From MSU News Service
Montana State University will observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of free and public events scheduled between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. The events will pay tribute to the cultural legacy, history and societal contributions of Hispanic and Latino heritage in Montana and the U.S.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the impacts and contributions of Hispanic and Latino people on the Gallatin Valley and Montana State University,” said Ariel Donohue, MSU’s senior diversity and inclusion officer and head of the university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “We are excited to highlight the many partnerships that have emerged and the engagement taking place across our community.”
To kick off the celebrations, a reception with MSU President Waded Cruzado will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in Inspiration Hall in Norm Asbjornson Hall. The event includes food and beverages prepared by Claudia’s Mesa and MSU executive chef Jill Flores, a Munayki Peruvian folk dance performance and music. Attendance is free, but registration is requested at montana.edu/calendar/events/42568.
Additional MSU Hispanic Heritage Month events and offerings include an Oct. 12 panel discussion exploring community and connection in the Gallatin Valley, an Oct. 24 evening of salsa dance and leadership lessons by the MSU Leadership Institute, film showings at the Procrastinator Theater, displays and resources at the MSU Library, and featured foods in the campus dining halls.
National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history and heritage of citizens who trace their roots to Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. It also commemorates the anniversary of independence for many countries, including Chili, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico, according to the National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Bridget Kevane, MSU director of liberal studies in MSU’s Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and member of the Hispanic Heritage Month planning committee, said that the Hispanic and Latino communities in Montana have played an important role in the state’s accomplishments, even if their stories are not always widely known.
“We hope that students, faculty, staff and community members will engage with this series of events to see their histories and cultures celebrated as well as share their own stories and strengthen their sense of belonging,” Donohue added.
For more details about the events, click HERE. •
