On Wednesday, October 21, students came in red, black, gold, and white gala/formal attire to celebrate 50 years at Los Latinos Unidos (LLU) Golden Anniversary Gala in the Campus Center Event Room. Balloons, Selfies booths, and the scent of plantains, yellow rice, stew, and other Latin cuisines were served this evening.

The LLU community seated and served food to not only Stockton students, but also welcomed in additional branches of chartered organizations that are apart of LLU such as The United Latinos Association at Rowan University and the Latin American Student Organization at Montclair State University!

Prior to dinner the students were able to pick the king and queen for Stockton’s LLU by scanning a QR code. The celebration included music, dancing and food. But the action was not just on the dance floor, students were welcomed with giveaways, gifts and a celebration of 50 years of the organization. During the Gala students got up from their seats and walked over to photo booths to take pictures in their gowns and suits.

The LLU community gifted the first 100 guests with gift bags filled with goodies that consist of thank you cards, candy, and fidget toys! With a DJ playing good tunes such as R&B being the main pick for the time.

LLU President Jose Morales, who coordinates cultural activities and inclusive gatherings open to all students per semester, said his favorite part of the Gala is the diversity within their organization.

“There are no criteria to join,” Morales said, “no matter what race, color, or gender. Everyone is welcomed. That’s what makes LLU special, that’s what makes us stand out. All a student can do to join is sign up on Osprey hub and be ready to have fun! Los Latinos Unidos’ positive impact speaks for itself.”

Gianna Hernandez, 19, LLU vice president and sophomore majoring in communication studies with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertisements, said “LLU is more than a club, it’s a family sense of belonging celebrating diversity building community for Latino students at Stockton to grant the Latin community.”

“As the evening was coming to an end, the students were more than welcomed to Dance La Iguana which is a Mexican traditional dance in a circle,” Hernandez said.

With the evening coming to a close, the winners of the LLU king and queen were announced, with Gianna Hernandez as Queen and Vladimir Ruiz (LLU member) as King.

Morales has future plans on recruiting more students that are from many different Latin cultures or any culture backgrounds so that they can learn about each other.