La Casa Living and Learning Community

Welcome to La Casa, Michigan State University’s unique, student-driven Living & Learning Community (LLC) dedicated to advancing Spanish language learning and fostering interdisciplinary engagement.

Opening in Fall 2025, La Casa offers an incredible opportunity for first and second-year students majoring or minoring in Spanish—or anyone with an interest in Spanish language and culture—to join an engaging, supportive, and immersive community. More than just a residence hall, La Casa is a place where students live, learn, and thrive together, united by a shared passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.

Why Join La Casa?

Imagine living in a space where your neighbors are also your classmates, mentors, and collaborators. At La Casa, you’ll be part of a vibrant community led by a passionate team of student leaders who are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that celebrates language and cultural diversity. Whether you’re a beginner or a fluent speaker, La Casa offers a unique space to deepen your Spanish skills through daily interactions, community events, and cultural experiences.

Mission Statement:

La Casa is a transformative living and learning community (LLC) dedicated to creating an immersive and inclusive Spanish language experience at Michigan State University. Being the only student-driven LLC on MSU’s campus, the program’s contemporary approach fosters strong community building and enriches learning beyond the traditional academic experience.

Vision Statement:

La Casa aspires to redefine language education by cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community where every student can thrive. Our goals:

To center students in everything we do

To integrate and take pride in all levels of Spanish speakers

To nurture a celebratory environment of cultural and linguistic diversity

To foster strong interpersonal connections and community building 
To challenge residents to engage with a variety of cultures and perspectives

DEI Statement:

La Casa acknowledges that the widespread use of the Spanish language is largely a consequence of colonization and sacrifice. Our LLC fervently rejects the notion of a single story, recognizing the rich diversity in language, culture, and identities of Spanish speakers worldwide. We condemn all forms of discrimination and acknowledge the significant role language plays in perpetuating inequities. We pledge to proactively address pressing issues affecting Spanish-speaking communities today, including but not limited to, barriers related to gender, race, citizenship, ethnicity, fluency, dialect, and nationality.

Our Home in Shaw Hall

La Casa will be located in Shaw Hall, at the heart of MSU’s campus in the River Trail Neighborhood. Known for its community atmosphere and convenient access to classes and the CATA bus station, Shaw Hall also features The Vista, a popular dining facility. Shaw Hall offers both double and triple room layouts.

Meet The Team:

Hello! My name is Karissa Zarate (she/her), and I’m in my fourth year at Michigan State University, majoring in Spanish with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. As a native Spanish speaker, I am passionate about facilitating the learning of Spanish communication. This language holds special significance for me as it was my first language and remains a vital means of communication for many people. La Casa stood out to me because of my personal experiences and the profound impact that a supportive community can have. In addition to my role as Promotion & Partnerships Chair at La Casa, I serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant with the Center for Language Advancement (SWC) and had the privilege of chairing the 29th Annual Día de la Mujer Conference. Outside of my academic pursuits, I love fishing, watching Mexican telenovelas, and baking!

Karissa Zarate Promotion & Partnerships Chair/Major in Spanish With Minor in Chicano/Latino Studies

My name is Ana Dunfee, and I am a sophomore at MSU. I have been studying Spanish for my whole life, starting when I attended a bilingual elementary school and continuing into college. My passion for creating community has led me to being a part of this LLC which has been an exciting challenge. I am most interested in current events, political advocacy, fighting misinformation, and expanding my knowledge of the Spanish language. Outside of school I am an athlete, competing for Michigan State in Cross Country as well as Track and Field in distance events. My free time is spent reading, hiking, spending time with friends and my cat, listening to vinyl, and drinking tea.

Ana DunfeeAdministration Chair With Majors in International Relations and Spanish

Hello! My name is Abby Cooper (she/her/ella) and I am the Design Chair for La Casa. You might see me around campus at Chess Club, studying at Case Hall, playing tennis, or rock climbing at Grand Ledge. MSU has helped me have some incredible opportunities to use my Spanish skills, including a study abroad in Valencia and an internship at Freedom House Detroit, so I’m super excited to be a part of La Casa this year and help bring more Spanish opportunities to future Spartans.

Abby CooperDesign Chair With Majors in Social Relations & Policy, Spanish

My name is Korey Deans (he/him) and I’m majoring in Spanish and Human Resources. I’ve been fascinated by multilingualism for as long as I can remember, and my passion for languages has only deepened over the years. A fun fact about me is that I’m always down to experience something new. As someone who frequently travels, my friends often joke that they never know where I’ll be next.

Korey DeansDEIA Chair With Majors in Spanish And Human Resources

Acknowledging Our Partners:

La Casa is a student-led initiative, but we couldn’t do it alone. We are grateful for the valuable support, input, and guidance from the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS), and the Department of Romance and Classical Studies. Special thanks to advisory board members Jennifer Gansler, Elias Lopez, Anthony Grubbs, Kirby R. Gibson, Danielle Steider, and Meagan Driver for their dedication and support in bringing this project to life.

If you are interested in learning more please reach out to LaCasaLLC@msu.edu.