Patos Alumni Network

Get involved with the Patos Alumni Network and UO alumni, students, faculty, and staff who identify with or support the wide-ranging communities of Latin American culture and heritage. The network celebrates our common experiences at the university, and promotes, educates, and celebrates the diversity of our heritage. That includes providing support in recruitment and retaining of students from our communities.

The Patos Alumni Network is open to all, with an emphasis on those who identify as Chicanx, Latine, Afro and Indigenous communities of Latin American culture and heritage or have an affiliation with M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) or any other UO group with relations to the Chicanx, Latine, Afro and Indigenous communities of Latin American culture and heritage. Patos Alumni Network members are encouraged to attend chapter sponsored events and maintain active UOAA membership.

NEWS: Patos Alumni Network is now accepting donations toward our Operating Expenses! We have a new steering committee and are building the foundation of a strong network as well as planning events that will be aimed at community building and student recruitment and support.

To make a donation, please send a check to UO Alumni Association: 1720 E. 13th Suite 119, Eugene, OR 97403. IMPORTANT: Include "Patos Alumni Network" in the memo field.

Get the Latest News and Updates

When I arrived at the University of Oregon I was lost; not sure where I fit in as a first-generation Chicano. Through the support of the Office of Multicultural Affairs along with students of MEChA (Chicano Student Union) and other student organizations, I found my foundation and learned how to work with others while appreciating and valuing the different experiences of people and groups that I didn't encounter in my small-town upbringing.

Mario A. Garza, BA ’97Director of Equity and Inclusion and School Counselor at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory; Patos Alumni Network steering committee member

At first the UO proved to be challenging, but I always had lots of support from friends, faculty, and staff. There were countless events and group activities where I met some of the best people, who are still friends to this day. I’m from a big Hispanic family, but I learned that family is also who we choose! The UO gave me the family and learning opportunities I never knew I needed, but am so fortunate to have.

Adrian Trumbo, BA ’06Founder | Leadership and Success Coach, ThePeopleTree

It was at the UO where three life-changing occurrences happened. I met my best friend Amy Casso '99 in a political science class. She introduced me to my husband of 22+ years, Ramiro Flores '96. And activism in MEChA, tutoring with Ganas, and volunteering for admission outreach events led to a 25-year career in education. UO is an essential part of mi identidad and my story and I am so proud to be a Duck.

Andrea Adams Flores, BA ’97Director of Philanthropy, Justin-Siena High School, Napa, CA

I am a first-generation college student from a hometown of 1,000. I knew no other Latinos besides my extended family. Oregon empowered me. I felt seen for my unique features, my voice, and how incredibly smart I really was instead of the color of my skin. Student unions were such a special, safe space to ask naïve questions without judgement. It completely shaped how I interact with anyone professionally or personally knowing and accepting everyone’s story and unique qualities.

Jessica Lloyd, BS ’05Technical Manager, FinTech

Mario A. Garza, BA ’97College & Career Counselor, Woodburn High School, Woodburn, Oregon

One thing that’s great about having an O for our University’s symbol is that it reminds me that I have a circle of U of O friends. The close friends that I made at Oregon have meant so much to me over the years. They have been a key part of my mental health, especially during the pandemic. As my abuelita told me: ‘Friends are good medicine.’ I am grateful for what I learned at Oregon and for the connections that have boosted my happiness and wellbeing.

Humberto Chacon, BA ’87Customer Success & Business Development Executive, Canopy Wellbeing, Portland & Silicon Valley

Join the Patos online community!

The Patos Alumni Network invites you to connect with Latin American alumni in a new way! We have created an online community where you can meet up with old friends, build new relationships, and network among fellow professionals

Click here to get started!

Your email address on file with the UOAA is your access key to the online community. Need to update your email address? Contact the editor to request access.