Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Metropolitan State
-- Vickie Lee-Her
Beginning on Sept. 15, the nation will observe Hispanic Heritage Month and you can take part in this celebration right on campus. The Chicano Latino Student Services group and the Latinos Student Organization, with the support of the Student Activity Advisory Committee, have scheduled exciting events which began on Sept. 18 and will take place through Nov. 4. The Metropolitan State University community is invited to view films, enjoy music and art, among many other events.
According to Fact Monster, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated for one month beginning on Sept. 15 every year because it is the anniversary of five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In addition to these countries, other Hispanic countries such as Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence day in mid-September. The US Census Bureau defines the term Hispanic as Spanish-speaking people of any ethnicity in the U.S.
Director of Chicano/Latino Student Services at Metropolitan State, Santos Martinez has held an important role in coordinating Hispanic Heritage Month activities. “My primary duty is to assist Chicano/Latino/Hispanic students in receiving an enriching educational experience, achieving academic goals and the successful completion of degree programs,” says Martinez. “Emphasis is placed on academic counseling and the monitoring/tracking of students’ academic progress. “
In addition to life on campus, services also include off-campus enrichment such as Cinco de Mayo, sponsored speakers, current events and even concerts!
The Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Student Support Services Office is one of many resources available to students in the Student Affairs Division.
Martinez encourages students to take part in activities planned throughout the year. She considers on and off-campus events to increase “communication and foster understanding” among students. In addition, she is hopeful this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month will be another successful one for Metropolitan State.
“All of us are lifelong learners and it never hurts to expand our horizons by attending these types of programs, especially those individuals interested in the topic of diversity,” says Martinez.
Events for the celebration were collaboration between staff and students with the goal of planning a wide range of events. The planning committee wanted to make all events educational so participants can expect to learn a great deal about Hispanic heritage.
Those interested in attending events should contact Lupe Sanchez at (651) 793-1270 to ensure events with food can be accommodated.
Remaining events:
Performance: Los Palabristas
A group of Latino poets, Rodrigo Sanchez-Chavarria, Lorena Duarte, and W. Brandon Lacy Campos, will share original writings about personal experiences in language, culture, and their people. Lunch provided.
Date: Oct. 14
Location: Founder’s Hall Auditorium
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Performance: Latin American Traditional Music
Performers Leo and Kathy Lara will interpret traditional songs and rhythms of various Latin American countries using a variety of authentic instruments. Dessert provided.
Date: Oct. 16
Location: Library, Ecolab 302
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
Food and music in honor of the late Vang Vang and in recognition of Day of the Dead, a day in which Mexican families remember deceased loved ones.
Date: Nov. 4
Location: Great Hall
Time: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.