For some University of Pennsylvania students, La Casa Latina is the next best thing to being at home with their families.

Since 1999, La Casa, the Center for Hispanic Excellence, has served as a hub for Latino students, faculty and staff at Penn to celebrate their heritage and as a place for people interested in learning more about Latino culture.

“I think La Casa’s biggest impact is making a Latino presence on campus and educating about Latino history and culture,” says Johnny Irizarry, the director.

When students need advice about academics or situations with their families, they can turn to their friends and the staff at La Casa.

“We work very closely students when they’re dealing with a crisis in their family,” says Irizarry. “Many students are first generation. We talk to parents in Spanish.”

As the chair of the Latin@ Coalition, junior Diana Cabrera from New York City works closely with La Casa Latina.

“When I was a first-year student who didn't know anyone here, I was so happy to find La Casa because I immediately found my niche within the vibrant community that La Casa fosters,” says Cabrera. “I can go there to seek advice from the staff, whether it be advice regarding Latin@ Coalition-related issues, my academic life or my personal life.”

Through La Casa Latina, many students volunteer to work in the surrounding community as mentors to high school students and to assist organizations that help Latinos throughout Philadelphia.

One group of students works with Juntos, a community organization in South Philadelphia dealing with the needs of undocumented young people in the region.

The official celebration of La Casa’s 15th anniversary was held on campus on Sept. 19 with performances by the Latin Express Band, of Philadelphia, and Onda Latina, a student dance troupe. At the gala, Penn President Amy Gutmann spoke of her admiration for the great work that La Casa does in building community and in sharing the rewards of that community with the entire University.