Every year from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is celebrated around the world.
With 54 % of the St. Thomas University (STU) student body identifying as being Hispanic and/or Latino and our Hispanic Serving Institution classification, it is no surprise that our university is celebrating.
On September 15, 2020, the STU Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board and Campus Ministry launched a series of events meant to celebrate and honor the influence and contributions of Hispanics and/or Latinos to the United States.
Noche de Juego, Noche de Karaoke, Latin Mass, and the Fiesta de Salsa y Bachata are among the events that have been held for the STU community. The events have been filled with traditional Latin dishes and sounds of Latin music icons like Celia Cruz and her infamous tagline, ¡Azúcar!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at STU has provided our students with time to share their culture and learn about others.
International student and sports administration major, Alexa Leizorek, came to the United States from Mexico to pursue her education at STU. She is proud to share her roots with her peers and enjoys HHM events and the universities efforts to educate others on Latin culture in an entertaining way.
“Ever since I started studying at STU, I realized that most people have this idea about who we are. My beautiful country is so much more than a desert. There’s so much more to my people. The one thing I can ensure, is that Mexicans have huge hearts. We fight for our dreams and we are always ready to help others.”
Alexa Leizorek sporting a jersey from the Mexico National team and a Día de los Muertos-inspired mask. Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a celebratory holiday in Mexico to remember loved ones that have passed.
Criminal Justice student, Angie Holmes, sees living in the United States with access to so many cultures as a privilege. “I’m glad to come from a mix of unique cultures that are unlike any other. We get to have the best of both worlds here. We are able to enjoy things from our home countries and the United States. That’s something many people don’t get in most places.”
To honor both our diverse student body and our Catholic identity, our Campus Ministry team offered a bilingual mass at the Chapel of St. Anthony located on campus. Our community enjoyed paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish, and a live concert from an up-and-coming Catholic, Miami-based band, The Call.
Events for Hispanic Heritage Month will run until October 23. See the list below for upcoming #HHMatSTU events.
September 24, 2020 at 8:00 PM- Panel del Orgullo Hispano: ZOOM PMI: 836-337-7944
September 26, 2020 at 10:030 AM – Student Tailgate: Cascia Parking Lot
October 23, 2020 at 6:00 PM – Havana Night
