Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership
The Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership is committed to empowering our Hispanic students and guiding them through their college journey with the confidence and sense of ownership needed to excel. Your support directly contributes to the success of Hispanic students who aspire to thrive in both Hispanic and mainstream cultural spaces. Hispanic students possess the unique ability to navigate bilingual and bicultural worlds, and your investment helps them fully realize this potential.
JMC Infrastructure:
To better honor Dr. Jesse Miranda’s legacy and enhance the center’s visibility, we are focusing on:
- Creating a welcoming environment in our new physical space, which will house Dr. Miranda’s artifacts and serve as a gathering place for students.
- Producing a video that tells the story of Dr. Jesse Miranda.
- Launching the inaugural Jesse Miranda Center Chapel Series, featuring speakers who embody Dr. Miranda’s values to inspire and educate our students.
- Partnering with the El Puente student club to enhance their on-campus programming.
Leadership Program:
Since its launch in Fall 2021 with just 5 first-year students, the Leadership Program has grown to 45 students in 2024.
We are expanding this program to support students throughout their entire four-year college experience by creating a credit-bearing leadership curriculum that includes:
- Year One: Personal Leadership
- Year Two: One-on-One Leadership
- Year Three: Group Leadership
- Year Four: Organizational Leadership
Your Investment’s Impact:
Supporting these programs ensures that Hispanic students not only succeed at Vanguard University but also emerge as leaders ready to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Giving Day 2023 Update:
Previous Giving Day funds were used to print training materials, host meal celebrations, and provide gift incentives for course completion, such as padfolios, personalized business card holders, and business cards.
Why should donors support this fund?
Hispanic students face significant challenges in higher education, with only 51% graduating from four-year institutions (Excelencia in Education). Vanguard University, a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2015, is committed to changing this narrative. In Fall 2023, 47% of our incoming class identified as Hispanic, underscoring the need for tailored support.
Donors play a crucial role in Vanguard’s mission to serve Hispanic students. Your contribution helps ensure these students feel a strong sense of belonging, are empowered in their cultural identities, and are equipped with the leadership skills necessary to thrive at Vanguard and beyond. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of Latina/o students, helping them achieve their full potential.
Student Impact
"The program made me feel heard and important to others."–VU Student
"[Entering] this program was the best decision I ever made in my life."–VU Student
"Felt empowered with my people."–VU Student
“The program created a safe space where I felt I belonged and encouraged and reminded me that I am a Latina leader who is capable of doing so much here in this school."–VU Student
How will funds be used?
Funds will be allocated to enhance the following programs and initiatives:
JMC Infrastructure:
- Center offerings for students: $2,000
- Video Biography: $1,500
- Brand Merchandise: $3,000
- Chapel Series Honorariums and Programming: $750
- El Puente Student Club Support: $2,000
Leadership Program:
Professor stipends and development materials: $4,000
Your generosity fuels the programs that empower Hispanic students, fostering their success and leadership at Vanguard University and beyond.