As a way to celebrate the community’s Hispanic culture, Saint Xavier University is going to be hosting a variety of events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The events are set to take place throughout mid-September until early October. Campus Life, the Latino/Latin American Studies minor program, Unidos, Student Affairs, the Saint Xavier Council, the Center for International Education, and the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library are all sponsors of the festivities.
Hispanic Heritage Month has had a long and profound history in the United States. According to the official National Hispanic Heritage Month website, public celebrations of the Hispanic culture began as early as 1968 under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. Originally Hispanic Heritage Week, the cultural observance was later expanded into a month long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
It is now publicly celebrated throughout the country from September 15 to October 15 – a period which coincides with many Latin American nations’ day of independence as well as with Christopher Columbus’s first encounter with the Americas.
Staying true to its value of appreciating diversity, Saint Xavier University is also going to be partaking in the nationwide commemorations of Hispanic Heritage Month.
SXU’s festivities kicked off on Sept. 16 with its celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Chartwells sold various Mexican dishes while a mariachi band played in the diner. The following day in the Butler Reception Room, guest speakers Victor Herrera – from Organization for Action – and Christian Alcala Sandoval gave a presentation on immigration reform as well as other equality issues.
Presented by the Health Center, the Shannon Center, and Counseling Services, the Student Health Fair will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the student lounge and diner atrium. Students can get a free massage, a mini manicure, and other prizes at the fair.
On Thursday, Sept. 19 and Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the diner atrium, Unidos – SXU’s Latino leadership student organization – will be hosting dance lessons in salsa and merengue. All dancers – from beginners to experts – are welcomed to attend.
Students can already sign-up for Friday, Sept. 27th’s first off-campus event – going to U.S. Cellular Field to watch the Chicago White Sox play against the Kansas City Royals. Sign-ups can be done in the Office of Campus Life (L-103). Students will be charged a $10 fee, but will receive a ticket and transportation to the game.
On Monday, Oct. 7, a panel of SXU Latino alumni will be sharing their career and leadership experiences since graduating from the university. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Board Room and refreshments will be served.
Presented by Unidos from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the Butler Reception Room, students can enjoy viewing the critically-acclaimed film Stand and Deliver.
Finally, on Saturday, Oct. 12, students can visit the Day of the Dead exhibit in the National Museum of Mexican Art. Sign-ups as well as a $5 deposit – which will be returned upon arrival – can by made in the Office of Campus Life. Departure to the museum is set at 1:00 p.m.
Reflecting on the significance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr. Olga Vilella – Director of the Latino/ Latin American studies minor program – and Laura Lamb – Associate Director at Campus Life – both shared their thoughts on the importance that this celebration has on SXU students and the university.
“As with many other observances of this type, it is a way for the university to acknowledge the diversity of its student body. It serves as a reminder to the immediate community – students, faculty, and staff – of the many cultural strands that go into making the U.S.A,” stated Vilella.
“I think it’s important for students and everyone at the university to celebrate and learn about new cultures. With Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s an opportunity for students to get involved and learn more about all those different cultures. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an overall appreciation in learning about the Hispanic culture in Chicago, in the nation, and in the entire world as well,” Lamb said.
Macy Zamudio
Senior News Editor