This lecture series is sponsored by the James & Alecia Porras Student Impact Fund.
Mr. Porras shares his story (see below) to let students know they can get through school and start a career despite challenges. Other speakers in this series share their own stories to empower attendees to build resiliency through their own struggles as they strive for success. Speakers also foster multicultural awareness by sharing unique perceptions related to their experiences.
Upcoming Events
Tyson Petersen, DDS | 2024-25
Dentist, Business & CEO
Thursday, April 11, 2024
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Taggart Student Center, Latinx Cultural Center Room 227
Passcode: LCC2024
Dr. Petersen and his wife Sarah were born and raised in the Brigham City and Perry, UT areas. Dr. Petersen graduated from Utah State University and then went on to finish dental school in Dallas, TX at Texas A&M-Baylor College of Dentistry. He completed an additional one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID. He’s been practicing in Logan, UT, since 2017 and took over his current practice in 2020. He is excited to share his journey and his Latin roots with us today.
Mr. James Porras' Story
Guided by faith, family, and a network of devoted friends, James Edward Porras, a proud Utah State University (USU) alum, embodies the spirit of an unwavering Aggie.
James is a second-generation American with deep Mexican roots. His school years were marked by formidable challenges starting with a Spanish-speaking class resulting from segregation by race. Later challenges encompassed overcoming a language barrier, grappling with undiagnosed dyslexia, and failing his academic courses in his first quarter at USU. Nevertheless, James persevered and has achieved much success. James is one of the first Latino graduates from USU, earning his bachelor's degree in clothing and textiles in 1974. He previously earned an associate degree in mid-management from San Jacinto Jr. College. After 5 years of employment with J.C. Penney’s, James decided to work on expanding his own ventures including ownership of airport concession stands, several Wendy's franchises, Big O Tire franchises, and real estate investments.
James remains committed to USU and the Cache Valley community, where he proudly is involved with the USU Latinx Cultural Center and Latinos in Action. James strongly believes true success is the result of people helping to lift and support each other, and desires to foster this within the Latinx community. He also encourages individuals to focus on what they CAN do, and to do it better than anyone else.
Interested in Sharing Your Story?
The Latinx Cultural Center is always looking to raise awareness of Latinx leaders around campus. Leaders are those making an impact in their communities or who are dedicated to helping those around them. If you have a desire to share your story, fill out the application form and email it to us at latinx@usu.edu.
Past Events
Life of a Latinx Leader Series
Established in 2018, this monthly series provided a venue for participants to make substantive connections with Latinx leaders across campus and in the community. The Latinx Cultural Center merged this series with the James Porras Lecture Series in Spring 2024 at Mr. Porras’ request.
James Porras Lecture Series
Established in 2018, this biannual Latinx Speaker tradition became an important part of the Latinx Cultural Center at Utah State University. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to outstanding professors, authors, artists, and other professionals who have made significant contributions to the education and acceptance of the Latinx culture. The Latinx Cultural Center merged this series with the Life of a Latinx Leader series in Spring 2024 at Mr. Porras’ request.