Austin Peay opens Hispanic Cultural Center

The Tennessean reports that Austin Peay State University will open a Hispanic Cultural Center tomorrow.



"It will be a place where students can savor Hispanic culture, said APSU student Tina Tarpe, president of the Spanish Honor Society, Pi Nu Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the campus group that proposed the center. 'It will be a place where they (students) can learn about the Hispanic culture, practice speaking Spanish and develop a sense of cultural awareness,' she said. 'It's exciting because it'll be the first time the students have a place where they can do those things.'"



"[Ramon Magrans, APSU professor of languages and literature and an expert in Latin American and Cuban culture,] added it will be a valuable source for those learning Spanish and studying the Hispanic culture, as well as to those in the surrounding communities who might need resources on Hispanic culture."



"In February, APSU topped the list of Tennessee's public colleges and universities with unequaled Hispanic student enrollment. The number of Hispanic students at APSU was up nearly 21% between 2003 and 2004 and more than 21% over the past five years, according to figures provided by Houston Davis, associate vice president for academic affairs at APSU. Fall 2004 APSU enrollment figures show 438 Hispanic students."



"The grand opening ceremony for APSU's Hispanic Cultural Center will be 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow in the Morgan University Center. For information, call 221-6100."