About Casa Latina Cultural Center

In 1972, Raul Rodolfo Salazar, an assistant professor of Foreign Languages and Literature working with the Western Illinois University President, Dr. John Bernhard, planned a drive to increase the Latino enrollment at Western.

Casa collage

The idea for a cultural center was formed. Casa Latina was established to provide the needs of the Hispanic students, such as, a place to study, meet with friends and to learn and promote their Hispanic culture. Prior to the creation of "La Casa," Mr. Salazar's home had served as a refuge for most Latinos on campus enabling them to eat the food they were accustomed to eating, speak the language they felt comfortable speaking, and listen to their own music. They found not only academic help, but also understanding. The house was open to benefit Latinos, but welcomed all other students as well.

In 1973, Casa Latina Cultural Center found it’s first home at 501 West Pierce in what use to be the Peace Studies Center. In the Winter 1975, a fire destroyed part of Casa Latina. There were no injuries and reports indicated that a defective chimney flue caused the fire. Casa Latina was then moved to the Auxiliary Enterprises building across from the University Union where it still resides today.

John Gonzalez served as Casa Latina’s first director on a voluntary basis, followed by Juan Perez as the University’s full-time paid director. In 1980, Nazareth Hattwick served until her retirement in 1999. Casa Latina’s current director is Alda Godines, who took on the role as of January 3, 2001. Casa Latina is an agent of Western Illinois University which strives to provide an informed understanding of the Latino people to Western's community, surrounding areas, and people in the state of Illinois. This task is completed by providing an environment which celebrates Latin American culture of today and yesterday within the center, implementing quality educational and entertaining programs, and developing informational outreach programs to local and far-reaching communities.

The Casa Latina Cultural Center houses two primary groups which are as follows: The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Tradicion Hispana Dance Troupe.

Knowing there is a Casa on campus, students will not feel alienated from what is Latino and will welcome the Casa as a supportive factor for them. It is a home away from home.