March 28, 2008

Purdue's LCC to mark fifth anniversary at Dia de la Familia

The event will be from 1-3 p.m. at the LCC, which is located at 600 Russell St., and is part of Purdue's Spring Fest that is scheduled for April 12-13. The event is free and open to the public.

Family plays a key role in the event, said Gilberto Corral Jr., the LCC's program coordinator.

"We wanted to focus on the family aspect because many people in Lafayette, West Lafayette and Purdue have supported and helped us, so this is our way of thanking them," Corral said. "This year is special because it marks our fifth anniversary. So this serves as an anniversary celebration and a chance to celebrate with our family. We're sharing that day with them."

"The support we get from the community means a lot to us."

As part of the celebration, artwork by Christina Giles, a junior in management, will be dedicated. Giles is an LCC ambassador and the center's Web/graphics specialist. She also is the culture and art committee chair.

"She's very dedicated to the center," Corral said. "To give back to us for everything she has received, she's doing this artwork."

Decorated bandanas also will be on display. They are part of a nationwide project sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center to raise awareness about sexual harassment and sexual assault against women farmworkers. Students and community members will place artwork on bandanas in April, and those will be on display at the center during Dia de la Familia, Corral said.

Other activities will include tours, games and activities for youth, snacks and desserts including birthday cake and refreshments.

"The event was originally set up as a celebration, and we still hope to keep that atmosphere," Corral said. "We encourage people to bring the whole family. It's the same time as Spring Fest, so it will be a drop-by atmosphere where people can check it out.

"We'll have a couple of other things so people can learn what the center has done and what we'll be doing."

Writer: Greg McClure, (765) 494-9394, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Sources: Maricela Alvarado, (765) 494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu

Gilberto Corral Jr., (765) 494-2530, gcorral@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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