About Us

Mission

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 independently and collaboratively with University departments and community organizations to sponsor educational and cultural programs, provide services and leadership opportunities, foster connections, and educate the University and extended 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.

History

Dr. Isnoel Rios, first director of
PRLACC.

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 during the 1960's. 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.

Today, PRLACC is located on the 4th floor of the Student Union where we enjoy a beautiful facility with outstanding services and programs, which include a computer lab, a lounge, film and book collections, conference and programs rooms for meetings, seminars, events and much more.