How to apply
Students wishing to live in this community can apply online as part of the housing contract.
Immerse yourself in Latine culture and community
Named for Luis Dávila, a renowned professor in Latin American and Latino literature at IU Bloomington, this co-ed thematic community in Forest Residence Center is a home away from home for Latine and non-Latine students alike.
The mission of the Luis Dávila Latine Thematic Community is to give students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the histories, cultures, and experiences of Latinx communities.
As a resident, you’ll enjoy opportunities to:
- Engage in cultural, social, and academic programming that supports identity exploration and personal growth
- Build meaningful connections with fellow students, faculty, alumni, and community members
- Develop a strong sense of belonging within a supportive and welcoming community
- Access mentorship, professional development, and guidance from a broad support network
- Explore the histories, cultures, and experiences of Latine communities in the U.S. and beyond
- Connect with academic, campus, and community resources that support your success and well-being
- Participate in conversations and experiences that celebrate and strengthen cultural identity
Living and learning opportunities
-
Build community
Participate in cultural and social programs hosted by La Casa/Latino Cultural Center that foster connection, belonging, and community both within the residence hall and throughout Bloomington.
-
Explore Latine studies
Deepen your understanding of Latine histories, cultures, and experiences through courses offered by the Latino Studies Program. Students are encouraged to take at least two Latino Studies courses during their time in the community.
-
Grow your network
Connect with Latine faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders through mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities made possible through partnerships with the IU Latine Faculty and Staff Council and IU Latino Alumni Association.
Who is Luis Dávila?
Luis Dávila was a professor in Latin American and Latino literature at Indiana University Bloomington. He was born in 1938 in San Antonio, Texas, to parents from Mexico. After graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class, Professor Dávila was awarded a full scholarship to St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where he graduated magna cum laude in chemistry in 1960. Professor Dávila went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Latin American literature at Ohio State University.
Professor Dávila joined the faculty of Indiana University in fall 1969, where he taught in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese until his retirement as full professor in 2011. At IU, he was deeply involved with the Latino community for whom he advocated tirelessly and supported in every way he could.
In 2008, the Latino Alumni Association awarded Professor Dávila the Distinguished Latino Faculty Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements to Indiana University and the Indiana University Latino community for over 30 years. He also tirelessly served the university community as a whole in many ways extending far beyond his pedagogical obligations.
Professor Dávila was considered one of the academic pioneers of Chicano and Latino Studies in the U.S. academy, founding the groundbreaking journal La Revista Chicano-Riqueña with Nick Kanellos in 1973. In 1976 he also inaugurated the interdisciplinary Chicano-Riqueño Studies Program at IU, dedicated to the study of Puerto Rican, Chicano, and other Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.
Additionally, he was the faculty advisor to the journal Chiricú, one of the few U.S. Latino journals published from start to finish by graduate students. This multilingual journal of Latina and Latino literature and literary criticism continues to be published annually. The Chicano-Riqueño Studies Program, and the journals Chiricú and La Revista Chicano-Riqueña brought recognition to Indiana University and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese.