Unanue Latino Institute Hosts Latin American Consular Forum
Thursday, June 26, 2025
SHU Leaders from Unanue Institute and Office of International Programs meet with Consular officers from Mexico, Peru, Panama and Uruguay in Jubilee Hall.
Seton Hall University welcomed distinguished representatives from six Latin American consulates for the Latin American Consular Forum, hosted on campus by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute with support from the Office of International Programs and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
The event brought together consular officials from Mexico, Peru, Panama, El Salvador, Uruguay and Paraguay to engage in dialogue with students, faculty and community members about the vital role of diplomacy, cultural exchange and educational partnerships in fostering hemispheric collaboration. Notable guests included Mariana Diaz Nagore of the Mexican Consulate in New Jersey and Vilma De Bello, Deputy Consul of Panama.
As a newly designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a federal recognition awarded to institutions with a significant percentage of Hispanic students and a demonstrated commitment to serving their needs, Seton Hall continues to deepen its ties with Latin America.
“This forum exemplifies the mission of the Unanue Latino Institute to celebrate and amplify the voice, culture, and leadership of the Latino community,” said Lori Tarke, executive director of the Institute. “We are honored to host such esteemed representatives and proud to provide students with meaningful opportunities to connect with Latin American diplomacy, culture and global affairs.”
Panel discussions throughout the event explored topics ranging from economic development and cross-border education to international careers, immigration policy and the growing importance of cultural fluency in diplomacy. Students, faculty and administrators from across disciplines engaged directly with consular officials, gaining insight into careers in international relations and the broad spectrum of Latin American global engagement.
The event also highlighted Seton Hall’s expanding academic footprint in Latin America. Through partnerships with leading institutions including Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in Mexico, where students recently participated in a spring study abroad program examining the intersection of faith and healthcare, Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, and Universidad Católica de Santa Fe in Argentina, the University is strengthening its academic exchange and global learning opportunities.
Johanna Pan-Carr (left) and Mary Kate Naatus (right) meet with Vilma De Bello (center), Deputy Consul General of Panama.
“Our goal is to grow Seton Hall’s presence, visibility, and recruitment efforts across Latin America,” said Johanna Pan-Carr, Director of International Student Services. “These partnerships and events are just the beginning of our long-term commitment to building bridges between our students and Latin America’s rich academic, cultural and diplomatic communities.”
In addition, Seton Hall students now have access to expanded semester-long study abroad programs in Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), further diversifying the global experiences available to Pirates across all majors.
The Latin American Consular Forum served as a powerful platform to connect students with leaders in international affairs, celebrate Latin American heritage and promote international engagement as a core component of Seton Hall’s mission. As the University continues to expand its global reach, forums like this play a vital role in preparing the next generation of ethical, globally minded leaders.
Categories: Nation and World
