Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute Celebrates 209 Percent Increase in Latino Undergraduate Enrollment

In 2005, the demographics of the United States were changing.  Joseph A. and Carmen Ana Unanue, founders of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, called it the "Latino Moment," because the community represented 13 percent of the total U.S. population. Fast forward two decades: Latinos now comprise 19.1 percent of the total U.S. population, reflecting the evolution of the American melting pot. 

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute encourages its students to be active members of their community by providing on-campus responsibilities and embracing Latin America’s rich culture and history. It was founded in 2005 at Seton Hall after a gift from the late Mr. and Mrs. Unanue and has since consistently expanded support for the education of students and the Latino community at Seton Hall. Its mission is to educate, transform and create servant leaders and to promote the intellectual, cultural and economic development and appreciation of Latino communities broadly.  

Next year, the Institute will celebrate its 20th anniversary, which coincides with Seton Hall University's application to become an official Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). HSI status would indeed be apt: over the years, the Institute and Seton Hall University have seen Latino undergraduate enrollment rise from 8.7 percent of the total student population in 2005 to 26.9 percent today. In the graduate programs, too, Latinos have made significant strides: 14.4 percent of the graduate population at Seton Hall is Latino, up from 4.8 percent in 2005.  These numbers mirror the findings of the Pew Research Center (2022, 2023), which noted a rise in the number of Latino undergraduates "from 1.5 million in 2000 to a new high of 3.8 million in 2019" and a "291 percent increase in the number of Hispanic women holding an advanced degree and a 199 percent increase in that number for Hispanic men between 2000 and 2021."

Now, more than ever, these numbers reflect the growing visibility and representation of Latinos in higher education and amplify the importance of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute as a cornerstone of support for Latino students at Seton Hall University. We celebrate the legacy of our founders, recognize those who have built the Institute over the years, and honor the Latino and Latina titans who have interacted with our students, like Dolores Huerta.

As part of its continued commitment to advancing Latino leadership and scholarship, the Unanue Latino Institute looks forward to the fall semester, and then its 20th anniversary – during which it will highlight history-makers who have served our nation.

Beginning with National Hispanic Heritage Month on September 17, 2024, Dr. J. Mario Molina, former Chief Executive Officer of Molina Healthcare and trustee of the National Museum of the American Latino and the Chair of U.S. of Care, will speak on championing health equity. On September 19, Mr. Luis Miranda Jr. (the man who inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton) a strategist and author, will speak about his new book, Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that Is Transforming America. A book signing will follow. Subsequently, on October 24, the Institute will hold its annual Gala with the theme "Carnaval," which celebrates the Latino community through a night of giving, music and festivities. Looking ahead to Women's History Month in March 2025, the Institute has scheduled a visit from Garrison Commander Marisol Chalas, the first Latina female National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilot. These events join many other related endeavors at the University, including a vibrant Latin American and Latino Studies Program. As we look forward to the 20th Anniversary the echoes of our founders, Joseph A. and Carmen Ana Unanue, are ever present in this new wave of the Latino Moment.

Categories: Arts and Culture