<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2EQx4M_0vlcGXY000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2EQx4M_0vlcGXY000" width="908" height="511" >Olivia RussoStaff WriterBeginning with a blessing and ending with a party on the dance floor Saturday evening, the Abraham Campus Center, celebrated its 15th birthday in true Leo fashion. The University of La Verne blocked off the street in front of the building, and made some room inside the building of honor for the momentous Campus Center Quinceañera.The place came to life, with food stands and the history of the Campus Center outside, a dance floor inside on the third floor and some beautiful Quinceañera gowns on the first floor. When checking into the event, staff were handing out free mugs with words of encouragement as well as tote bags with a graphic design celebrating the day. Other booths lined on the street for people to hear from and receive gifts from as well. “The building was turning 15 and since we are a Hispanic serving institution, and it happens to be Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month,” Julissa Espinoza, director of civic and community engagement, said. “We figured it would be a perfect way to celebrate the spirit of our campus and throw a Quinceañera.” Mariachi was played live outside to welcome everyone, while they grabbed food and talked with all of the other attendees. Around 5:45 p.m., the official opening remarks began, with a blessing for the students currently at the school and the members of the community, then speeches with multiple faculty members. “Tonight showcases the power of the Leo family,” Sherri Mylott, vice president of university advancement, said during her speech. “So many Leos played a crucial role in establishing this campus center. It is a place for students to gather and be.”In committing to celebrating a Quinceañera, the final speech did some of the traditional things you may find: changing the shoes, the first dance, and a toast. Once the speeches ended, attendees were invited into the building itself for dancing and a surprise performance. The Xpressions Dance Ensemble danced to “Quimbara” by Celia Cruz in a number that ended with school mascots, Leo and Lea, dancing with the group. “I am feeling great. The energy is great,” Stacey Strickland, choreographer and adjunct kinesiology professor, said. “It is such a great event, and it is lovely to see the entire campus community come out and just support. What we promote is the diversity and inclusivity of everyone on campus.”After the performance, a large table was wheeled in with both a vanilla and chocolate cake, with a flaming candle on top. Sara and Michael Abraham were invited out onto the dance floor to sing happy birthday and blow out the candles. The dance floor lit up again, and participants danced the night away to their favorite classic Latin hits. Outside, people were still gathered outside grabbing food and sitting down at tables enjoying their time together. “I think this is the first building that we were actually able to do something like this for,” Veronica Ashcroft, director of events and scheduling, said. “So because it is our home, our living room on campus, that I think it was deserving of this building to have this type of dedication and celebration.”This event was not just about celebrating the Campus Center, but it made an impact on the attendees, including Jasmine Guiterrez, a sophomore psychology major, who saw this as a celebration of her culture. “I am a Hispanic first generation, so being able to see everyone come together to support individuals like myself, was really amazing,” Gutierrez said. Olivia Russo can be reached at olivia.russo@laverne.edu.Olivia Russo is a junior journalism major with a criminology minor, and a staff writer for the Campus Times.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Campus Center comes of age

Beginning with a blessing and ending with a party on the dance floor Saturday evening, the Abraham Campus Center, celebrated its 15th birthday in true Leo fashion. The University of La Verne blocked off the street in front of the building, and made some room inside the building of honor for the momentous Campus Center Quinceañera.