By Kiara Catanzaro
News Assignment Editor
The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) is set to host Spanish comedian Sara Contreras tomorrow in the Regina A. Quick Center of the Arts at 5:30 p.m.
Contreras has been hailed as one of the country’s best female comedians. She works in various platforms in television and film. Contreras received a nomination at the American Latin Music Award (ALMA) in 2008, according to Diana Roque, president of LASO.
Admission for the performance is free and all are welcome to attend.
Roque said she hopes that students on campus will learn more about LASO and the background of their organization.
“LASO hasn’t been active on campus in the last two years,” Roque said. “We are trying to change that this year by introducing Latin American culture to SBU students. We are a club on campus and we hope to put ourselves out there more during the year.”
Roque said she hopes Contreras will immerse SBU students in Latin American cultural traditions.
“Beginning Sept. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and I don’t think many students on campus know that,” Roque said. “So our goal by having Sara Contreras perform is to show students more about our cultural background and traditions. We also want students to see examples of positive and successful Hispanics, and I think that because Sara Contreras fits that role very well.”
The students from LASO have plans this year to coordinate authentic Hispanic meals in the dining hall, so students can further immerse themselves in the culture.
“We want to work the Hickey Dining Hall to plan, ‘Fiesta Sunday,’ which will have various Hispanic dishes,” Roque said. “Students will be able to eat traditional food and celebrate a different country or region in Latin America.”
The diversity groups sponsored by the Damietta Center want to raise awareness of their groups and generate more campus involvement for all SBU students regarding the center.
“We want students to know that the Damietta Center is always open for their use,” Yvonne Makl, Damietta Center coordinator, said.
“The door is always open, whether you’re involved in our of our diversity groups or not.”
