Block Party offers more than fun
<p>Every time attendees eat a plate of carne asada at the ASU Block Party they are not only eating a good plate of Mexican food, they are also contributing to the development of entrepreneurs, managers and the business leaders of tomorrow.</p><separator></separator><p>The students who participate in the ASU Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) annual Homecoming Carne Asada learn valuable skills that will prepare them to succeed and compete in the business world when they leave ASU.</p><separator></separator><p>“The student participants learn to seek sponsors, get the appropriate permits, organize crews and create effective operational plans,” says Louis Olivas, assistant vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Education Partnerships.</p><separator></separator><p>The HBSA Carne Asada started seven years ago as part of the Homecoming activities reuniting students, faculty, staff and alumni with the experience of being a Sun Devil.</p><separator></separator><p>“The first year of the Carne Asada we had around 50 alumni and a boom box, but this year we have a list of 700 alumni and instead of a boom box we have live music,” says Olivas.</p><separator></separator><p>The positive outcomes don’t end with the entertainment and the hands-on experience of organizing the event. The Carne Asada serves a more important purpose for it organizers. It allows the Hispanic alumni a venue to share their knowledge and experience, and give back to the community by becoming mentors to students.</p><separator></separator><p>Adrian Tatpetillo, an ASU student and the event chair of the event, is participating for the first time in this event. He is already seeing the benefits of getting involved with student activities.</p><separator></separator><p>“Being involved in student activities gives me the opportunity to learn to network which is something that is extremely important to succeed in the business world, and it also allows me to feel proud of my heritage and being a Sun Devil,” says Tatpetillo. “When I graduate from ASU the first thing that I’m going to buy is the alumni license plate because I’m really proud to be a Sun Devil.”</p><separator></separator><p>The HBSA will be selling a Carne Asada meal at the Block Party from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The profits from this event help to support the activities of HBSA students.</p><separator></separator><p>Adriana Sanchez, <span class="attributevalue"><a href="mailto:Adriana.Sanchez.1@asu.edu">Adriana.Sanchez.1@asu.edu</a></span> <br />(480) 965-9579</p>