As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the University of Rhode Island from now through October 15, we’re looking deeper into some of the Student Senate-recognized student organizations focused on multiculturalism.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15–October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. At URI, more than 20 Senate-recognized organizations classify as multicultural, including the Latinx Student Association – formerly the Latin American Students Association – whose purpose is to identify and reinforce culture, language, and customs among Latinx students and the URI community, so everyone has a safe space to feel included and appreciated.
Launched in 1979 by URI professors Mario Trubiano and Thomas Morin, the Latinx Student Association has helped build a community of Latinx students and those willing to learn about the culture to coexist in a place where everyone can show off their similarities and differences.
Club president Joseph De Oliveira, a junior accounting major from Framingham, Massachusetts, has been a part of the Latinx Student Association since his freshman year and is looking to pick up where the organization left off in 2025 when it hosted its first Latinx Leadership Retreat, an event that helped empower Latinx student leaders by fostering personal growth, strengthening leadership skills, and building connections. Here’s a closer look at De Oliveira and his plans for the 2025–26 academic year.
How and why did you get involved with the LSA?
I got involved with LSA by coming to one of their events during my freshman year. I was looking for a sense of community here on campus, and the meetings really gave me something to be a part of outside of the classroom. Later, I got more involved with LSA by becoming part of the e-board during my freshman year, and I enjoyed it very much because it gave me a sense of leadership.
What are some of the examples of work your organization plans to do this year or any initiatives you plan to implement as president?
This year, my e-board members and I plan to create quality meetings every week, along with a large event at the end of the academic year – the 2nd Annual Leadership Event – where we can connect Latinx students to Latinx leaders in different industries.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to join your organization or another organization on campus?
To anyone who would like to join LSA or any club on campus, it’s good to always go with an open mind and try to break out of your comfort zone, because that’s where you’ll really find yourself enjoying these new experiences.
Does the Latinx Student Association have any special programming planned for NHHM?
LSA has three events in partnership with the Multicultural Student Services Center as part of special programming for NHHM. These events include A Taste of Culture on September 24, where we celebrated bachata dancing with the student body in the MSSC. Then we had Queriendo Conexión (Wanting Connection) on October 6, where we explored masculinity, vulnerability, and relationships in partnership with other organizations. Lastly, we are celebrating Día de los Muertos, which is still part of our NHHM celebrations, even though it is beyond NHHM.
What is your favorite part about being a member of this group?
My favorite part about being in LSA is the people I meet with every week who help build a sense of community here on campus.
Follow the Latinx Student Association on Instagram for more information.