For Michelle Ramos, a senior public health major, standing on WKU’s Homecoming Court isn’t just about tradition; it’s about visibility. As the first representative from Hilltopper Organization of Latin American Students since 2022, she carries a community’s pride with her onto the field.
Ramos’ place on the court marks a return of Hispanic representation to one of WKU’s biggest traditions. After two years without an HOLAS member in the lineup, her selection highlights both the organization’s growing presence on campus and the importance of visibility for Latino students in WKU’s community.
“People are really scared at times, especially during these times,” Ramos said. “I think being able to represent and still show your face out there is important.”
Ramos joined HOLAS in her freshman year because a girl from her high school was promoting it on Instagram. She was looking for connections and community.
“I didn’t really have many friends here when I got here,” Ramos said. “I feel more comfortable with people who are like me because not everyone goes through the same experiences. You can relate more to them and be able to talk to them more comfortably.”
Ramos volunteered to be the HOLAS representative on the Homecoming court after no one else said they would do it.
Fabián Álvarez, HOLAS advisor and assistant professor of English, believed she was the right choice.
“She’s a person who represents the organization perfectly, and it’s nice to see someone represent the whole student body not just the Latin American body,” said Álvarez.
HOLAS began in 2012 when Álvarez was approached by a former WKU faculty member to create a Latino organization on campus.
“Some organizations would start up and just stop. We wanted to make something that would stick,” Álvarez said.
Álvarez wanted to make something that made people feel at home while being away at college, and to be able to represent the Latino community.
The first meeting of HOLAS took place on Nov. 6, 2012, in the now torn-down Garrett Hall. Álvarez said 12 students showed up, but they were ready to make something special.
“We wanted a space of comfort to hold success,” Álvarez said.
More than a decade later, HOLAS continues to grow its presence on campus through cultural events and community service. The organization currently has around 25 students involved and welcomes any student to join, not just Latin American students.
HOLAS holds cultural events often, such as their Loteria night, or hosts Carne Asadas on campus to reach the whole student body. Most recently, HOLAS helped the Bowling Green community at the Harvest Festival as volunteers.
“We wanted to represent the Latin community, but we also want to spread it with everyone else. This year, we collaborated with a lot of D9 organizations,” Ramos said.
Ramos will be featured on the WKU Homecoming court on Nov. 1 at the WKU vs New Mexico State game.
“Don’t be scared, there is someone always willing to help, and just get involved and have as much fun as you can in your years at WKU,” Ramos said.
