One of the most impactful experiences I had at the University of Arizona Douglas was participating in an engagement experience attending the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Capitol Forum.

Through this experience, I was able to build relationships with people from all over the world. I also had the opportunity to speak to our State Representatives and advocate for Hispanic students. HACU opened my eyes to a whole new and different world. You learn to plug-in to different resources and how to network with individuals working within the government branch. Through this engagement experience, I was able to learn more about my degree and explore the different career opportunities that I have. I learned how to properly talk to members of Congress and how to advocate for students struggling in higher education. Moreover, I learned that advocacy is about building relationships – we need to build a relationship with those who are representing us in order to be able to advocate with the confidence that they will respond positively.

The most positive result that I got from this engagement experience was that our Representatives were really interested in what we had to say. They attentively listened to our concerns because they understand the importance of Hispanic higher education and support it.

For other students contemplating an engagement experience: Please do it! You get to be exposed to a new world and you gain knowledge and experience. You also learn how to advocate for other students who do not have the opportunity to do this for themselves. I desire that you take the chance to explore beyond your horizons and find out what you are really passionate about! HACU was a life-changing experience that has prepared me to advocate for other students, specifically Hispanic students who are struggling to receive higher education.

Dorian Loreto graduated in May of 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies and Human Behavior.

Dorian was raised in the border town of Douglas, Arizona and continues to reside in the area. With the support of his education, he has been able to serve his community by working at a local high school as a Guidance Counselor. Having the opportunity to work with at-risk students in a rural area has enriched his passion for helping others. “Providing the youth with prospective futures can be a challenging mission, but it’s a mission worth undertaking. Guiding students does not include forcing a certain lifestyle upon them. A guidance counselor must find creative ways to shine a light on a student’s passions, hopes, and dreams. Only then will a student be able to design a tailored life plan.”

As a high-ranking institution, the University of Arizona ensures that each and every graduate is fully prepared before entering the workforce. The University of Arizona South afforded Dorian with the expertise required to deliver a high degree of professionalism. Dorian Loreto received his education without having to leave Douglas and is now helping his hometown. He is the product of a homegrown education. Dorian believes it is his duty to uplift others, and as a University of Arizona Wildcat alumni, he is devoted to applying his higher education to offer various possibilities of success to his community members.

Douglas graduated in August of 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in Administration of Justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Prior to attending the University of Arizona South, Douglas earned two Associate’s Degrees at Cochise College. Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice (2013) & General Studies (2007). Douglas is married and is the father of two children, ages 13 & 5. In addition, Douglas is a career employee with the State of Arizona Department of Corrections, with 19 years of experience with the agency. Douglas took classes and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in a period of three years while working full time and raising a family.

When asked why he chose the University of Arizona South to pursue his higher educational goals, Douglas’ response was: “I have strong roots in the Douglas and Sierra Vista communities. By attending the University of Arizona South and pursuing my degree in Administration of Justice, I was able to remain locally in Cochise County, not disrupt the stability of my family and children, yet at the same time, obtain a quality and accredited education which is beginning to prepare me for life after my retirement from state service, which is just around the corner.” “In addition, the learning atmosphere at the campus with the professors, their knowledge as subject matter experts in their respective fields and the overall flexibility of taking both in class and online courses, were a contributing factor as to why I chose the University of Arizona South as my higher education institution.”

Now that he has graduated, Douglas will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Political Science.