The Spanish Club at Oakland University continues to establish itself as a welcoming space for students interested in learning, practicing and celebrating the Spanish language and culture.
During a student dinner on Oct. 29, club leaders of Spanish Club, Sigma Delta Pi and ALPHA — all Hispanic student organizations — revisited their mission, emphasizing that the organization is open to everyone — whether a native speaker or a complete beginner exploring the Spanish-speaking world.
“The main mission of the Spanish Club is to, of course, share the language,” Spanish Club Vice President Adrian Jimenez Morales said. “Not only with other Spanish speakers, but also with students who are taking Spanish classes, students who are applying to study abroad, or people who just want to pick up on it.”
Jimenez Morales explained that the club attracts a diverse group of students, including those who already speak Spanish fluently and those who are just beginning their language journey.
“We have a lot of people who speak it at home, or they’re trying to practice for study abroad,” he said. “I know, for example, Fatou and her family — they speak French. They speak a lot of languages, and they just add Spanish to their roster of languages.”
The Spanish Club offers a relaxed environment where students can meet, form study groups and practice their skills without pressure.
“It’s mostly a casual environment where you can meet Hispanic people and then you decide where to go from there — whether that’s creating study groups, practicing your Spanish for a test or quiz,” Jimenez Morales said. “But really, it’s about sharing the language.”
Beyond just regular meetings, the club collaborates with other organizations such as Sigma Delta Pi and ALPFA, with upcoming events like a joint cultural dinner in the works. The Spanish Club aims to create meaningful connections across campus while promoting appreciation for the Spanish language and the cultures that speak it.
The club’s partnerships, like the recent Sigma Delta Pi Dinner with ALPFA and the Spanish Club, showcase its dedication to building community across campus. Events like these bring students from different backgrounds together to share a meal, exchange stories and celebrate the cultures that make OU so diverse.
Students who attended the dinner highlighted how meaningful these moments of connection can be.
“I got to reconnect with people who I was already friends with and made new friends and that’s the goal here in college,” Stephen, a social work student, said.
His experience reflects the club’s mission to make language learning a pathway to community, not just communication.
Through food, conversation and shared experiences, the Spanish Club and its partners remind the campus that language is more than vocabulary – it is a way to build understanding and appreciation for different cultures. Each event becomes a space for students to step outside their comfort zones and see the world through a wider lens.
Jasmin Carmona-Almanza, president of the OU Spanish Club, shared her thoughts on the collaboration with Sigma Delta Pi for the event.
“It was an honor to collaborate with Sigma Delta Pi. The best reward was seeing the smiles on people’s faces and the conversations that emerged over dinner. Spanish Club can’t wait for our next collaboration,” Carmona-Almanza said.
For many members, the club also provides an opportunity for academic and personal growth. Whether preparing for study abroad, connecting with native speakers or simply practicing with friends, students gain confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.
As the Spanish Club continues to grow, its impact on campus life is undeniable. By fostering friendships and promoting cultural awareness, the organization represents the heart of student involvement at OU — an open invitation to learn, connect and celebrate the beauty of the Spanish-speaking world together.
