Dreamers Resource Center marks anniversary with successes, open house

JANUARY 22, 2020 — The UTSA Dreamers Resource Center will host an open house event today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mark its two-year anniversary and to celebrate its key accomplishments in supporting the success of the university’s undocumented students.

“As we mark the two-year anniversary of the opening of the UTSA Dreamers Resource Center, it is a time of reflection on the students who have been impacted by the work of the center and deep appreciation for the campus and community partners who have aided in these successes,” said Courtney Balderas-Jacob, the center’s assistant director. “The center has had the opportunity in the last year to heighten its visibility at the national, state and city levels—all to the benefit of the Dreamers it serves.” 

Balderas-Jacob noted a list of accomplishments that have occurred over the past two years to further support the Dreamers. A library collection, visiting speakers and special programs, she said, are among the most significant moments. 

“The center has had the opportunity in the last year to heighten its visibility at the national, state and city levels—all to the benefit of the Dreamers it serves.”

—COURTNEY BALDERAS-JACOB, UTSA Dreamers Resource Center Assistant Director

Additionally, the center led a successful advocacy and social justice event, Stand with Immigrants Day, at which UTSA student and faculty allies came together with Dreamers to discuss the importance of support for immigration reform. 

The center cofacilitated the 2019 Alternative Winter Break trip to San Juan, Texas, where 11 UTSA students had the opportunity to learn about immigration related topics in direct partnership with La Unión del Pueblo Entero. 

The center partnered with Jessica L. Wright of UTSA’s Department of Philosophy and Classics, who had invited visiting lecturer Dan-el Padilla Peralta, assistant professor of classics at Princeton University and a former Dreamer. Padilla Peralta shared his experiences at a Dreamer breakfast in the center and a community event at La Botanica, where UTSA Dreamers assisted in leading a discussion of his book, Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey from a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy League. 

“Given the growing need for holistic community support of Dreamers and students from mixed status families,” said Balderas-Jacob, “the center facilitated conversations with Julian Escutia, the general director for the Protection of Mexicans Abroad, and provided information sessions at the spring and fall Binational Education Week events at the Mexican Consulate. The center is working with the Census 2020 Immigrant and Refugee committee to ensure access to accurate information about the upcoming census and continues to be present at the DREAM summit events held by SAISD.” 

The center also continues to provide training and participate in panels for UTSA departments and students upon request. Campus partners who have made these sessions available to their students and staff include the Tomás Rivera Center, First Year Experience, First-Gen and Transfer Student Center, Campus Recreation, the Career Center, Bilingual Education Student Organization, Center for Civic Engagement and the Honors College. 

“Given indications that DACA may not be resuscitated by Congress, it’s imperative we escalate the support we offer our Dreamers,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said on the day of the center’s opening. “We must do everything we can to ensure they have the right resources and information in the months to come.” 

Just as when the center was created, the assistance, enthusiasm and collaboration of the campus, educational partners and San Antonio community continue to be key, according to Balderas-Jacob. 

The open house and celebration for Intercultural Programs and Student Engagement in collaboration with the Dreamers Resource Center anniversary will be held in the Student Union (SU 2.01.04). Check-in will be available at tables in front of the Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28) and Mesquite Room (SU 2.01.24). The event includes a band and food.

— Pamela Lutrell

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