“La Casita” is the Spanish term for “The Little Home”. Appropriately enough, the house referred to as “La Casita” at the University of Florida is home to about 40 Hispanic/Latino student organizations on campus. Also known as the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, La Casita provides a campus location for undergraduates and graduates students alike to gather and celebrate their culture. This convenient meeting area located on West University Avenue, hosts events from different cultural organizations, fraternities and sororities, and academic clubs. The purposes of the organizations run out of La Casita range from social to service. The Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures at UF was the first of its kind in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1994 as a “home away from home” for students of Hispanic descent.
The club associated with Cuban-American students (CASA), is also based out of La Casita. As part of my research, I decided to drop by the house to see the facilities and get a calendar of upcoming events. When I asked them if CASA held their meetings at La Casita, they quickly replied, “No way, CASA is way too big!” Clearly there exists a large Cuban-American student population at UF and they are obviously very willing to proudly tout their heritage.
*La Casita Logo Courtesy of La Casita Website*
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