KU's Hispanic American Leadership Organization announces officers

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas has announced the officers of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization for the 2003-04 school year.

Originally formed in 1971 as the Association of Mexican American Students, the group became known as HALO in 1986 to better reflect the diversity of Hispanic representation. The group's mission is to meet many academic, social and cultural needs of the Hispanic student population at KU.

The group is funded by Student Senate and is overseen by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Officers for the organization are listed by hometown, level in school and major (when available), parents' names and high school alma mater:

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Mission
Andrea Rose Pantoja, sophomore in Spanish, daughter of Robert Pantoja; Bishop Miege High School graduate; vice president.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Melinda Rosa Benavidez, freshman planning to study pharmacy, daughter of Salvador and Adela Benavidez; Shawnee Heights High School graduate; treasurer.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Bonner Springs
Michael Anthony Lopez, sophomore planning to study business administration, son of Racheal Haas; Bonner Springs High School graduate; historian.

From Kansas City
Raymond Anthony Rico, junior in political science with plans to study law, son of Gregorio and Ruth Rico; Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences graduate; sergeant at arms.

TEXAS
From Dallas
Melanie Roz Weiser, senior in communication studies with plans to study law, daughter of Philip Weiser; J.J. Pearce High School graduate; president.