The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute (JAULI) at Seton Hall University hosted its annual Carnaval Gala on Thursday, Oct. 24, a night filled with celebration, dancing, and honoring the Latino community.
The event, which was held at Bethany Hall, brought together a group of attendees, including distinguished honorees, alumni, students, donors, friends, and corporate partners. The night consisted of a silent auction of luxury gifts, tropical/Caribbean decorations, numerous yells of “azucar”—the Spanish term for “sugar” used a Cuban cultural slang to express excitement—across the hall, and Brazilian dancers inviting the crowd to join the dance floor.
JAULI Carnaval Gala decorations | Photo via Just a Soul Photography | The Setonian
The gala honored several individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, according to a press release:
Victor Cruz: The former NFL star and current broadcaster received the Esperanza (Hope) Award for his philanthropic work and inspiring journey.
Sara Peña: Director of External Affairs at PSEG, was honored with the Viva Award for her dedication to youth development and community service.
Deborah Visconi: President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, received the Magno Award for her leadership and commitment to healthcare.
Adrian Orozco ’19: New Jersey Political Director of SEIU Local 32BJ, was recognized with the Alumni Impact Award for his dedication to labor rights and social justice.
Attendees enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, dinner, and a live performance by a Latin music band.
One attendee, Valeria Rodriguez, a senior English major with a criminal justice minor, said she enjoyed the Brazilian dancers’ performance.
“I think my favorite part was the dancers,” Rodriguez said. “I love the bright colors, I love their wings.”
Brazilian dancers performing at the dance floor | Photo via Just a Soul Photography | The Setonian
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She added that she also enjoyed being able to celebrate her heritage together with the Seton Hall Latino community at the JAULI gala.
“When you have the ability to unite with your kind of community, something that’s like more like within your roots, it’s very beautiful,” Rodriguez said.
Another attendee, Isabella Cruz, a senior diplomacy and international relations major with a concentration in economics and Asian studies, said that hearing Victor Cruz’s story and “his journey as a Latino in New Jersey” was “very inspiring and very fun.”
Cruz also said that it is important to celebrate and “create that Latino consciousness” at Seton Hall.
“It’s important to have those voices heard and to continue creating spaces where Latinos can be themselves and to, you know, celebrate that Latino excellence,” Cruz said.
She also said that she recommends other campus organizations to “collaborate on events like this” to “bring forth more students” into events that celebrate Hispanic excellence.
Each honoree expressed gratitude for their awards and shared stories from their lives.
“It is a profound honor to receive the Magno Award from the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute. This recognition not only celebrates our shared heritage and the achievements of the Latine community but also underscores the vital importance of furthering education and fostering unity,” said Visconi in a press release.
In a press release, Lori Tarke, the executive director of JAULI, emphasized JAULI’s aim to give students, especially first-generation students, “the best chance to succeed.” She also said we celebrate the Latino community by honoring these leaders.
“We are celebrating our community with these history makers, influencers, and leaders. I want our students to see that dreams can be made with hard work and commitment so our students see what they can achieve through the lessons of these honorees as role models,” Tarke said.
Damaris Diaz, a Univision Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor, and a Seton Hall alumna, served as the master of ceremonies at the gala. She told The Setonian that she wants students to know that they “can dream big.”
“I want students to know that you can dream big,” Diaz said. “Even if you feel a little lost sometimes, or you don’t know your way, know that what you’re doing right now is exactly what you need to be doing right now—getting your education and preparing for the next step.”
She also said that it’s okay if a student does not get their dream job right after graduation since every job they have is preparing them like a “snowball effect.”
“Every dream, every job that you get, everything that you line up for yourself is [going to] prepare you. Every time you tumble, you’re gonna get stronger,” Diaz said. “You’re going to be taking everything along with you, and you’re going to be such a strong force and a powerful, powerful force. And that’s what I want people to take away tonight.”
Attendees dancing at the gala | Photo via Just a Soul Photography | The Setonian
The Carnaval Gala also highlighted JAULI’s history. In 1974, it was created as the Puerto Rican Institute, which aimed to empower Latino students and celebrate Latino culture. In 2005, with the vision of Joseph A. and Carmen Ana Unanue, the Institute was re-established with the same aim to empower students with a new vision. The new vision was dedicated to providing scholarships, community support, and cultural programming.
In 2024, JAULI celebrates 50 years of Latino excellence at Seton Hall University. The Institute has distributed over $1.85 million in scholarships to more than 400 students and supported over 50 scholars in 2024 alone.
Rodriguez said she didn’t realize the amount of support and networking opportunities she would receive from JAULI during her first year as a JAULI scholar.
“I feel like as a first gen and as a Hispanic, we don’t get people that kind of lead the way for us, you know, and having [JAULI] really help us out with that is very great,” Rodriguez said.
As Seton Hall strives to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2025, JAULI’s role in this goal is to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community, according to Tarke.
By celebrating these honorees and Latino heritage, the Carnaval Gala reinforced JAULI’s commitment to empowering future generations of Latino leaders.
“Together, we will continue to uplift our communities, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future,” Visconi said.
Disclaimer: This article was published later due to scheduling issues. Thank you for your patience.
Rachel Suazo is the Editor-in-Chief of The Setonian. She can be reached at rachel.suazo@student.shu.edu.
Esmeralda Arias is the Managing Editor of The Setonian. She can be reached at esmeralda.arias@student.shu.edu.
