Sigma Lambda Beta Celebrates and Remembers El Centro Despite Lack of Clarity on the Space’s Future from Admin
Student workers hang a sign beneath a TV in El Centro during a remembrance event event hosted by Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity Inc. on Nov. 26. The signs were created and dropped off by students who were unable to attend the event. (Ian Murphy)
Sigma Lambda Beta (SLB), Elmhurst University’s historically Latino multicultural fraternity, hosted an event celebrating and remembering the existence of El Centro de la Promesa Azul on Nov. 26. The event was attended by members of the organization both at Elmhurst and from other chapters across Illinois and student workers at El Centro.
“I think the Betas specifically were one of the most common users,” said Alexander Martinez, president of SLB, at the formal beginning of the event. “We were always in there, always participating, always taking advantage.”
Brandon Sarabia, another student worker and member of SLB said, “I kind of do feel for those in the future who aren’t gonna be able to experience those experiences we had here, but hopefully in the future, they could turn this space into something nice.”
“Here is a space where like everyone could come connect with each other no matter what organization you’re from,” said Brian Hernandez-Mendoza, another member of SLB. “We had some of our bros here that like to take naps in here and even though that might not seem like a big deal, that shows how much of a safe space this was for everyone.”
In an interview with The Leader, Martinez explained why he and SLB wanted to host a gathering remembering the space.
“Since our chapter was founded, it had a very close relationship with El Centro. As our organization grew, the influence of El Centro on campus culture also grew,” said Martinez. “You always hear about, like, having a third place. This was our third place.”
Following The Leader’s initial reporting, EU announced student listening sessions, which took place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 for students to voice concerns about EU’s cultural future and the future of the space El Centro occupies in Niebuhr Hall.
Desiree Chen, senior director of external relations and communications at EU, stated to the Leader, “We have been continually exploring our options and working across campus to listen, learn, and determine lasting ways to carry on the meaningful activities and goals that the grant helped to support.”
Chen also stated EU is “continuing to coordinate with the students who have been working at El Centro.”
Brian Hernandez-Mendoza places a flower and a candle at a small memorial site during a remembrance event hosted by Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity Inc. in El Centro on Nov. 26. (Ian Murphy)
EU President Troy VanAken and other members of the President’s Cabinet did not directly respond to requests for comment, though Chen stated she worked with senior leadership in her response.
Christian Guzaro-Cruz, a student worker at El Centro and member of SLB, corroborated this, mentioning discussions with Keri Alioto, EU’s VP of student affairs, during his welcome address at the event. Guzaro-Cruz declined a request for interview and did not respond to a request for comment.
While El Centro student workers have been able to work in some capacity with EU administration, Martinez feels the response and communication with the wider campus community has been limited.
“It’s just a lot of the hearing by the grapevine,” said Martinez. “What’s the next step? I think that the next step is just going to the meetings and see what they finally are going to say.”
Martinez explained that while he understands the difficulty of EU’s circumstances, there is too much disconnect between administration and students.
“To just say, you know, in a letter, it’s closing and not have anything after, not have any discussion, or at least having to wait a really long time for that discussion, that’s disheartening,” said Martinez.
Martinez closed by saying, “El Centro was something really special to us and we’re deeply going to miss it.”
