Mission
The mission of the Latinx Resource Center (LRC) is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and connected. The center is open to all students and provides programs, mentorship, and resources that strengthen success across the university.
The LRC fulfills its mission and builds “confianza” (Trust) with students and communities by:
- Promoting an inclusive environment through the development of educational, social, intersectional, professional, and cultural programming.
- Mentoring students to achieve academic and professional success.
- Supporting Undocumented, DACA, and students from mixed-status families
- Educating high school students and their families about college enrollment, financial aid, and support programs.
Upcoming Events
All Latinx Resource Center programs and services are open to all students. Whether you want a welcoming space to study, attend an event, or seek support, the LRC is here to support you throughout your time at GovState.
Coming Soon
Learn more about our Programs:
The Latinx Resource Center (LRC) offers programs that support students and strengthen pathways to college and completion. The Undocumented Student Ally Training builds awareness and skills to better support undocumented and mixed-status students. The Greer Scholars Program provides mentoring, leadership development, and academic support to promote student success for freshmen interested in STEM majors. Puente a la Universidad partners with high schools to help students and families prepare for college through targeted college-readiness support.
GovState is committed to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status. Contact the university's Undocumented Student Liaison to discover all the resources available for you.
Emmanuel Lopez
Email: elopez6@govst.edu
Office: C-2340
You can also visit our Undocumented Students webpage.
GovState also offers Undocumented Student Ally Trainings (USAT) to educate and empower faculty, staff, and administrators to better support undocumented and mixed-status students on their academic journey. These trainings are free and offered multiple times a semester. To learn more about the next training, please email Emmanuel Lopez at elopez6@govst.edu.
The Greer Scholars Program at Governors State University is an exclusive opportunity for incoming full-time freshmen pursuing STEM majors. The program offers comprehensive support, including financial assistance, academic resources, and professional development. Eligible students may receive a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year (or $2,500 per semester), based on financial need.
For more information, interested students should contact Karina Hernandez-Cazarez at khernandezcazarez@govst.edu or call 708-235-7172.
Puente a la Universidad (Bridge to a University) is a college-readiness partnership that works with high schools to better prepare students and families for the transition to higher education through workshops, campus exposure, and guidance on college pathways. The topics we cover between the two high school workshops are below:
- Community Colleges
- Public and Private Universities
- FAFSA/ Scholarships
- Undocumented Student Support
- Support Programs
High schools interested in partnering or learning more are encouraged to contact Emmanuel Lopez, Director of the Latinx Resource Center, at elopez6@govst.edu
Meet the LRC Staff:
Emmanuel Lopez
Director, Latinx Resource Center & Undocumented Student Liaison
elopez6@govst.edu
708-235-8528
C-2340
Karina Hernandez Cazarez
Assistant Director, Latinx Resource Center
khernandezcazarez@govst.edu
708-235-7172
C-2340
Student Organizations: Find Your Community
Association of Latin American Students (ALAS)
The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is a student club dedicated to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for Latinx students and allies interested in learning more about Latin cultures. The club is open to all students and also offers the opportunity for ALAS students to apply for the club's Student Ambassador Scholarship during the Spring semester.
To learn more about the scholarship, click here: https://www.govst.edu/donate-alas/
Our club's pillars are the following:
- Community Building
- Leadership Development
- Mentorship
- Learning more about Latin cultures and becoming an ally
Learn more by visiting the Latinx Resource Center (C-2340) or emailing ALAS@govst.edu
Alpha Psi Lambda (A-Psi)
Governors State University's first Latino co-ed fraternity on campus. The mission statement of Alpha Psi Lambda emphasizes the importance we place on academics, diversity, and community involvement.
The following students were honored as the founding group of the GovState chapter, marking a historic moment in the university’s legacy:
- Jocelyn Alba (Ace)
- Jaqueline Franco
- Fatima Carbajal Hernandez
- Nancy Cordero
- Cecilia Olivera
- Rodolfo Meza
- Kate Del Rio (Anchor)
Learn more by visiting the Latinx Resource Center (C-2430) or the advisor Emmanuel Lopez: elopez6@govst.edu
2025 ILACHE Conference at GovState
In 2025, Governors State University proudly hosted the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) Conference, welcoming more than 400 participants from across the state. During the conference, GovState student Manuel Paz-Estrada was recognized with the Student Leadership Award, highlighting the university’s commitment to Latino student leadership and success.
Latinx Resource Center
- Latinx Resource Center
- C-2340 (Inside Library) Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 708-235-8528
- lrc@govst.edu