SMC LASO History
History of SMC LASO
The story of the Latin American Student Organization at Spartanburg Methodist College, from its founding in 2025 to its continued growth on campus.
The Beginning of LASO
The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) was founded on September 24, 2025, at Spartanburg Methodist College by Bryan Guerrero as part of his Capstone Project.
LASO was created with the vision of building a lasting community for Hispanic and Latin American students at SMC while also welcoming students from all backgrounds who want to celebrate culture, leadership, friendship, and campus involvement.
"Spartanburg Methodist College is a very diverse community. However, there is still a lack of Latin American representation on campus. An organization is needed to ensure that Latin American students are represented and have a community where they can be proud of their heritage."
— Bryan Guerrero, LASO Founder
This vision became the foundation of LASO. From the beginning, the organization has worked to create a welcoming space where students can celebrate Hispanic and Latin American cultures, develop as leaders, and build meaningful connections at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Mission and Purpose
LASO exists to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American cultures while fostering an inclusive community where students can develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and become actively involved on campus.
The organization welcomes students of all backgrounds and encourages cultural awareness, collaboration, service, and meaningful campus involvement.
Founder of SMC LASO
Bryan Guerrero founded LASO during the Fall 2025 semester as his Capstone Project at Spartanburg Methodist College. His goal was not only to start a student organization, but to create something that would continue beyond one semester and grow through future generations of student leaders.
By focusing on continuity, leadership, and representation, Bryan helped establish the foundation for the organization that LASO continues to build on today.
"In the past, similar organizations only lasted one semester. My goal was to build something that would continue after I graduated. Today, LASO is still here and growing."
— Bryan Guerrero, LASO Founder
LASO Logos Through the Years
From its founding in 2025 to today, LASO has continued to grow not only through its members and events, but also through its identity and branding. As the Latin American student organization has matured, its visual identity has evolved while remaining true to its mission of celebrating Hispanic and Latin American cultures and building community at SMC.
Our First Logo
The original LASO logo represented the beginning of a new student organization dedicated to increasing Latin American representation and creating a lasting community on campus.
Our Current Logo
As LASO continued to grow, the organization adopted its current logo to better represent its expanding mission, cultural diversity, unity, and long-term vision.
LASO Timeline
Since its founding in September 2025, LASO has continued to grow through cultural events, community building, leadership opportunities, partnerships, and student-led initiatives.
2025
September 24, 2025 — First LASO Meeting and Foundation
Founded by Bryan Guerrero as a Capstone Project.
October 1, 2025 — Noche de Juegos
October 13, 2025 — Arts & Craft Night
October 14, 2025 — Noche de Vaqueros
October 22, 2025 — Soccer Tennis Tournament
November 3, 2025 — Skull Decoration Fiesta
November 11, 2025 — First Leadership Team Established
Founder Bryan Guerrero appointed Jean Segura and Adela Ruiz as LASO's first Co-Presidents and welcomed Yashuri Del Rosario Rodríguez as the organization's first faculty advisor.
November 19, 2025 — Trivia Night: Latin Countries Edition
2026
February 11, 2026 — Love for Our Latinos
February 27, 2026 — Hablemos de Finanzas
Capstone Project by Brandon Serna.
March 17, 2026 — El Festival de Culturas
Capstone Project by Luna Orozco.
March 27, 2026 — Taquiza Event
Collaboration with Furman University and Presbyterian College.
April 8, 2026 — 2026–2027 LASO Leadership Team Elected
Jean Segura was elected President, alongside Allison Sandres, Camila Moscoso, Alejandra Cortes, and Samantha Flores.
April 28, 2026 — Noche de Juegos
Key Milestones
Founded in 2025
LASO was founded on September 24, 2025, as a Capstone Project by Bryan Guerrero.
First Major Events
The organization quickly began hosting cultural, social, and educational events for students.
Festival de Culturas
El Festival de Culturas became one of LASO's major cultural milestones at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Leadership Continuity
The 2026–2027 leadership team continued Bryan's vision of building a lasting organization.
Continuing the Legacy
Since its founding, LASO has continued to grow through cultural programming, leadership development, community partnerships, and student engagement at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Each new Executive Board builds upon the work of those who came before, helping ensure that the student organization continues to serve Spartanburg Methodist College students while honoring the vision established in 2025.
As LASO grows, this page will continue to document the organization's milestones, leadership, and history for future generations.
Events & Gallery · News & Highlights · Join LASO