The number of students participating in the AIRC graduation doubled from three to six from 2008 to 2009. We hope to double this number again in 2010. We are very proud of our graduates and are going to miss the impact they had on our small, but close American Indian community. Still, we are certain that they will stay connected as Alumni and, succedd in their aspirations.

I would like to extend the warmest greetings to the new and returning students. I hope that each of you had a restful and restorative summer. The fall is always an exciting time. Please stop by and update us on your summer experiences and your plans for this upcoming year. At the AIRC we are committed to helping ensure that your experience here at UCSC is positive and that you have the resources necessary to help you reach your potential. We have an open door office policy and look forward to meeting you. We are committed to building a strong Native community that values, mutual aid, well-being and success. Please take the chance to visit with Director, Rosie Cabrera and myself, Lucio Ramirez, Program Coordinator. We both have an open door and are anxious to support and work with you.

An excellent opportunity to reconnect will be the Fall Welcome, Wednesday 9/30 from 4-6pm (see calendar for details). Take advantage of our weekly Tea Time and my open office hours every Wednesday from 10-12pm. Be on the look out for the Fall Film Series, We will be showing Geronimo, The Trail of Tears and Wounded Knee, all films from the PBS series We Shall Remain. Now is an excellent time to get involved in the Full Circle Peer Mentoring Program. Last but not least is the Fall Amah Mutsun Speaker Series: Traditional Approaches to Mental Wellness, Saturday November 14th from 1-4pm. As you can see there is a lot of opportunities to get involved and enrich and support your education at UCSC through the AIRC. So bring us your ideas and visions in helping to strengthen our center and campus American Indian community.

Remember, although you may feel far from home, many of us share common experiences, passions and even friends. So stay open, in college we build friendships that often last a lifetime. Come by, and periodically check our community calendar, so that you don’t miss any of our upcoming events. In community spirit I welcome each of you back to UCSC, Lucio.