Join the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute in Celebrating its 10th Anniversary  

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University will commemorate its 10th anniversary with events that promote its mission of educating the next generation of servant leaders for a changing global society.

"Back in 2005, when my dear husband Joseph and I made a contribution to Seton Hall University, our dream was to help Latino students have access to higher education and upon graduation become leaders in their respective fields,” said Carmen Ana Casal de Unanue. "I am delighted to see that in 10 years so much has been accomplished and so many students have been transformed by the institute. My late husband Joseph would be very proud.”

The institute was created in 2005 through a generous gift from Mr.and Mrs. Joseph and Carmen Ana Unanue. Built on a rich legacy of service to the Seton Hall Latino community, the institute is led by the Catholic faith to fulfill two intertwined missions, that of service and education.

Under the stewardship of Executive Director Denisse Oller, the program has made great advancements in recent years. "When I joined Seton Hall University in 2010, I had many dreams for the institute. Thanks to my team and the University community at large, we have been able to accomplish many of our goals and expanded our reach beyond the walls of Seton Hall,” she said. "Today we offer three different scholarships, our 'Exito' (success) mentoring program is flourishing, and the Unanue Latino Speaker Series brings scholars and leaders in their fields to address the Seton Hall community."

Since its inception, the institute has given out $590,000 in scholarships to over 130 students. Student satisfaction is widespread, with 75 percent saying the institute's programs helped solidify their career choice and 77 percent saying the Institute helped build their professional network.

Oller also shared that the institute has a bright future ahead. "This spring we will engage and provide exposure to at-risk youth in the Newark area through creative writing and arts programs here at Seton Hall. I believe our best opportunities lie ahead, in scholarly work around business with and involving Latinos and/or Latin America." Mrs. Unanue agreed, saying she is looking forward to the future of the institute.

To celebrate 10 years of success, the Joseph A. Unanue Institute invites the community to participate in the following events:

• "The U.S., Cuba and the Vatican: A New Turn in History,” Mon. March 2, 6 p.m. in Walsh Library Beck Room A and B: The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations event will feature an in-depth discussion about the new relationship between Cuba and the U.S., and the role the Vatican plays in fostering this relationship.
• "Masters of Afro-Cuban Jazz and Beyond" concert and lecture, Wed. March 18, at 6 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall Auditorium: The institute, in conjunction with the Latin American and Latino/Latina Studies program, will host Grammy Nominee Bobby Sanabria and Quarteto Ache.
• "Social Media Branding and Job Searches for College Students," Thurs., March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Jubilee Hall 177: Chris Fitzpatrick, talent manager from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, one of the institute's loyal sponsors, will give a workshop on "Social Media Branding and Job Searches for College Students." The event is open to Exito Mentees and Seton Hall students.
• "Pope Francis and the Hispanic Presence in the Church," Wed., April 22, at 6 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall Auditorium: The Institute, together with the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, will host His Eminence Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley for a lecture. Cardinal O'Malley serves as the Archbishop of Boston, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2006. On April 13, 2013, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal O'Malley to an advisory board of eight cardinals to help the pope govern the Catholic Church and reform its central administration.
• Jaleo 2015, Wed., Oct. 21, New York Athletic Club: The Institute will hold its annual fundraiser and 10th anniversary celebration.