Written by Adriana Barbour
Photo of Trivia Night flyer. Photo retrieved from email sent out by Fraternity
Last week Alpha Psi Lambda, an affinity organization at the University of Lynchburg, hosted a Hispanic trivia night in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, however the student body was not present at the event.
The University of Lynchburg is a predominantly white institution (PWI) where there is a small percentage of students of color. One of the missions of the university is diversity and the school’s administration urges students to learn about new cultures and experiences.
The External Vice President of Alpha Psi Lambda, Jacob D. Jones states,“We figured that a trivia night was the way to go by involving the entire campus community to celebrate this wonderful culture.”
The trivia questions ranged from Hispanic icons, music, food and history. There were also Hispanic dishes, a kahoot game and a google form with different Hispanic facts.
Four emails were sent out advertising the event to students, posters were hung and social media posts were made by the fraternity inviting all students to come and learn more about Hispanic culture, but attendance was zero.
President Victoria Garay says,“It does make us feel very isolated, but we are proud to initiate the start of creating a safe space for hispanic students on campus.”
Despite the typical low attendance for events, members of Alpha Psi Lambda continue to host events and create spaces where other hispanic students feel welcomed.
Adita Pertica, Fraternity and Sorority Life graduate assistant says, “It is extremely disheartening. We want to be able to share our culture and customs.”
Pertica goes on to add that there usually are not many students at events unless attendance is required by Spanish professors.
The fraternity welcomes all students regardless of background and urges students to come to events and learn more about their organization.
“We are a unique familia here, and we understand we might not be for everybody, but who knows you could end up being like a perfect fit for our family,” says Pertica.
Pertica concludes, “We are proud of where we come from and know that we have a lot to offer to the Lynchburg community.”
More information about Alpha Psi Lambda can be found here.
