WKU News

“Our main goal is to have a family. We are all just a big family,” said Mercedes Mendez, WKU senior from Tell City, IN. Mendez serves as the president of the Hilltopper Organization of Latino American Students (HOLAS), and was referring to HOLAS as a family open to not only Latino students, but WKU students from all backgrounds.

HOLAS recently coordinated its 8th Hispanic Heritage Festival at WKU to provide an opportunity for other students to learn about Hispanic/Latino culture and recruit for the organization.

“I would not change Western for any other college. I have grown a lot here,” Mendez said. She has been a member of HOLAS since her first year at WKU. The organization meets weekly, features speakers from various professions at their meetings, and provides networking opportunities. Mendez also acknowledged the opportunities members have to accept leadership positions.

The event featured food, face painting, games, Zumba, a Peruvian dance performance, an informational display for different countries, and sugar skull painting in preparation for the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday. Those interested in learning more about the event, can contact faculty advisor Fabian Alvarez at fabian.alvarez@wku.edu or follow @wkuholas on Instagram.