Night serves to bridge the cultural gap between Spanish and non-Spanish-speaking students on campus while also encouraging community and helping students make connections with others.
Esperanza Gonzalez, Union’s director for disability services, was the faculty coordinator for the event.
“The Latin American Student Organization’s purpose is to increase the interest and awareness of all students to the Latin/Hispanic culture,” Gonzalez said. “And to encourage diversity on our Union campus.”
The event included a worship time and traditional Latin food for everyone to enjoy. This event was open to all of Union’s students, faculty, and staff. Around 20 students were in attendance.
El Shaddai Praise Band, from El Shaddai Baptist Church in Jackson, led worship for the night. Band members Daniel Tuchez, Estela Tuchez and Marcela Tuchez are Union alumni.
El Shaddai Baptist Church welcomes all and has hosted many Union students over the year. Spanish Worship Night was an opportunity for the praise band to give back to Union through worship.
This was LASO’s first event post-COVID-19. In 2014, LASO put on a similar event. LASO plans to host this event during Hispanic Heritage Week in September in future years.
LASO is just now starting back up from previous years after their hiatus after COVID. Spanish Worship Night was the first of many events LASO has planned.
Nelli Gutierrez, a senior LASO member, was in charge of advertising the event.
“Putting this event together required the teamwork of all LASO members to make the event be a success,” Gutierrez said. “Everyone had a role in helping make this event possible.”
To learn more about the Latin American Students’ Organization, visit: www.uu.edu/centers/reconciliation/laso/