The annual Hispanic-Latino Heritage celebration at Virginia Tech kicks off Sunday, Sept. 14 at noon with the first-ever Latino Festival in the Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center.

Please RSVP for the festival by e-mailing Judith Condezo. There is no cost to attend this event, but a suggested donation of $5 to $10 is welcomed.

Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, Sept. 14 to Oct. 15, is an annual cultural celebration at Virginia Tech. The purpose of the celebration is to acknowledge the presence of Hispanic-Latinos and their communities; provide an opportunity through which all Virginia Tech community members can celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic-Latino community and examine critical issues; and facilitate increased cultural awareness and respect.

A couple of the major events and activities occurring during the month-long celebration include the Hispanic-Latino Heritage Leadership Poster Campaign. As part of an ongoing leadership and diversity education series, stop by the Squires Student Center through Oct. 15 to learn more about the leaders from the Hispanic and Latino cultures.

On Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Williamsburg Room of the Squires Student Center join members of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. during a forum called “Machismo and the Latin Woman” to discuss the concept of machismo, the history of the term, the social implications of such a concept on Latin America and women’s rights, and those circles who accept it.

In addition to these major events, the celebration will include food festivals, a film series, discussions, speakers, and workshops. For a full list of Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month activities, visit the Multicultural Programs website or call Kristen Swanson at (540) 231-8584. Activities and events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted.

Multicultural Programs and Services, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, exists to assist Virginia Tech in creating a welcoming environment that affirms and celebrates the diversity of its community particularly those from underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. Guided by the Principles of Community and the concern for the holistic development of all students, Multicultural Programs and Services provides opportunities for dialogue across differences, student leadership training, cultural celebrations, mentoring, organization advising, faculty interaction, diversity training and community building.

Contact:

Share this story