The Power of Food

Faculty, Staff and Students Gather for HSI Conference 

By Megan Gauer

“The Latinx community is such a big part of our service area, our surrounding areas, our college  campus, so to have an event that celebrates that community is really exciting,” Kelly Fredericks, a Butte College English and Journalism professor, said.

Fredericks expressed excitement to be in attendance of the college’s first HSI Conference: Sembrando Conocimiento (Cultivating Knowledge). 

On October 8, Butte College staff, faculty and administration gathered on main campus to meet for the conference. 

Organized by the HSI task force, the half-day conference highlighted what it means to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and how faculty and staff can support Hispanic students and on-campus communities. Additionally, the conference featured keynote speaker Marcela Cuellar, faculty and student speakers, food, music and dance. 

This conference was a part of a broader mission by the HSI task force, which aims to highlight and promote positive change across campus and encourages staff to recognize the role they have serving Latinx students. 

The event began by gathering attendees into the main room of the conference. The room was bustling with excitement as participants and speakers anticipated the introductions. After quieting down the crowd, event coordinators, the Butte College President Virginia L. Guleff and IDEA officer Tray Robinson introduced themselves and the event’s mission. 

After event introductions and outlining the day, Chico High’s Folklorico dance club provided a performance aimed to honor Latin culture. Guests were invited outside to watch the performance accompanied by traditional food. Sounds of traditional music mixed with cheers and applause flooded the quad area outside of the conference room. 

Christopher Carrero, a student success specialist at Butte College and attendee of the conference, highlighted the importance of showing up for events like this as a person of color.

“Students are able to see our faces: we aren't just in our cubicles and offices, writing emails. They can see people of color– Latinx professionals– in different roles,” Carrero said.  

Carrero has been at Butte College for four years and this is his first role in higher education. He said that it is important for students and members of the Butte College community to see people like them within the institution.

 “With Butte College being an HSI, I can see myself in other people here. I can see not just myself, but my sisters and my primas,” Carrero said. 

Fredericks expressed hope that the college is improving their diversity. 

She noted that the duality between the performance and having a variety of speakers, both faculty and students, made the event particularly interesting. Fredericks feels that the college is making progress in doing enough to cultivate and celebrate diversity. 

Butte College has been an HSI since 2018 and received a DSHI Title V Grant in 2022. More than 31% of Butte College students identify as hispanic. 

Presenters and key-note speakers shared data relating to growth of HSI among community colleges and how this signifies positive change. 

Additionally, the student panel served as a highlight of the event: students had the opportunity to share their own experiences relating to attending an HSI and being a part of their communities. 

“The student panel had the greatest impact on me. Hearing our students' experiences is invaluable, as it helps me understand how I can better support them in my role. They shared their stories with the audience so openly and effectively,” said Tray Robinson, the Butte IDEA Officer. 

According to content presented by the HSI task force at the conference, Fredericks analysis of that positive change is correct, and not only for Butte College. Since The 1994-1995 school year, the number of HSI has increased by 130 in California. Additionally, funding and staff diversity is increasing. 

“This is a place of hope– people come here to explore their lives and make changes, so I feel privileged to be in a space where people are making those changes,” said Fredricks.  

To contact or learn more about the HSI task force, visit their website. 

Photo contributed by Brooke Cárcamo