CMU to host multiple campus events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Students dance during Zumba, offered as part of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Student Activities Center on Wednesday, Oct. 3.
Sept. 15 is the anniversary of the day five Latin American countries declared independence from Spain.
It’s also the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.
Multicultural Academic Student Services is featuring many events at Central Michigan University sponsored by local groups like the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, Empowered Latino Union and Latino Alumni Chapter, among others.
The celebration of Hispanic heritage involves many unique events that are both fun and educational, said Traci Guinn, executive director of MASS.
Zumba class with Officer Laura Martinez is a creative, high-energy exercise dance using Hispanic and Latin dance steps, which is not only healthy and active, but will educate participants about Latin dance and music.
The annual food taster features Latin cuisine and is a popular choice among students, Guinn said. Entry fees are $5 for students with ID and $7 for community members.
Even after Hispanic Heritage Month ends, MASS will continue hosting cultural events to celebrate Hispanic heritage throughout the academic year.
"I would like to encourage everyone to come out and participate (in) at least one or two events," Guinn said. "Challenge yourself to do something new and something different, and challenge yourself to learn something more about a culture you may not know a lot about."
All of the events happening this month are:
Hispanic Heritage Month Welcome Reception/Kickoff
5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at the Center for Inclusion & Diversity (Bovee University Center room 108)
Cosponsored by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center
Hispanic Heritage Month Service Project
12:20 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, in UC 108
Cosponsored by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center
Day-long Volunteering at Bethany Christian Services in Lansing
10 a.m. departure, 5 p.m. return Friday, Sept. 20
Cosponsored by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center
Zumba with Officer Laura Martinez
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Student Activity Center
Sponsored by Empowered Latino Union
Soup and Substance: “Going Beyond Hola”
12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Bovee University Center Terrace Rooms
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Education
Painting with Omar Cruz
4-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in UC 108
There are 20 seats per session, first come, first serve
Latin America Music and Dance
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Bovee UC Rotunda
Sponsored by Sigma Delta Pi
Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote Speaker: Joe Hernandez-Kolski
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in the UC Auditorium
Cosponsored by Program Board
Latinx discussion
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, Bovee UC Terrace Room
Sponsored by Empowered Latino Union
Hispanic Heritage Month Annual Food Taster
Dinner served at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Wesley Church (1400 S. Washington)
$5 for students with ID, $7 for community members
Latino Alumni Chapter Annual Career Information Session
2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in Bovee UC Terrace Rooms A-C
Sponsored by Latino Alumni Chapter
