About El Centro | CSU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence

El Centro Overview

Welcome to
El Centro Cultural Center

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From the VP of Inclusive Excellence

“In the pursuit of a community where every individual not only belongs but flourishes, our efforts extend beyond mere inclusion. Here, we actively dismantle barriers and cultivate spaces that champion diversity in every form. Our mission is personal; it's a shared commitment to nurturing a campus that reflects the world's rich tapestry. Through strategic initiatives and a culture of continuous learning, we are not just reacting to the need for change — we are leading it, embedding equity in every action, and inviting every member of our family to play a part in this vital journey. It is here, at the intersection of education and equity, that we redefine excellence for the 21st century and beyond.” — Kauline Cipriani, Vice President of Inclusive Excellence

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Our mission

El Centro’s mission is to provide support for the Latinx/é, Afro-Latinx/é, Chicanx/é, and Hispanic community at Colorado State University and in the Fort Collins community. We do this by encouraging student engagement, academic success, cultural pride, empowerment and volunteer/leadership opportunities. We strive to promote an inclusive environment that focuses on awareness and understanding of the Latinx/e experience.
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El Centro is a family, a home away from home, a place that provides a sense of belonging.

Our story

El Centro has been serving the needs of Latinx/é, Afro-Latinx/é, Chicanx/é, and Hispanic students since 1964. It is energetic, welcoming and inclusive with a staff of students who are excited about Colorado State University. The Center has resources to support personal, social, cultural and academic needs to empower students and promote personal growth. We offer a place for discovering heritage, traditions, cultural awareness and a diverse educational experience.

Students can visit El Centro to relax, socialize, laugh, have dialogue and build life-long memories. With dedication and motivation, we do all we can to assist students to be successful at Colorado State University. El Centro is a family, a “home away from home,” a place that provides a sense of belonging.

Our timeline

We have been here serving students since 1976. And as we continue to preserve our ethnicity, we create an atmosphere that is safe and fosters mutual respect and dignity. See full diversity timeline
1979
Established, then led by Estrada

Following Abel Amaya's term as the Acting Director of Project GO's Chicano Student Services Program, Lawrence J. Estrada served as the director from its establishment in 1979 to 1989​.

1987
El Centro center for Latinx/e students, renamed

In 1987, the Center became El Centro/Hispanic Student Services, emphasizing its Hispanic focus. In 2009, it was renamed El Centro, with Guadalupe Salazar appointed Director.

1989
Leadership under Salazar

Dr. Guadalupe Salazar led from 1989 to 2020, focusing on providing strong role models and creating a sense of belonging for students. Many students came to view El Centro as a home away from home.

2011
Student Diversity Programs and Services

The Group Advocacy Program became Student Diversity Programs and Services (SDPS). To signify unity, the seven diversity offices now were represented under the umbrella of SDPS.

2019
Retirement of Dr. Guadalupe Salazar

During COVID lockdown, Dr. Salazar completes her decades-long tenure at CSU, expressing regret over being unable to celebrate the community's accomplishments in person.

2020
Leadership under Dora Frias

After Salazar's retirement, Dora Frias became director. Frias had been championing the Latinx/e, queer, trans, and undocumented communities at CSU since 2017 and continued to do so as director​.

2021
Award Named After Longtime Leader

Mary Ontiveros, CSU's inaugural VP for Diversity, was honored by renaming the Latinx/e Faculty Staff award after her upon retirement in Spring 2021.

2021
Launch of a new, inclusive look

El Centro redesigns its logo and space to be inclusive of the Latinx/e diaspora based on student feedback. The center previously focused only on Chicano/Mexican identity.

2023
Interim Leadership under Aaron Escobedo Garmon

After Frias left, Aaron Escobedo Garmon, former CSU's Key Communities and Community for Excellence member, became El Centro's interim director, pledging to sustain and expand its initiatives.

Our staff

Meet the dedicated staff at El Centro who are here to support and empower Latinx/e students at CSU. From academic advising to leadership development, our team is committed to helping students succeed.

el centro's website
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Diverse stories

Since the 1960s, Colorado State has made concerted efforts to support diverse students in meaningful ways. 
We are collecting stories and will share the outcomes of those efforts – past and present.

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