WMU News

AHANA brings Latino theatre to WMU

March 10, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University will combine Latino theater with student recruitment during AHANA Spring Visitation Day Friday, March 12, in the Bernhard Center.

AHANA stands for African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American students. The event is expected to draw about 300 prospective students, most of them minority students.

"Most universities have visitation days," says John Fraire, dean of admissions at WMU and a published playwright. "Ours is unique because it combines student recruitment with Latino theatre to entertain as well as to educate."

The day, which is being sponsored by the Office of Admissions and Orientation, will feature two Hispanic theater presentations. Both are free and open to the public and will take place in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center.

The first presentation, "New Latino Visions," will be performed at 9:30 a.m. by a group of WMU undergraduate Latino students. They have written monologues about education and their own life experience.

At 1 p.m., Antonio Alberto "Beto" Araiza, a professional performance artist, will present his new work, "Pinata." It is short piece on growing up as a gang member in East Los Angeles and the experience of finally attending college.

AHANA day participants also will attend workshops conducted by undergraduate students, tour the campus and have lunch in a residence hall. Guidance counselors in attendance will have lunch and meet with WMU officials about new program developments for students.

Media contact: Mike Matthews, 616 387-8400, michael.matthews@wmich.edu


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