Getting to Know You: César Berríos

Considering himself a Hoosieraguan (Hoosier and Nicaraguan), César Berríos, Program Advisor in the Multicultural Center, is happy to call USI home. Berríos grew up in Evansville and is a proud alumnus of USI, receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees, and currently working on his doctorate, but he was not always an Evansville resident. Berríos was originally born in Chinandega, Nicaragua, before moving to the U.S. when he was 6. Although he enjoys Indiana traditions like watching basketball, having bonfires and playing cornhole, he still makes sure to celebrate his Nicaraguan roots and traditions. 

Berríos has now established a life in Evansville with his wife, Shyanne Becker '14, their two daughters, Grace and Mia, and their two pups. He works in the Multicultural Center at USI where he is able to grow professionally with individuals that he admired while attending the University. "USI has provided me with so many opportunities for growth, and I am very thankful." 

Let's learn more about the proud alumnus and how he uses his past life experiences to build a better connection with students on campus. 

What initially drew you to USI? 

What drew me to USI was all based on my experience while I was an undergraduate student. Like many students from Evansville, I wanted to leave Southern Indiana after high school. I was not considering USI until a friend who was a student at USI offered to give me a tour of campus and introduced me to some people. From the tour I realized how great the campus and community were, and that USI had the tools I needed to succeed. I felt USI was the perfect fit for me and, after graduating, I knew I wanted to continue my time here by becoming an employee. 

What are your responsibilities in the Multicultural Center? 

As the Program Advisor in the Multicultural Center, I have various responsibilities like overseeing some student organizations, building strong relationships with students and providing them with the help they need to graduate and find their own definition of success. I also work on our Family and Parent Newsletter that is sent out three times a year to first-year parents/guardians. 

Because of my Latinx background and heritage, I am also able to provide our students with various types of programs that embrace and celebrate Latinx culture, identity and history. Some of the programs I organize are the Latinx Heritage Month Keynote Speaker, Latin Rhythms, Pan Dulce, Latinx Film, and many more.  

What are some important things you feel students should know about the Multicultural Center? 

The Multicultural Center is a safe space on campus where students can come and be their true self. The office is composed of various staff members from different backgrounds and with different experiences. The common denominator is that we all have a passion for working with students and helping each of them succeed. When a student walks through our door, we want them to feel welcome and that they can be who they want to be without judgment.  

The MCC also provides various services, programs and resources throughout the year. If you ever want to know what is happening in the MCC, please follow us on social media or visit the USI Multicultural Center website. 

I would also like to mention that the MCC is a great place to grow on different levels. It's a place where you can open your eyes and your mind to different ways of thinking and being. If you have never been inside the MCC, please stop by. We would be super excited to see and meet you.  

What is your favorite meal to eat, either homemade or at a restaurant? 

There are various dishes that I enjoy eating, but if I had to name my ultimate favorite dish, it would have to be a carne asada with gallo pinto, queso frito, ensalada, and maduros. This is a traditional dish from Nicaragua. It is steak, white rice and red beans mixed, fried cheese, Nicaraguan style coleslaw, and ripe plantains. I could eat this meal daily and not get tired of it, but unfortunately, there are no Nicaraguan restaurants in the area where I can find anything close to this.  

What motivates you? 

The sacrifices my family have made are what motivate and inspire me to be the best version of myself. First and foremost, my daughters and wife are my reason for everything. Being in a doctoral program while married with kids is not an easy task. I not only sacrifice time away from them, but they also sacrifice by providing me with time and space to be able to do my homework. At the end of the day, as a family, we know that this our degree and will be an accomplishment that one day we'll all be able to enjoy.  

What's your favorite way to spend a day off? 

Anytime I have time off, I like to spend it with my wife and daughters. God has blessed me with a beautiful family, and I like to cherish the moments when I am with them. Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to do as many things as we would have liked, but we enjoy going on trips, taking walks, hanging out in our backyard and visiting the grandparents. Occasionally, if my daughters give me permission, I enjoy an afternoon nap as well.  

If you could snap your fingers and instantly make the world better, what would you do? 

I would like to change how we view life and how we treat each other. I believe that if we cared for one another more, we would live in a better place. We would live in a world where love and peace were a reality for all. We wouldn't have to worry about wars, hunger, abuse, greed, envy or hate. I believe that one of my favorite quotes says it perfectly.  

"It doesn't matter how much you have, but how much you've shared with others. It doesn't matter what kind of house you have, but whether your love has made it a home. It doesn't matter how many friends you can count, but how many friends you can count on. It doesn't matter how well you do in life, but how much good you do. It doesn't matter how much love you have gathered, but how much you've given away." 

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto? 

Now that I am older, and have lived through a pandemic, I view and live life a little differently than before. I appreciate every day my family and I are blessed with, and I do not take even the smallest things for granted. Life is a gift and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so we must enjoy each day to the fullest.  

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? 

I am not sure I could go a day without laughing. I love to smile and laugh. Just writing about it makes me happy. I wish I was a comedian, but I know I am not that funny. Either way, I sure do enjoy a good laugh.  

What is your go to karaoke song? 

This is a tough one. There are a few. I would say, "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz, "Mi Querido Viejo" by Piero, "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker, or "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

 This Getting to Know You feature was written by Tobi Clark, a student worker in University Communications.