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For the second year in a row, ����Թ� was proud to sponsor the , the largest Latin event focused on health, wellness and culture in Berwyn, Illinois.

The 5K run/walk was held on Aug. 16, with more than 1,700 runners and over 10,000 spectators taking to the streets as mariachi performers, folkloric dancers, cheer squads and city residents with radios cheered participants on. Each participant to complete the race was presented with a medal featuring a mariachi playing a violin. Tamales and beverages also awaited runners at the end of the course, leading to a festive after party with more music and vendor booths, including representation from Northeastern.

Photo: Runners at the start/finish line.

"It's clear that the Corrida del Mariachi is a really special event for Berwyn, bringing out tons of families, community leaders and neighbors, and attracting 1,700 runners,” College of Arts and Sciences Dean Tim Libretti, Ph.D., said. “For Northeastern to sponsor, support and be a vital and vibrant part of this event, which is so meaningful to the life of this community, fills me with a lot of pride. NEIU needs to support the communities we serve where they live, and our involvement in the Corrida del Mariachi exemplifies our fulfillment of that mission. It was great to see so many folks engaging us at the NEIU tent and learning about all of the opportunities we offer to help them pursue their dreams and goals."

Dr. Libretti used the race as an opportunity to raise funds for the College Undergraduate Scholars Program (CUSP). He raised $1,075 in donations and matched the total, bringing in $2,150 to support student research projects and creative activities at the University. 

Photo (from left to right): Muhammad Elbadawi, Dr. Libretti and Associate Director of Transfer Admission Brennen Keefe at the Northeastern booth. 

Transfer Admissions Counselor Muhammad Elbadawi was one of three Northeastern employees to work the University’s booth at the race. Those who came to the booth were able to spin a prize wheel for a Northeastern-branded item — such as a lanyard, planter, or tote bag — and learn about the programs the University offers. Alumni who stopped by were also able to pick up a swag bag.

"It was great to see Berwyn come together this past Saturday for the Corrida Del Mariachi,” Elbadawi said. “The event was filled with a lot of passion and high energy from the runners and the community at large. I was very happy for the opportunity to engage with the community members about their future plans in education and to inform them of NEIU's offerings. Their high spirits and ambitious drive were very infectious and this event is certainly a memorable highlight this summer.”

As part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Berwyn borders Oak Park to the north; Cicero to the east; Stickney to the south; and Lyons, Riverside, North Riverside, and Forest Park to the west. Per the 2020 U.S. Census, Berwyn is largely composed of residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino. While more than 30% of the population have completed high school or an equivalent degree, only 16.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. Northeastern, the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest, has a strong alumni presence in the Western suburbs. The University also serves the area through initiatives, which currently provides approximately 1,500 limited-income and first-generation college-bound students in direct STEAM education in three high schools, three middle schools and five elementary schools in Cicero and Berwyn; and five Chicago public high schools on the city’s South Side.

Photo: James Taylor (right) and Muhammad Elbadawi (left) showing a booth visitor their prize.

“I had a great time at the Corrida del Mariachi,” said Program Assistant James Taylor, who also worked at the Northeastern booth. “The event gave me a chance to meet some NEIU alums, community members, future Golden Eagles, and Romeo, the Berwyn Police Department's therapy dog. It was fun listening to some mariachi bands while representing Northeastern."

Proceeds from the event benefit the North Berwyn Park District, which offers youth camps, art and fitness programs, for people of all ages, as well as before and after school experiences for children in grades K-8.

Photo: Pawficer Romeo

Northeastern was the only higher education sponsor of the Corrida del Mariachi this year. The University’s participation in the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Division of Marketing and Communications, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, NEIU Alumni Association, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Student Leadership Development, Campus Recreation, El Centro and the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies. 
 

Top photo: Folkloric dancers performing while a mariachi band plays on 16th Street in Berwyn, Illinois, during the 2024 Corrida del Mariachi.