Freshman Lucianbella Muro (left) and sophomore Filumena Muro are the great-granddaughters of Marla Anderson, who left a legacy of activism at UWM. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Protesters, including Marla Anderson (center, sitting at desk), occupy the chancellor's office during the August 1970 demonstrations leading to the establishment of what is now the Roberto Hernandez Center at UWM. (UWM Photo Services)
Marla Anderson speaks with police shortly before her arrest during the August 1970 demonstrations leading to the establishment of what is now the Roberto Hernandez Center at UWM. Anderson was one of five people arrested during the demonstrations. (UWM Photo Services)
Police lead Marla Anderson away after her arrest during demonstrations that led to the establishment of what is now the Roberto Hernandez Center at UWM. (UWM Photo Services)
Lucianbella Muro (left) and Filumena Muro point to a 1970 news story about their great-grandmother, Marla Anderson, and others who were arrested during demonstrations at UWM. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Patricia Torres Najera and Alberto Maldonado lead for the Chancellor’s Committee for Hispanic-Serving Initiatives. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Five decades ago, Hispanic students protested to demand better support and a greater voice at UWM. Their activism led to the establishment of the Roberto Hernandez Center and a growing level of success.
Latinx students are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population at UWM and graduating at record-high rates.
More than 2,900 students of Hispanic ethnicity at were enrolled at UWM in Fall 2020, making up 11.8% of students. That’s more than double the 1,400-plus Hispanic students enrolled at UWM in 2008.
And the six-year graduation rate for Latinx students is 38.8%, up from the six-year graduation rate of 25.1% for Latinx students who entered as freshmen in fall 2005.