Throughout this academic year, The Rider will explore the student organizations at UTRGV. This is the third in our annual series. The Rider interviewed Letcia Calzada, president of the Korean International Social Syndicate, for information.
Name: Korean International Social Syndicate
President: Letcia Calzada
Vice President: Michelle Hernandez
Secretary: Gisselle Martinez
Secretary: Nadia Salinas
Treasurer: Dominique Flores
Historian: Jennifer Saenz
Historian: Briana Muñoz
Sergeant of Arms: Angel Aza
Adviser: Hyun Lee, a lecturer in physics and astronomy
What is the purpose of the Korean International Social Syndicate? “So, the purpose of our organization is to bring people closer to the Korean culture and Korean pop culture, like Korean dramas, Korean music and [Korean] culture in general. Sometimes, we have the Korean church come and talk to us and have little meetings and gatherings and they bring food and sometimes we do the same but like with Mexican food, so they can know more about the Mexican-American culture here in the [Rio Grande] Valley.”
What activities does the Korean International Social Syndicate perform? “During our meetings, we have Korean lessons. One of the graduate students, Mr. [Kwanheui] Cheon, teaches us Korean [on] Wednesdays. We have games. We also have parties. For example, the Halloween and the Christmas parties, an end-of-the-year trip, and we have different activities during the [Asian Spring] festivals to represent Korean culture.”
When and where do the Korean International Social Syndicate’s general meetings take place? “The meetings take place [in Edinburg] at the Education Building, second floor, Room 2.534, Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.”
What are the membership requirements? “To join the organization, there’s a $10 due.”
For more information, email: utrgvkpopclub@gmail.com
Facebook: The Korean International Social Syndicate – KISS- at UTRGV
Instagram: @korean_inter_soc_syndicate
–Compiled by Joahana Segundo
