IUPUI "To Mexico with Love" Summer Program Wins Award

INDIANAPOLIS - The American College Personal Association has named an Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis summer program as a recipient of an award honoring multicultural student programs.

"To Mexico with Love," an IUPUI cultural immersion program, has earned a "Voice of Inclusion Medallion Exemplary Program" award, the ACPA announced recently. The award honors programs that address "an assessed or measured need in the areas of multiculturalism and diversity . have a well-developed and creative design; and translate to other institutional environments," according to the ACPA.

Students in the IUPUI summer program go to Mexico for a four-week experience designed to improve their Spanish language skills; and to increase their understanding of Mexican history, culture and life.

"To Mexico with Love" participants have worked in a women's community center in LaLagunilla, a community in Cuernavaca; and a school which has been built to preserve the indigenous community in a small town called Xoxocotla.

Program participation has grown since the pilot program began with 10 students in 2004. Last year, 25 students, faculty, staff and community members were involved, serving about 140 children and nearly 120 hospital patients. Participants are encouraged to work in Latino-serving agencies throughout Indianapolis upon returning from Mexico.

Under the leadership of Director Michelle Verduzco, Campus & Community Life initiated the IUPUI program in 2004 with support and leadership from the Office of International Affairs; the Center for Service & Learning; and the School of Nursing. It is offered in partnership with a language and culture school, Ideal LatinoAmerica.

"The ACPA Medallion of Inclusion is one of the most prestigious awards our profession can bestow regarding Student Life's leadership efforts in advancing student engagement, inclusion and success," said Karen Whitney, Vice Chancellor of Student Life and Diversity.

"Under Michelle Verduzco's leadership, the Mexico Program has become a national model. For Michelle, as a Latina and educator, this is a personally passionate effort and one we are most proud of at IUPUI. The Mexico Program is just one of the many ways IUPUI is becoming the campus of choice for Hispanics in the Midwest."

Verduzco and Whitney are scheduled to accept the award during a recognition luncheon on April 2 in Orlando. The IUPUI administrators will also deliver a 30-minute presentation on the IUPUI program.