By Diana Pando

On Saturday, April 18, The Resurrection Project (TRP) and La Casa Student Housing hosted the second annual End-of-Year Celebration at La Casa Student Housing, which has become a much anticipated rite of spring for students.

For many students and their families, this celebration is a moment of great pride because they’re the first in their family to graduate from college. This year’s La Casa graduating class includes 16 students receiving a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree ranging from education to marketing. The End-of-Year Celebration honors and recognizes this achievement.  “It makes me proud to see all of these students who have persisted and worked hard during the year to get to this point,” said Maria Bucio, Director of La Casa.

The event kicked off with a rousing welcome from Raul Raymundo, CEO of TRP. “This year, TRP celebrates 25 years of building healthy communities,” said Raul. “We are committed to doing more in five years than we’ve done in the last 25 years.” He congratulated the parents in the audience for supporting their sons and daughters in their educational pursuits. He also spoke on the importance of students being prepared to enter this new era to become leaders in their communities.

The event’s keynote speaker was Julian Posada, VP of Marketing & Strategy at Wapports/LLC – Sun-Times Media Group. He recounted his family’s struggles of being the first in his family to go to college in the United States. “My father always told me to work hard and do my best work,” said Julian. He encouraged the graduates to challenge themselves and go beyond doing their best work.

After the keynote address ended, the graduating students were called up to the stage to receive a satin purple stole and a certificate from TRP. Once assembled onstage, the students were asked to share a few words about this important moment in their lives.

Many students gave emotionally charged testimonials about living at La Casa and being the first to graduate in their family. “I received tremendous support when I really needed it and living at La Casa helped me connect with students with the same struggles,” said Ulises Pico, a Columbia College student. “The resources offered at La Casa helped motivate me and helped me graduate.”

Another student who spoke was Dulce Hernandez, a University of Illinois at Chicago student and one of three La Casa interns working at TRP. She remarked on how the internship program has helped her develop professionally, strengthen her resume, and secure new internships. “La Casa is more than just housing because we are exposed to mentors and resources,” said Dulce. “It’s a great opportunity for those that are first generation going to college.”   

Beaming parents and friends gathered afterwards for congratulatory hugs and well wishes.  Mrs. Patiño, a proud and misty-eyed parent, said, “at first we were reluctant to let our daughter live away from home.” After getting more information, they decided that living at La Casa was an opportunity to help their daughter grow. “I encourage other parents to visit La Casa and talk to the youth who live here,” said Mrs. Patiño.

After the event ended people streamed into the sun-filled Zócalo to take more photos.

“When students live at La Casa, they get more than just housing,” said Maria Bucio. “They get a dedicated staff working year-round to provide them with the academic support they need to graduate.”

This transformative experience for students could not be possible without the generous support of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and two anonymous donors.

Return to Nueva Vida May 2015 here.