Taken from the HSA website.
History Former Assistant Director for Hispanic Student Affairs and Advisor Juan R. Guardia discovered that upon his arrival at George Mason University, there was not an organization in which all Hispanic/Latino students were able to discuss and share their experiences. Thus, with the help of a group of dedicated students the Hispanic Student Association (HSA) was founded during the Spring 2002 semester at GMU.
Mission & Purpose The purpose of HSA is to:

• Better unite the Hispanics/ Latinos at George Mason University by an awareness and empowerment of other fellow students on campus who share the same or similar background and by promoting the Hispanic/Latino culture. Members will help on planning activities for the Hispanic Heritage Month;
• Educate and introduce students to Hispanic leaders in the D.C. Metro area. This includes and may not be limited to geographical location, tradition/ customs, and society. Furthermore, students will gain an appreciation of their own background and culture; and
• Assist in empowering the Hispanic student population at George Mason University. Members will not only help one another out but will also participate in various events to make campus life on George Mason University a more home environment.

Awards In 2002, HSA won several awards at the annual Student Leadership and Community Service Awards sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, including:

• Student Organization Rookie of the Year;
• International Student Umbrella Global Award; and
• Student Organization Advisor of the Year