Global News

This article was originally written and published by the ARD Affinity Programs team.

On September 15, the University of Chicago Latinx Alumni Network hosted a reception honoring the bicentennial of Central American independence, partnering with all four Central American consulates who have representatives in Chicago: Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

The reception followed a presentation of wreaths and national anthems at the Plaza de las Americas. At the reception, Peter LoPresti, AB'11, served as the host for remarks with an impressive lineup including Governor Pritzker's representative Deputy Director Margo Markopoulos, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's representative Nettie Lasko, and Mayor Lightfoot's representative Anel Montes, all alongside Maria Pappas, Treasurer for Cook County. Marimba music was provided by maestro Carlos Mejía.

UCLAN Co-Chair Marty Madera, AM'08, offered his reflections on this event, elaborating on what many of us were all thinking and feeling, noting, "the generosity and support of the entire University of Chicago were deeply appreciated by all the consulates, and it helped reaffirm UChicago's global leadership to Central America. I could not be prouder to be an alumnus as I saw my school set up and seize the opportunity to be involved in recognizing a historic celebration of independence and democracy that is deeply meaningful to the Latinx community.”

     >> Learn more about the University of Chicago Latinx Alumni Network