The University of New Mexico Latin American & Iberian Institute celebrates its 35th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Salon Ortega, 1701 4th St. SW. 

The evening includes historical reflections, including former directors, hors d'oeuvres, musical performances and dancing. Calle 66 performs from 8 to 10 p.m. and the food truck from Castaneda's Kitchen will be on the premises.

"This is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet current cohorts, and leard what new opportunities lie ahead for the LAII," said Susan Tiano, LAII director. 

She added, "Our anniversary celebration gives us a reason to reflect on where we have come from, and to honor and record for posterity the historical contributions that put the LAII on its trajectory of success. We are fortunate that many people who played important early roles in the first years of the LAII are here with us tonight, to share some of their accomplishments in the early days of the Institute." 
 
Of those scheduled to be present is Gil Merkx, former director; Sharon Kellum, former managing editor of Latin American Research Review; Jon Tolman, former associate director for Luso-Brazilian Initiatives; Nelson Valdes, who began the Latin American Database and Gabriel Palmer who managed the Camino Real Project, among others.