The Latin American Studies Student Organization (LASSO) serves as a resource for students in the Latin American Studies program at the University of Arizona. We facilitate a connection between graduate and undergraduate students, the UA Center for Latin American Studies, and the greater Tucson community.
LASSO Events
Some of LASSO’s activities include monthly happy hours, a welcome event for incoming CLAS graduate students at the beginning of the fall semester, as well as community outreach and fundraising efforts. We have also taken students to the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch “Border Encuentro” in Nogales and Eloy.
The majority of our events are announced through our Facebook page and university listservs. All students, regardless of program affiliation at the University of Arizona, are welcome to participate in our events.
Community Involvement
In February 2019, LASSO and the Center for Latin American Studies hosted a free and open-to-the-public documentary screening of “Maria en Tierra de Nadie” at The Loft Cinema. Following the film, faculty member Elizabeth Oglesby moderated a panel discussion between Salvadoran filmmaker Marcela Zamora and community organizers Alejandra Pablos and Karolina Lopez. Over 370 people attended.
LASSO Board Positions
LASSO has four board positions:
- Chairperson
- Vice-Chair
- Outreach Coordinator
- Administrative Chair
- Treasurer
- Undergraduate Representative
Formal elections are held at the end of every spring semester, and Board members commit to service for one academic year. Candidates are nominated by their peers, and undergraduate students who have a declared major in the Latin American Studies OR are graduate students in the program are eligible to vote.
In Fall 2018, LASSO created the Undergraduate Representative board position to further our goals of creating an inclusive student community. As full board members, Undergraduate Representatives work closely with other board members to:
- help plan events that are inclusive to undergraduate students
- promote LASSO throughout campus
- assist in furthering the organization’s goals of relationship building and community outreach.
For undergraduate students who are seeking leadership positions, this is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with graduate students, faculty and staff in the Center for Latin American Studies, and members of the greater Tucson community.
2024-2025 Board
Chair - Alvaro Diaz
Vice-Chair - Sandra Cecilia Madrid
Outreach Coordinator - Diana Ramos
Administrative Chair - Brenda Machado
Undergraduate Representative - Stephan McCray
Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram - @ualasso
Email: Lasso.uofa@gmail.com