This year marks 50 years since El Centro de la Raza at The University of New Mexico was created to support the educational experience of UNM youth. The vision and commitment today is to serve as an agent of change to provide state of the art student services, programs, research and educational opportunities to support the social, cultural, economic and political sustainability in New Mexican communities.

 “El Centro is my home, a place where we build community,” said a current student. “The staff are there to help us not doubt our place here at the University.” 

On March 22, El Centro de la Raza hosts 50 Años de Excelencia y Justicia Social, a celebration to commemorate those who came before us, “hidden heroes,” and what the next 50 years might hold for the Center. 

El Centro invites UNM students, faculty, staff, partners, Alumni and community members to help celebrate 50 years of resilience and accomplishments, not only of El Centro, but of all Raza. The fundraising goal for the event is to increase the current scholarship fund and build a strong foundation for scholarship recipients. 

The celebration takes place at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. Doors open at 5 p.m. for registration and networking. 

For more information, contact Yesenia Ruiz at yruiz5@unm.edu or visit the El Centro website for sponsorship and ticket sale opportunities.