March 2025 Student Spotlight

OMP Newsletter, March 17th, 2025

Rebecca Ortiz

Meet Rebecca Ortiz, a sophomore majoring in Spanish with a minor in Secondary Education. She is actively involved on campus as a tutor at LINC, an employee at BB’s, a member of LIVE, and an SSA. In the future, she hopes to study abroad and eventually teach at a bilingual school or in a Spanish-speaking country. While she is already engaged in various activities, she is looking for opportunities to get more involved in education-focused organizations outside of her coursework. Academically, she aims to improve her French fluency, and personally, she is committed to her mental well-being by continuing therapy and working on overcoming personal challenges.

For Rebecca, community and solidarity mean genuine connection and shared experiences. She believes that collaborative and inclusive events can help foster a stronger sense of belonging among students. She suggests that Valpo encourage greater participation in campus events to help students build relationships and feel at home. While she is still exploring the Office of Multicultural Programs, she appreciates its support for student organizations and the safe space it provides. Some of her favorite events include LIVE’s Quinceañera and La Plaza celebrations, which she found to be fun and well-planned.

Her advice to incoming freshmen is to take their time adjusting to college life and not feel pressured to get involved in everything at once. She emphasizes that everyone’s journey is different, and finding the right groups and interests should happen naturally. By embracing personal growth, forming meaningful connections, and engaging with the campus community, students can make the most of their time at Valpo.

Jenny Salvador-Hernandez

Meet Jenny Salvador-Hernandez, a sophomore majoring in Health Science and an Activities Coordinator on campus. As a first-generation student, Jenny is passionate about giving back to her community. One of her biggest goals is to become a Physician Assistant (PA) and work in her hometown to support those in need.

Looking ahead, Jenny hopes to become more involved in campus life by exploring organizations like Alliance, BSO, and AAPIC and finding ways to collaborate with them. Her academic goal this semester is to gain a meaningful take away from each class while striving for top grades.

For Jenny, community and solidarity mean shared experiences, mutual support, and collaboration. She believes Valpo can foster stronger student connections by hosting inclusive events, promoting mentorship, and ensuring students feel heard. To help students feel more welcomed, she suggests more opportunities for cultural exchange, open dialogue, and personalized support.

Jenny appreciates how Loke Hall serves as a safe space for multicultural organizations and recognizes the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) as a key resource in supporting diverse students. Two of her favorite campus events were AAPIC’s Lunar New Year celebration and the Alliance Drag Show, which she found engaging and memorable.

Her advice to incoming freshmen? “Take the time to find your group of people. Building connections is key, whether through clubs, classes, or events. The transition to college life may take time, but surrounding yourself with the right people will make the experience smoother and more fulfilling.”

OMP Newsletter, March 24th, 2025

Leo Castro

Leo Castro, a freshman majoring in Marketing with a minor in Business Management, is actively engaged in campus life. He participates in intramural sports, attends various events, and is a proud member of LIVE. As a first-generation student, Leo is determined to make the most of his college experience. Looking ahead, he hopes to explore the possibility of joining a fraternity and getting more involved in student-led events. His main goal for this semester is to maintain a strong GPA while also developing better habits that will help him succeed throughout his college journey.

For Leo, community and solidarity mean individuals coming together, sharing values, and supporting one another. He believes that fostering a sense of belonging is essential to student success. Valpo has done a great job making students feel welcome, and he appreciates spaces like the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) and Loke Hall, which provide a comfortable and inclusive environment. His favorite events so far have been AAPIC’s Lunar New Year celebration and LIVE’s La Plaza, which offered unique cultural experiences and opportunities to connect with others.

Vanessa Narelly Patiño

Vanessa Narelly Patiño, a sophomore majoring in Finance, is deeply engaged in campus life as the Vice President of the L.I.V.E. Eboard for the 2025-2026 term. As a first-generation college student, she is determined to achieve success in her career, not only for herself but also to give back to her family, whose unwavering support has fueled her ambitions. To enhance her involvement on campus, she plans to attend more events hosted by various organizations, fostering connections and encouraging others to engage with L.I.V.E. She believes that building leadership skills and creating a sense of belonging for all students is essential to making the most of the college experience.

Academically, Vanessa is committed to maintaining a high GPA, staying on top of her assignments, and avoiding procrastination. Personally, she is focused on developing meaningful relationships with people who inspire and motivate her. She also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and managing stress effectively. To her, community and solidarity mean creating an environment where students feel heard and supported, where they uplift each other, celebrate successes, and navigate challenges together. She believes Valpo can foster stronger connections by hosting inclusive events that highlight diverse perspectives and encourage open conversations.

Vanessa appreciates the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) and Loke Hall for the welcoming and supportive atmosphere they provide. She enjoys the events they host, such as the Dia de Los Muertos celebration, Wellness Day, and Black History Month Movie Night, which create opportunities for cultural engagement and friendship. She encourages incoming freshmen to embrace new challenges, push through difficulties, and seek support from campus resources. Her advice is to keep moving forward, speak up for oneself, and take advantage of every opportunity Valpo has to offer—it’s through these experiences that students discover their full potential.