OUR HISTORY

The Cadena Center opened at Fullerton College with the goal of creating a link “cadena” to our campus and a cultural hub for the growing Latina/o/x and Chicana/o/x students to help succeed, graduate, and transfer to four-year universities.

In the beginning of 1998, Cadena Center joined the Transfer Center to increase the retention, graduation, and transfer rates of Latina/o/x and Chicana/o/x students, as those rates were low during the late 1990s. The initial mission of the Cadena Center was to “link students to college success” and “promote Chicana/o/xs to higher education,” as reflected in the name “Cadena,” the Spanish word for chain. The founders of the Cadena Center firmly believed Latina/o/x and Chicana/o/x students needed more counseling exposure, so the Cadena Center became attached to the Transfer Center so students could feel more comfortable and have an easier time accessing these resources. The revamped department then was known as the Cadena Transfer Center.

Cadena’s programming continued to evolve as the demographics of the campus changed. After 2005, the Cadena Center became the Cadena Cultural Center and developed new workshops and events to meet the campus and community needs. Events designed to bring awareness to social issues, celebrate all cultures and identities, build solidarity, and empower the Hornet community. Examples include field trips to local museums, guest speakers, heritage and history month celebrations, and collaborations with student groups.

The Cadena Cultural Center separated from the Transfer Center with the goal of becoming part of a department that served as a unifying force, fostering connections across intersecting identities within the Fullerton College community.

The Cadena Cultural Center officially became part of the Student Development and Engagement (SDE) department following guidance from the Student Equity and Achievement Task Force.
This move helped Cadena grow into a hub for inclusion, equity, and cultural empowerment.

From reviving Día De Los Muertos as a major campus event in 2022 to independently hosting KinderCaminata in 2023, Cadena has deepened its impact through cultural celebration and community engagement helping increase student sense of belonging. In 2024, it expanded programming for Native American Heritage Month, spotlighting Indigenous knowledge and Two Spirit identities in collaboration with community partners.

In July, the Cadena Cultural Center moved into new Student Support Center to expand support and services to students on the 2nd floor, Room 201.