50th Anniversary

The UA Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events starting in Fall 2024 and continuing through Spring 2025. Established in 1974, CLAS began as an independent interdisciplinary academic program known as the Latin American Area Center, led by Director Michael Meyer (Professor in History), an assistant director, and a part-time secretary. The Center undertook editing of the Hispanic American Historical Review and organized a series of symposia for Latin American journalists. It also launched academic programs offering BA, MA, and Ph.D. minors in Latin American Studies, later expanding to include dual MA degrees, certificates, study abroad programs, and internships.

Today, CLAS boasts 8 core faculty members and 160 affiliated faculty across the University of Arizona campus, forming the core of an interdisciplinary network focused on Latin American studies. Recognized as a comprehensive National Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Education, it ranks among the nation's top programs for its research, teaching, and outreach activities, preparing future leaders with a deep understanding of Latin America across various fields.

We are thrilled to invite you to join us in commemorating CLAS’s 50th anniversary. The celebrations will begin with an open house at the Center on November 1st 2024, where we will have our Día de los Muertos altar, followed with a happy hour at a local bar. It will be an opportunity to mingle with Latin Americanists from across the university and learn about our upcoming events and celebrations showcasing the robust intellectual culture of CLAS. These events will include panels by alumni and former faculty, the 19th Annual Tinker Symposium, film series, peñas and other musical events. Be on the lookout for more information including alumni spotlights in our weekly newsletter. We hope you can join us for a culminating pachanga on April 4th 2025.

Please RSVP and plan on joining us for a range of fun activities, including:

Friday, April 4th

• Alumni Panels, 1:00pm-4:00pm 
• Panels on Local, National & International Service & Impact by LAS Alumni. 

• Reflections from LAS Directors Past & Present

  Student Union Memorial Center, Kiva Theater

• Happy Hour Reception & Brindis, 4:00pm-5:30pm 

  Student Union Memorial Center, Cork & Craft

• Pachanga Party, 7:00pm-11:00pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

• Dinner, Bar, Live Music then Dance DJ

  Whistle Stop Event Center (127 W 5th St, Tucson, AZ 85705)

Saturday, April 5th

• Asado en el Parque, 12-4pm 
• Potluck BBQ (LAS provides space, plates/utensils, grilled meat and veggies).
• Nostalgic & Comedic LAS Stories
• Games for the Family & Friendly Soccer Game 
  Hoffman Park, Ramada 2 (4875 E Cecelia St, Tucson, AZ 85711)