Join us as we kick off Elgin Community College’s Latinx Heritage Celebration, Growing Beyond Our Roots (Creciendo Más Allá de Nuestras Raíces), and honor the enduring legacy of Jane Barbosa—community leader, founder of OLAS, and champion for educational opportunity.

Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Sandy Lopez, retired Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, longtime educator, and dedicated student advocate.

Gather with students, alumni, employees, and community leaders for an inspiring morning celebrating Jane’s impact, the strength of our communities, and the generations continuing to shape our future.

📍 Elgin Community College 

    1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123

    Building B, Jobe Lounge

⌚ Doors open at 9 AM

     Program starts at 9:30 AM

GENERAL ADMISSION: $50 per guest

STUDENT TICKET: $25 per student

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• Jane Barbosa Legacy Sponsor - $2,500
• We Rise Sponsor - $1,500
• Empowerment Sponsor - $750

>>>Buy your tickets today!<<<

Check out photos from past events here courtesy of Gil Photography

Sandy López has over 34 years of experience at Northern Illinois University (NIU), serving students, staff, faculty, and school business officials as an elementary school teacher, academic advisor, teaching consultant, administrator, and, most importantly, as a mentor and student advocate. In 2018, Sandy joined the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) and served as the Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center. Sandy is now retired from NIU but remains actively involved on campus and in the community. 

She is also a board member of Raíces Financial Services, which brings tax filing support to immigrant communities, and the president of the NIU Latino Alumni Council. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Deaf Education, a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology, and a doctoral degree in Educational Administration Foundations.