At the urging of the Chancellor, Alfred F. Hurley, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Thomas R. Preston, the first Hispanic Conference at the University of North Texas was organized by Dr. G. Roland Vela.  Approximately 350 people from the Dallas/Fort Worth community attended the conference and they became convinced of the university's desire to be the Hispanic University of the Metroplex.  A group of over 30 individuals remained after the conference and resolved to form an organization to spearhead the University's work with the Hispanic community.

 

Mission

     Hispanic Friends of the University of North Texas was formed to encourage the sentiments and attitudes favorable to education among Hispanic enrolled in or served by the University of North Texas.  The organization supports the educational undertakings of UNT by extending motivational, financial, and other aid to Hispanic students who aspire to continue their education.

 

Goals

     The organization's primary goal is to promote education in the Dallas/Fort Worth Hispanic community.  It has concentrated its efforts on fighting the failure of Hispanic students to complete high school and pursue a post-secondary education.  Its activities are most important when they take the form of a teacher, counselor, parent, peer, administrator or mentor who dedicates time and effort to encourage the student to seek a higher education.

     For more information regarding Hispanic Friends, please contact Patrick Vasquez at pvasquez@unt.edu or (940) 565-2456.