The University of Nevada, Reno will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events bringing together students, faculty, staff, families and members of the Northern Nevada community to celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures, traditions and contributions.
This year’s celebration comes at an important moment for the University as Hispanic and Latino student enrollment continues to grow. The University meets the 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment threshold associated with federal Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) eligibility, reflecting the changing demographics of the University and the communities it serves.
As the University reaches this milestone, Hispanic Heritage Month also provides an opportunity to consider what it means to serve a growing Hispanic and Latino student population. Beyond enrollment, the University continues to focus on creating an environment where students and families feel welcomed, represented and supported throughout their educational experience.
Observed nationally from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At the University, the celebration will extend across campus and into the community through cultural events, student engagement, athletics, educational opportunities, food, music and opportunities to connect with University and community resources.
This year’s programming reflects a collaborative effort across the University, with colleges, departments, student organizations and community partners contributing to events throughout the month.
“One of the things we consistently hear from students is how much representation matters. Events like these create opportunities for Latinx faculty and staff to be visible outside of our offices and classrooms, and for students to see people who may share aspects of their culture or lived experience teaching, leading and contributing across the University,” said Vania Carter-Strauss, Director of Latinx Nursing Advocacy & Advancement in the Orvis School of Nursing. “Sometimes simply seeing someone who looks like you or understands where you come from can make a large institution feel a little more like a place where you belong.”
VamosPack Football Game kicks off the celebration
The University began its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations early with the VamosPack Football Game on Saturday, Sept. 5, when Nevada Football took on Western Kentucky at Mackay Stadium.
The game incorporated Hispanic and Latino culture throughout the game-day experience, including music, performances and community recognitions. The celebration provided an opportunity to welcome Hispanic and Latino families and community members to campus while highlighting the University’s connection to the broader Northern Nevada community.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15
The national observance officially begins Tuesday, Sept. 15, and the University will mark the occasion with Paletas on the Lawn with the Orvis School of Nursing. Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by, enjoy a paleta (popsicle) and learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Month events taking place throughout the coming weeks.
Later that evening, the Latino Research Center will host Academia de la Comunidad from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Reno Public Market. Michael Aguirre, Ph.D., and administrative faculty member Claudia Gonzalez-Jeffrey will lead a Spanish-centered conversation exploring history, Latinos in education and strategies for accessing the University of Nevada, Reno.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Office of Hispanic/Latinx Community Relations will host Tu Bienvenida, an evening celebration designed to welcome students and celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures on campus. The event will bring together campus departments, student organizations and community partners alongside food, performances, activities and opportunities for students to connect with resources.
The University will also participate in Fiesta on Wells, organized by Latino Arte & Culture on Sunday, Sept. 20. The annual community celebration brings thousands of people to Reno’s Wells Avenue and provides an opportunity for University colleges, programs and resources to connect directly with families and community members.
Celebrating, learning and building community across campus
Programming will continue throughout Hispanic Heritage Month with opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to connect, celebrate and engage in conversations about the experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities.
On Sept. 24 from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Reynolds School of Journalism’s Higginbotham Auditorium, the University will welcome nationally recognized linguist Ana Celia Zentella, Ph.D., for the keynote, “Language, Identity and Justice: Confronting Linguistic Intolerance in the USA.” Zentella, professor emeritus of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego, will explore bilingualism, language, identity and the barriers faced by Latino and other multilingual communities in the United States.
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the University will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Faculty, Student and Community Social with the Multicultural Center, creating an informal space for members of the University and surrounding community to build relationships and celebrate together.
Wolf Pack Athletics will continue the celebration Saturday, Oct. 3, with a VamosPack Women’s Soccer Game against Colorado College.
Additional events and activities hosted by colleges, departments and organizations across campus will take place throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
The University’s celebration is intentionally collaborative, recognizing that Hispanic and Latino engagement extends across the institution and throughout Northern Nevada. Community members are encouraged to participate alongside students, faculty and staff.
Hispanic Heritage Month is also an opportunity to go beyond the “three Fs” of food, fashion and fun. While celebration is an important part of the month, the University’s programming also creates space for conversations about belonging, representation, education and ensuring students and communities have opportunities to thrive.
Whether attending a Wolf Pack game, participating in a conversation about education or bilingualism, meeting campus and community organizations, enjoying music and food or simply connecting with others, Hispanic Heritage Month offers numerous opportunities to celebrate, learn and recognize the cultures, experiences and contributions that enrich the University and the state of Nevada.
Members of the University and Northern Nevada communities are invited to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month programming from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
