SRU celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events starting Sept. 17

Sept. 10, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 since it was signed into law on Aug. 17, 1988, by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to celebrate the rich history and ongoing contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At Slippery Rock University, this month-long celebration is especially significant as it honors and highlights the importance of embracing diverse cultures.

SRU's Office for Inclusive Excellence, the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and the Student Organization of Latinos/Hispanics, known as SOL, have come together to host a series of events on campus, Sept. 17 to Nov. 2, in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

"It's important for us at SOL to educate and strength the community ties we have," said Lia Palermo, a junior dual sport management and dance major from Warrendale, who is president of SOL. "These events help people can learn about new cultures and share their own culture with other students."

The celebration kicks off Sept. 17 with a Hispanic and Latino Cultures Meet & Greet, 4-5:30 p.m., in the Smith Student Center, Room 243. But one of the largest events at SRU is the Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta, 6:30-9:30 p.m., on the Quad.

"Our fiesta is going to be so fun," said Palermo. "It's one of our biggest events with food, crafts and a photo booth this year, and it's one of our first big events where everyone comes together and has fun."

The following events are part of the SRU Hispanic Heritage Month program and are open to all students:

• SOL Meet & Greet, 4-5:30 p.m., Sept. 17, in the Smith Student Center, Room 234. SRU students and guests can make pinatas, enjoy traditional cuisines, meet faculty and students, and ask questions about Hispanic and Latino cultures.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 21, on the Quad. SOL, the DEIB Office and the OIE will be hosting this eventfeaturing Pittsburgh-based band Gabas. The event will have face painting, salsa lessons, a photo booth and Hispanic and Latino cuisine.
• Café y Pan, noon, Oct. 1, at the SGA Pavilion in the Quad. A coffee house featuring imported coffee beans from across South America, this event will be a mixer for students to get to know each other.
• Afro-Latino Scavenger Hunt via Instagram, Oct. 3, on the Black Action Society's Instagram, @bassru. Participate in the Afro-Latino Scavenger Hunt on the Black Action Society's Instagram @bassru by commenting first on posts featuring Afro-Latino facts for a chance to win prizes.
• Multicultural Panel, 2-3:15 p.m., Oct. 15, in the Eisenberg Classroom Building, Room 111. Q&A session with members of SOL, the DEIB Office, and the OIE, where attendees can explore and ask questions about a range of multicultural topics and perspectives.
• Bachata and Bites, 12:30-2 p.m., Oct. 17, location to be determined. More details will become available on CORE, SRU's online platform for student organizations.
• Cooking with SOL, 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 30, in the Macoskey Center, Harmony House. A fun and interactive workshop where students can learn the art of making fresh salsa from scratch, exploring a variety of ingredients and techniques to create their perfect blend.
• Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Showcase, 7 p.m., Nov. 2, at the Smith Student Center Ballroom. To culminate SRU's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, SOL, OIE, Rock the Weekend and other organizations will be hosting a Day of the Dead Showcase. This event will include readings of traditional Hispanic stories, Hispanic and Latino cuisines, and a live dance performance.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month programming at SRU, contact the OIE at [email protected] or 724.738.2700.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | [email protected]