Spanish Homepage
Spanish Happenings
Bad Bunny Podcast
Featuring Prof. Mather & Prof. Fortes-Gonzalez
The Bad Bunny Podcast series is a new project spearheaded by Professors Mather & Fortes-Gonzalez. In this series, they will be delving into all things Bad Bunny, including both his impact on music and the greater global culture. The first episode is officially out, and you can click the image to the left to access it! Future episodes will include interviews, special guests (both students and professors alike), and discussions on special topics like the upcoming Superbowl!
Spanish in Healthcare Narratives
Healing Through Language
This panel, held November 19th, explored the intersection of language, healthcare access, equity, and community well-being. Panelists shared real-world examples using stories from their own experiences, focusing on both challenges and successes in addition to exploring how overcoming language and cultural barriers can build trust, enhance cultural competency, and ensure equitable care for Spanish-speaking communities.
Wondering Where to Start your Language Journey?
Start with the Language Placement Evaluation
Did you take Spanish in High School or have previous experience with the language? Learn more about our Language Placement Evaluation by clicking the image to the left! All students who have previously studied a modern or classical language are strongly encouraged to take the evaluation conducted by our Language Resource Center (LRC). The more you know, the more time and money you could save!
Did You Know? Spanish is spoken by 500 million people with a growing trend that will reach 600 million speakers by 2050!
ABOUT US
La Tertulia (The Gathering) is GVSU's Spanish club and an organization that is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the Hispanic language and culture. We do this by holding weekly meetings where we encourage discussion in Spanish (at all levels), explore the culture, play Spanish games, learn how to dance, and have a good time! We also sponsor events on campus relating to Latin-American and Spanish culture, and bring outside events in Grand Rapids, Holland, and surrounding communities to GVSU by attending these events as a group. If you are interested in bettering your español, learning more about the culture, or just having a great time, come check us out!
CONTACT
Advisor: Professor Lourdes (Huei Lan) Yen, [email protected]
President: Niki Owen
MEETINGS
Mondays, 7:00pm in KC 1104
Find us on Instagram @gvsu_latertulia
Requirements
Active membership is limited to college students who have demonstrated high scholarship in general and excellence in the academic study of Spanish. Specifically, they must meet the following requirements:
1. Completion of three years of study of college-level Spanish (eighteen semester credit hours) or the equivalent thereof, with at least:
- One course in Hispanic literature (SPA 307, 315, 330, 331, 332, 400 level or equivalent)
- Or one course in Hispanic culture and civilization (SPA 310, 311, 312, 313, or equivalent)
2. A minimal grade point average of 3.0 scale in all Spanish courses taken.
3. An overall cumulative GPA of 3.2.
4. A lifetime membership fee of $30 (by March 20).
5. Attendance at the initiation ceremony on Friday, April 10 at 3:30.
Applying For Membership
To apply, please send an email to Prof Pozzi ([email protected]) and Prof. Fox ([email protected]) by March 20, 2026 expressing your interest with an attached unofficial transcript.
You can find information on how to request an unofficial transcript here.
Ernesto Cid
Senior Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: D-2-116 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8768
Fabio Espitia
Language Coordinator (100-200 Levels) | Senior Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
office Address: D-2-138 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3177
Carmen Fernandez Florez
Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-212 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3179
Sandra Fernandez-Tardani
Senior Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-234 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8903
Mayra Fortes Gonzalez
Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: D-2-118 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3804
Laura Fox
Assistant Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: D-2-128 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-2512
Elizabeth Gansen
Section Coordinator | Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-216 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8769
Marie Mangold
Assistant Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-230 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8529
Sarah Mather
Senior Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-242 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8905
Sarah Matthews
Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-222 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8529
Gabriela Pozzi
Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-261 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-2478
Keith Watts
Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-257 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3168
Jason Yancey
Department Chair | Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-247 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3657
Lourdes (Huei Lan) Yen
Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: D-2-120 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3169
Anita Zandstra
Visiting Faculty
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-246 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3970