Special Programs
Florida Hispanic-Latino Collegiate Forum
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Next conference March 23 - 25, 2007 at University of Florida Campus
The Florida Hispanic-Latino Collegiate Forum Conference was established in 1995 by La Casita. Since then, this spring leadership conference has been a statewide event for Hispanic/Latino college student leaders. Events include welcome ceremony & keynote speakers, comedic performances, talent show, educational workshops, leadership training, philanthropic project, leadership awards competition, exhibit hall, and formal gala. La Casita will host this exciting Forum next in 2007! If your university is interested in hosting the event in Spring 2006, please contact Leticia Martinez for more guidelines and requirements that are required for the use of this official UF owned program.
Cafe Cultural
One of the most popular events at La Casita, Caf Cultural brings together undergraduates, graduate students, faculty & more for an evening celebrating Hispanic-Latino contributions to arts, music & literature. A UF faculty member or graduate student researching in the areas kicks off the event by focusing on a Latino artist, musician or poet who has made an impact. Audience members have the chance to engage in a discussion of the artists work and influence. Then all are welcome to join in our increasingly popular open mic where students and staff alike share their own poetry and talents! Held once a month in the fall & spring semesters, you are encouraged to arrive early as we always have a full La Casita for Caf Cultural
Cocina Latina
Come learn the traditions of the Hispanic Latino cultural foods. Held once a semester Cocina Latina is a chance to share abuelita's recipes and for you to learn the origins of these tasty dishes. A cooking demonstration is held to teach the steps for you to try the recipes at home.
Dia De La Familia
Held during UF Family Weekend, this is our chance to welcome parents, families to La Casita for a day of music, games, food and fun! Take a visit to La Casita to share your home away from home with visiting family members!
Gatormania
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Gatormania is one of the premiere Summer B welcome week events sponsored by La Casita, the Dean of Students Office, the Asian American Student Union and Multicultural Affairs. Founded as Salsamania by Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, this outdoor festival includes student groups and campus resources, entertainment such as carnival games and bounce house, live entertainment and talent show of student group performers, free food, prizes and more! All new and returning UF students are strongly encouraged to come out and enjoy the celebration!
Healthy Living Week
(Spring 2005)
All are welcome to a series of special events devoted to promoting health in our community. Sponsored by the La Casita Volunteer Embajadores, Healthy Living Week encourages students to learn and adopt healthy habits to improve your mind, body and spirit! A sample of past event topics include Personal Safety with UPD, Healthy Relationships & Sex, Body Mass Index Testing, Nutrition, Exercise, and more! Participants are invited to a series of games and fun while learning how to have a healthy lifestyle.
Halloween Party
The embajadores invite you to come out to our annual Halloween Haunted Casita and Costume Party. There will be music, food, prizes and more
Homecoming & Gator Guayabera Encore
Joining in the university wide celebrations, La Casita proudly opens our doors during the homecoming parade. Join us on the porch or balcony for a prime viewing spot as the procession passes right by our front yard! The encore is our annual tailgate with the Association of Hispanic Alumni. Students, friends, families and alumni welcome!
Lunch Series
The UF community is welcome to visit La Casita every Wednesday from 11-1:00 for our popular free Lunch Series! Our 42 Hispanic-Latino based student organizations take turns hosting the event each week as they provide a chance to enjoy free lunch ranging from culturally based foods to food generously donated from local eateries. Food is limited so arrive early as hungry college students are ready to eat! This event is held in the Fall & Spring semesters only.
Multicultural Awards Ceremony
Annually and in conjunction with other University of Florida affiliates, this award ceremony is held in order to recognize student achievement at UF.
Discussion Series
Held a minimum of once per semester, our Speaker Series is a chance to learn about topics relating to Hispanic-Latino issues. An open forum will follow a short presentation presented in the Socratic method and moderated by a featured faculty member, visiting speaker or staff member will be included. . This is a great chance to debate, discuss and share experiences.
Tropical Tuesdays
La Casita welcomes UF students who are studying in the summer to take a break and join us at Tropical Tuesdays! Held every other week during Summer A, B, and C, the event provides an opportunity for you to enjoy free frozen treats to help beat the summer heat!