СŷÊÓƵ

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson started the observation as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law #100-402. We are reminded of the important contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.

The term Hispanic or Latino refers collectively to the inhabitants of the United States who are of Latin American or Spanish origin such as Puerto Ricans, South or Central Americans, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.  

September 15th is the anniversary of independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize share their independence during this month.

Hispanics constitute of 17% approximately 55 million of the nation’s total population. Puerto Rican population is over 5 million, as of 2012.

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

Monday, September 15 | 12-2 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Multipurpose Room

The Opening Ceremony to Hispanic Heritage Month will be an empowering luncheon including a dynamic keynote speaker, performances, cultural ambiance, and delicious food! This event is sponsored by El Centro, FELA, Community Engagement & Alumni Relations, and BIDE.

Find Your Belonging

Wednesday, September 17 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Lobby

Find Your Belonging is a showcase to promote students' sense of belonging at СŷÊÓƵ. We plan to affirm and celebrate our dynamic students who represent an array of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Through informative and interactive tabling, culturally relevant stories and performances, resource sharing, giveaways, and visits to centers and offices, we hope to cultivate a sense of belonging that helps every student embrace their full selves, engage with other students, as well as staff and faculty, and ultimately experience academic success. There will be refreshments and entertainment.

This event is sponsored by Speicher-Rubin Women's Center for Equity and Diversity; Student Activities Board (SAB); Counseling; Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work; Military & Veterans Services; Black Alumni, Administrators, Faculty, Students and Staff Organization (BAAFSSO), LATI Center, World Languages and Cultures, and Gender, Africana, and Latin American Studies (GALA).

Salsa & Connect: An Evening of Dance & Alumni Networking

Friday, September 19, 2025 | 6-9 p.m.
Cortaditos | 140 Washington Avenue | Belleville, N.J.
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Salsa Class: 7–8 p.m.
Tickets: $25

Join the СŷÊÓƵ Alumni Association for an unforgettable night of music, movement, and networking with Salsa and Connect.

We’re partnering with Cortaditos to host a memorable evening featuring a lively salsa dance class and complimentary drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, our expert instructors will guide you step-by-step — no partner required! After the class, connect and unwind with your fellow alumni.

What to Expect:

• Easy, step-by-step salsa instruction
• No partner or prior experience needed
• A lively, welcoming atmosphere
• Drinks and networking with fellow alumni
   

Afrolatinidad: Visibility, Representation, & Popular Culture

Monday, September 22 | 4-5 p.m.
Karnoutsos Hall, 102 EL CENTRO

This intersectional discussion will feature Afrolatino/a/e/x speakers and will embrace representation and visibility for a community often erased from the narrative. This event is sponsored by El Centro and World Languages & Cultures.

Young Latino a/e/x in Advocacy Panel & Reception

Thursday, September 25 | 3-4 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Room 129

This panel will feature a discussion from folks in all levels of advocacy including Dr. Patricia Campos Medina, of Latina Civic, and Student Body President Andrea Izaguirre, and will be followed by a reception & networking hosted by Latina Civic. This event is sponsored by El Centro, Community Engagement, and Latina Civic.

Faculty Research Panel

Tuesday, September 30 | 4-5 p.m.
Karnoutsos Hall, 102 EL CENTRO

This interdisciplinary panel will feature research presentations from faculty working in the Latin American Studies field in any capacity. This event is sponsored by El Centro and World Languages & Cultures.

Mental Health in the Latino a/e/x Community: Dispelling Myths, Taboos, and Overcoming Stigmas

Thursday, October 2 | 2-4 p.m.

This discussion will feature folks from the Latino/a/e/x community with expertise in the Mental Health field and will focus on dispelling myths and taboos and creating a safe and empowering space. This event is sponsored by El Centro, Social Work, Counseling Center, and Psychology Club.

El Mercadito

Wednesday, October 8 | 12-4 p.m.

El Mercadito, a vibrant campus event, offers a chance to celebrate Latino culture through a variety of activities. It's a market-style event where local businesses, including student artists, showcase their products and food. Attendees can enjoy music, body painting, photo booths, and more. The event aims to provide a space for students and the community to connect with Latinx culture and support local businesses. This event is sponsored by SAB.

The Intersection of Latinidad & LGBTQIA+ Identities

Wednesday, October 8 | 12-1 p.m.
Karnoutsos Hall, 102 EL CENTRO

This roundtable/open share space will feature folks from the Latino/a/e/x LGBTQIA+ community and allies and will provide a space of empowerment for sharing experiences and stories. This event is sponsored by El Centro, Pride Center, and Speicher-Rubin Women's Center for Equity and Diversity.

Indigenous People's Day: Decolonizing and Unlearning

Monday, October 13 | 4 p.m.
Karnoutsos Hall, 102 EL CENTRO

This event will feature educational programming around the history and importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. This event is sponsored by El Centro, World Languages & Cultures, and BIDE.

CSPS Heritage Pinta y pa'lante

Tuesday, October 14 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Pinta Y Pa’lante is a fun and welcoming grab-and-go style event that gives students a chance to take a break, express their creativity, and recharge. The setup will include a table with 15 chairs for those who want to sit and paint, as well as ready-to-go kits for students who prefer to take their materials with them.

Event Highlights:

• Paint Kits & Inspiration: 350 kits will be available, each including a small canvas, painting supplies, and one of 35 unique inspirational images to spark creativity.
• Grab-and-Go Snacks: Students can enjoy Walking Tacos — a portable and fun snack with taco toppings served in individual chip bags.
• Relax & Create: Whether students choose to stay and paint or grab a kit to take with them, the event provides a flexible, creative way to connect and unwind.

This event is sponsored by CSPS.

Latinos in Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, October 14 | 6 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Room 129

In this panel we will engage community partners the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will highlight Latino owned businesses in the community. This event is sponsored by Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, El Centro, Community Engagement & Alumni Relations.

Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony and FELA Reunion

Wednesday, October 15 | 4 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Multipurpose Room

In the closing ceremony we will reflect on the month and feature a FELA reunion. This event is sponsored by El Centro, BIDE, FELA, Community Engagement and Alumni Relations.