Dear Fellow Latin Americanists,

On behalf of the Executive Committee of NCCLA (North Central Council of Latin Americanists) and Viterbo University, I extend a warm invitation to our annual conference, to be held on October 1-3, 2026, on the lovely Viterbo University campus in La Crosse, WI on the shores of the Mississippi River. This year’s theme is “Movement and Movements in Latin(x) America.” We are excited to offer many wonderful sessions with local, regional, and international presenters.

We are especially excited to have Dr. Kristy Nabhan-Warren as our Keynote speaker on Friday evening following the banquet. Dr. Nabhan-Warren is Professor and V.O. and Elizabeth Kahl Figge Chair in Catholic Studies at the University of Iowa. Her presentation on Friday evening is entitled, “La Perseverancia, Fe y Acompañamiento in a Time of Fear and Surveillance” and will highlight how for Latinx individuals and communities, it is the cohesion of family, faith, and community that are at the heart of perseverance.

Throughout the conference, we will hear from members of the Viterbo University community, including President Rick Trietley and Dr. Marlene De La Cruz-Guzmán, Vice President for Cultural and Global Engagement, who will welcome the group, present in a session, and host a book presentation of En el cinturón del viento: Antologia de poesia Latinx en el Midwest on Friday afternoon. Viterbo University will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Latin American Studies Program with a Thursday night meal and panel.

Every day of the conference is full of interesting panels and presentations that we hope will inspire you and stir you to engage further with art, research, and scholarship. For folks looking to experience La Crosse, The Pump House Regional Arts Center has a special exhibit of the art of Lapiztola, a Mexican Art Collective from Oaxaca, Mexico. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

NCCLA, the Executive Council, and Viterbo University thank you for your work in advancing the fields of Latin American and Latinx Studies. We hope you will strongly consider joining us for this unique opportunity to enjoy the multidisciplinary conversations, supportive community and camaraderie that are the hallmarks of NCCLA and its annual conference.

Sincerely,

Marlene De La Cruz-Guzmán, Ph.D.

Vice President for Cultural and Global Engagement

Viterbo University