University's Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Begins September 18

Eduardo Arnal Palomera, consul general of Mexico, will speak Sept.18 at North Park University. (Photo courtesy of Consulate General of Mexico, Chicago)

Consul General of Mexico leads month's activities this week

CHICAGO (September 17, 2012) — North Park University will join the official United States celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of free events for students, faculty and staff beginning this week. The University's month-long observance includes addresses on campus by official government representatives of Mexico, Argentina and Colombia, as well as cultural events featuring cuisine, entertainment and music.

Hispanic Heritage Month or "El Mes de la Hispanidad," is observed September 15 through October 15. "It is a time to highlight and share the many cultures of Latin American and Spain," said Dr. Lorenzo R. Florián, North Park University professor of Spanish and faculty fellow for Latin American Initiatives. "This year we are bringing some special events to campus. We have made these events free to all of our students, and many professors are asking of their students to write about the events they attend."

Hispanic Heritage Month is a reflection of the University's multicultural identity, one of its core values. "We hope these events will raise awareness of the struggles of Latinos throughout the Americas and in the United States. We want to show diversity not only compared to other cultures but also within Latin cultures, that will bring an appreciation and an understanding for all."

Three University events are featured during this first week of Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Tuesday, September 18, 2012: Eduardo Arnal Palomera, consul general of Mexico, Brorson Lounge, 11:40 am
• Tuesday, September 18: Comida Latina, Latin cuisine from around the world, Magnuson Campus Center, 5:00 pm (normal dining hall rates apply)
• Thursday, September 20: James Sanders & Conjunto, Afro-Latin jazz concert, Anderson Chapel, 7:30 pm (free for University students, faculty, and staff with ID; $10 general admission for the public)

Later events planned include an address by Marcelo Suarez Savlia, counsel general of Argentina, September 25; Global Giggles: The Other Side of Diversity, comedy, October 4; Fiesta Latina dance lessons, October 5; Latino Chapel, October 10; and an address by José Fernando Gomez Mora, counsel general of Colombia, October 16.

The University's Hispanic Heritage Month observance is coordinated by the office of Latin American Studies and Initiatives, Latin American Student Organization, the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs, and the Collaboratory for Urban and Intercultural Learning.

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