University of Connecticut, Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center Records

The Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center arose from the struggle for civil rights and economic justice that found many U.S. campuses and cities in turmoil iduring the 1960s. At the University of Connecticut, issues such as racism and equality and access in employment opportunities and education, were addressed by numerous student groups and concerned individuals.

For Latinos at UConn, this effort was led by three Latino students led by Isnoel Rios who joined together and formed a student organization called the Puerto Rican Student Movement (PRSM). Through the efforts of this group, the University agreed to look for a building to house some of the programs and activities of the PRSM. In the fall of 1972, the Engineering Annex on Glenbrook Road was established as La Casa Borinqueña. In 1977, the Center was allocated a full-time director's position, held for 30 years by Dr. Isnoel Rios, who had obtained a PhD Anthropology from Stanford University, and full-time clerical support. In 1979, the Puerto Rican Student Movement evolved into the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC) as decided by its Advisory Board in 1985. The goal was to extend access to the Center to ALL students and for the entire University community.

The Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center's mission is to improve the status of Latinos and to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the richness and diversity of Latinos and Latin American cultures. PRLACC works collaboratively with our academic partner at UConn, the Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Institute and other University departments. We support community organizations engaging in educational and cultural programs to provide services and leadership opportunities, foster connections, and educate the University community about Latino issues. Our services and programs seek to enhance and support student, faculty, and staff recruitment and retention, as well as enrich the multicultural climate of our community.

Additional information about PRLACC is available on their website.