First in a six-part series examining ethnic and cultural groups of students at Boston University.

Educating students about Hispanic beliefs and traditions and giving Hispanic students a sense of community on campus are among the goals of several Hispanic organizations at Boston University.

College of Arts and Sciences junior Evelyn Ortega, vice-president of Latinos Unidos, said students often join these groups to acquire a sense of the community they left back home.

‘We provide a sense of family and community,’ Ortega said. ‘Latinos Unidos provides a place for Latino students to learn about their culture.’

College of Communication freshman Camila Castellanos said staying in touch with her Hispanic background is important, and the Colombian student said she hopes to become involved with one of BU’s Hispanic groups.

‘I want to join something to do with Latin America because when you’re away, it’s good to join something to do with your country,’ Castellanos said.

Latinos Unidos and other organizations such as La Fuerza and Danzon primarily promote awareness of Hispanic culture on the BU campus. According to School of Hospitality Administration senior Imelda Avila, the secretary of La Fuerza, the organization tries to appeal to the entire BU community.

‘Members do not have to be Latino,’ Avila said. ‘They just have to have an interest in the culture.’

Through events such as workshops, discussions, dinners and guest speakers, groups such as La Fuerza and Latinos Unidos try to educate students about Latin American beliefs and traditions, according to Ortega.

‘We have speakers and discussions,’ she said. ‘We recently had one on inter-racial dating.’

The Latino groups often work together and with other organizations to educate the BU population. Avila said Latinos Unidos and La Fuerza hold meetings together every other Tuesday called Latino Tuesdays.

Many of the organizations also work together to organize culture shows that include traditional dancing, poetry readings and other cultural traditions.

According to Avila, La Fuerza works with the Admission Student Diversity Board each year to set up a multicultural weekend for students of different ethnicities to visit BU.

‘It’s a small open house for multicultural students in late March,’ Avila said. ‘Students attend workshops that give insight to BU.’

Other Latino student groups include the Brazilian Association and the Mexican Student Association.

According to the Student Activities Office website, they look to unite their respective communities within the larger BU community and communicate with similar groups in the greater Boston area and throughout New England.

BU’s Hispanic organizations also strive to offer educational assistance.

For example, the College of Engineering hosts the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, a group dedicated to focusing on aspects relating to the careers of Hispanic engineers.

Avila said La Fuerza tries to promote education and provide support for Latino students in career exploration via internships and career fairs.

‘We focus on retention of Latinos at BU and provide academic support,’ she said.

However, she said not enough BU Latinos get involved.

‘There is a large community of Latinos at Boston University, but not a lot are active,’ Avila said. ‘They either don’t want to or don’t have time.’

Ortega said BU should help promote her organization.

‘A lot of Latinos are here, but not all come out,’ she said. ‘We need more outlets to inform others … and need the help of BU to get more of the Latino population involved.’

Castellanos also said more advertising could help the groups and foster a sense of community.

‘Even if there is a large Hispanic community, I don’t feel it,’ she said. ‘I haven’t been approached or heard of it, but I would like for there to be one.’