ILAIS celebrated its first anniversary

On October 15, the Institute for Latin American and Iberian Studies (ILAIS) celebrated its first anniversary at the May Gallery in McMullen Library. Approximately 40 people attended the festivity.

Participants included the University’s Provost Dr. Aaron Dominguez and Vice Provost for Global Strategies Dr. Duilia DeMello.  Father Diogo Escudero offered a multilingual blessing in English, Spanish and Portuguese. 

Also in attendance was Hispanic-American poet, Dr. Luis Ambroggio. As a distinguished alumnus of the University and a Fellow of ILAIS, Dr. Ambroggio delivered an effusive speech during the ceremony. The establishment of Ambroggio Family Foundation Research Fund was announced which will support research endeavors at the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty levels.

The leadership of ILAIS (Director Dr. Sandra Barrueco and Associate Director Livia Lopes) addressed the achievements and new projects for the Institute.

Dr. Barrueco described the successful first year of the Institute for Latin American and Iberian Studies, and thanked the contributors within and outside the university for their involvement and contributions. To Associate Director Lopes, J.D., celebrating the milestone of ILAIS’ 1st year at the culmination of the Latin American Heritage Month was emblematic. “We had an amazing opportunity to bring together the University community to praise the accomplishments of the Institute while we announce the next steps to expand Latin American and Iberian studies and initiatives on campus,” she said.

ILAIS was officially founded on October 15, 2020. The Institute is a multidisciplinary intellectual forum for learning, research, and dialogue on Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula at The Catholic University of America. It is a University’s cultural and academic flagship and a reference point on those regions in the nation’s capital.