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Hispanic Heritage Month
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  2. Hispanic Heritage Month

Southern Connecticut State University Celebrates

National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

 

Each year, Hispanic and Latinx Americans celebrate the contributions and cultures of Hispanic Americans whose heritage can be traced to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation began as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to cover a 30-day period from September 15 through October 15.  September 15th is significant as the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.  Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The celebration extends into October to mark “El Dia de La Raza” or “Day of the Race,” which celebrates the Heritage of Latin America and all the ethnic and cultural influences that make it distinctive.

;A mural that celebrates the Hispanic Heritage Month

Events

Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month Kickoff

Monday, September 15, 2025
11am – 1pm
Academic Quad & Buley Library Patio
Daisy Torres-Baez & Jay Henderson, Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Join us for music, photo opportunities, and a few giveaways! Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with the Multicultural Center and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!

Donations for Peru Service Learning Trip

September 15 – September 30, 2025

Donations are being collected for the annual service learning trip in Peru coordinated by the School of Nursing. Dr. Krol, chair of Nursing, has been taking Southern students for the past 7 years. All donations are appreciated. Donations for children and adults: toothbrushes/toothpaste, vitamins, pain medicines (ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, acetaminophen), and lotions. Donations for adults: eye drops for dry eyes, reading glasses 2.5-5. Donations can be dropped off to the reception area of the School of Nursing, HHS 311.

Innovating Servingness: A Collaborative Workshop on Hispanic Serving Institutions

Tuesday, September 16, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Multicultural Center

This workshop provides an engaging space to explore the concept of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the evolving framework of servingness—the ways institutions actively support and empower students. Attendees are encouraged to share their work-in-progress, exchange ideas, and build connections that advance knowledge and practice in serving Latine student populations. Whether you’re new to the topic or deeply engaged in HSI research, this session invites you to contribute, learn, and help shape the future of higher education servingness. Sponsored by Buley Library and ALAS (Advancing Latino/a/e/xs at Southern).

OLAS Dance Team Practices

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (Weekly), 5-8pm
Friday, September 19, 2025 (Weekly), 4-6pm
Engleman Hall, B027A Dance Studio

No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and a bottle of water.

18th Annual Empowering Lives Panel Discussion

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Adanti Student Center, Ballroom

Join our faculty and staff as they discuss academic success, personal and professional growth, and sustaining our Hispanic/Latine cultural raíces! Sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and ALAS (Advancing Lation/a/e/xs at Southern).

A Taste of Conn Hall: Chef Inspired Cultural Heritage Menu Wednesdays

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
Connecticut Hall
Event Contact: Wyatt Cannon, Sodexo Marketing Manager for SCSU

Celebrate the essence and culture of Latin America with delicious cuisines! Enjoy a specialty lunch menu inspired by Mexican-American chef and restaurateur, Aarón Sánchez. Sponsored by Sodexo Dining Services.

Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Open Informational 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 
8:16pm 
Adanti Student Center, 309 

The Tortuous Theta Chapter of Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc. Invite all interested men to our open informational. 

A Taste of Conn Hall: Chef Inspired Cultural Heritage Menu Wednesdays

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
Connecticut Hall
Event Contact: Wyatt Cannon, Sodexo Marketing Manager for SCSU

Celebrate the essence and culture of Latin America with delicious cuisines! Enjoy a specialty lunch menu inspired by Spanish-American chef and restaurateur, José Andrés. Sponsored by Sodexo Dining Services

Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) General Body Meetings

Thursday, September 25, 2025
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
3:30pm - 4:30pm
ASC 217

Join us to learn about upcoming events, explore new ideas, and work together to build a vibrant community. Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) The Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) is a group of students who have united to raise Latino awareness on campus. To connect with OLAS, visit the club page on OwlConnect or attend biweekly general body meetings on Thursdays from 3:30pm – 4:30pm in Adanti 217.

Helados Hispano

Monday, September 29, 2025
12:00pm – 2:00pm
The Multicultural Center, ASC 202

Raspado, Piragua, Raspadilla, Frio-Frio... No matter what you call it, come out and savor some shaved ice before the weather turns cold! Try some new flavors from countries throughout Latin America and beyond!

Planning Meeting for Day of the Dead Altar

Thursday, October 2, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm

Join us for a planning workshop where we will explore the traditions and symbolism behind Día de los Muertos altars, also known as ofrendas. Together, we’ll learn how to thoughtfully design and create an altar that honors loved ones who have passed, while celebrating the beauty of life and memory. Feedback will be used to create an altar at Buley Library. Campus departments are also invited to build their own altar.  Sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Buley Library.

!Café con la Cultura!

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
12:00pm – 2:00pm
The Multicultural Center, ASC 202

Join us for a coffee tasting of various coffees from throughout the world with a special focus on blends from Latinx counties! Sample some of the flavors, and hopefully you will find your new go-to coffee blend! While at the event, check out the Multicultural Center and get connected to the staff who are always around to help provide you with resources both coffee related and beyond!

Latin Jazz, Jazz Standards, & Blues Ensemble

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
7:30pm
Garner Hall

Come hear some mid-week music! SCSU students perform as part of the Jazz Standards and Latin Jazz Ensembles, directed by David Chevan, and the Blues Ensemble, directed by Jim Martin.

Immigration Week

Monday, October 13, 2025 – Friday, October 17, 2025
UndocuAlly Student Alliance

Throughout the week, we’ll be holding a variety of events and activities that raise awareness about issues impacting the undocumented community while also celebrating and building community with all undocumented individuals and allies.

Join us as we learn, share, and come together to create a more inclusive and supportive campus for everyone.

Mi Gente, Mi Familia, Mis Amigos: Student, Staff & Faculty Mentorship Connection

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
Engleman B121

Close out Southern Connecticut State University Celebration of National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and ALAS – Advancing Lation/a/e/xs at Southern! Join us for Mi Gente, Mi Familia, Mis Amigos, as we proudly invite all members of the Southern community to come meet and network with Hispanic/Latinx students, faculty and staff with the intention of building long-lasting relationships for our students! Light refreshments will be provided.


Additional Ways to Celebrate and Embrace Culture

Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor

Sign up for the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program at Southern Connecticut State University welcomes globally conscious students interested in broadening their cultural, economic, geographical, historical, political and social understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean. The 18-credit minor provides students with an opportunity to embrace an interdisciplinary study of the region, while enhancing their appreciation for our multicultural, multiethnic, multilingual society. To complete the minor, students choose from a broad variety of courses to create a coherent program that matches their academic interests.

LACS Social Justice Read

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) Program invites the campus community to explore powerful Latinx voices through our annual Social Justice Read. This year’s selection is Mija (2023), by acclaimed Puerto Rican poet, playwright, and activist Magdalena Gómez — a moving memoir-in-verse that delves into identity, resilience, and intergenerational healing. We’ll continue the conversation in Spring 2026 with a series of LACS events, including a campus visit from the author. Stay tuned for details!

Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA)

Founded in Fall 2014 at SCSU, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA), the organization's mission is to formalize, cultivate, and foster lifelong bonds rooted in respect, trust, communication, professionalism, and accountability. As Hermanas (sisters), we are committed to uplifting one another and working together to achieve our shared goals, while honoring and celebrating the individuality and personal identities that make each of us unique. More than an organization, we are a family—supportive, empowering, and united in purpose. For more information: https://hermandad-sia.org/ Owl Connect or Instagram (@sia_betanu)

East Hartford 3rd Annual Latin Festival

Saturday, September 13, 2025
12:00pm – 7:00pm
301 E River Dr, East Hartford, CT 06108

The Town of East Hartford invites all to attend the Town’s third annual Latin Festival.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 13 from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Great River Park and admission is FREE! In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Center at 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT.

The Latin Festival is the perfect family-friendly, community event filled with fun activities for children and adults alike. Bring your family and friends to enjoy games, dominoes, food trucks, and live music performances! There will be a variety of cultural live performances by local artists.

Salsa Social

Friday, September 19, 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm
470 James Street, New Haven, CT 06515

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, join Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Taino Productions LLC, and of course, PRU - Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven, for a SALSA SOCIAL NETWORKING EVENT! This event will include free appetizers, a cash bar, Latin DJs, and free lessons.

!Fiesta Latina! A Street Festival at Junta for Progressive Action

Saturday, September 27, 2025
12pm – 5pm

¡Fiesta Latina! is an annual celebration of Hispanic heritage, organized in partnership between the Yale Peabody Museum and Junta for Progressive Action.  It is Junta's signature fundraising event and one of Greater New Haven's most vibrant celebrations!  

This event will take place in two locations:
Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT
Junta for Progressive Action, 169 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT

Sponsored By

  • ALAS (Advancing Latino/a/e/xs at Southern)
  • Buley Library
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Department of Residence Life
  • Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha
  • Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity
  • Mexican Cultural Society
  • Multicultural Center
  • Residence Hall Association
  • Organization of Latin American Students
  • SAGE Center
  • School of Nursing
  • Southern Dining
  • World Languages and Literatures Department

 

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