Andrews University is no stranger to diverse cultures, being listed by USNews as one of the most diverse universities in the United States with a diversity index of 0.76 (on a scale between 0 to 1). Hence, Andrews University hosts Hispanic/Latino/Spanish-speaking community-based clubs, such as AULA (Andrews University Latino Association), Adelante, and Makarios. AULA and Adelante both focus on Hispanic/Latino-centric events; however, some AULA events are specifically for Latino students, while every Adelante event can be attended by all. Meanwhile, Makarios focuses more on the religious aspects of the Hispanic culture, ministering to Hispanic churches using outreach programs.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a national celebration in the US that is dedicated to celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture and recognizing the impact of Hispanic people on the culture, history, and achievements of the United States. According to HISTORY, the idea was first proposed in 1968 as “Hispanic Heritage Week” by California Congressman George E. Brown during the Civil Rights movements. The movement was passed by Congress on September 17, 1968, declaring that September 15-16 would mark the beginning of the week-long holiday. The week covered September 15, the day that five countries–Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua–declared independence from Spain; September 16, the day that Mexico declared independence from Spain; and September 17, the day that Belize declared independence from Britain.
In 1987, U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres from California proposed extending the week-long celebration to a month long in order to “properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement.” Illinois Senator Paul Simon proposed an analogous bill in 1988, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Reagan. Since then, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated annually, commemorating a marvelously diverse culture.
This year, Andrews celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a diverse selection of events. Heavenly Heritage Vespers are planned for 6:30 PM on the following dates: September 30 (Seminary Chapel), October 7 (Seminary Chapel), and October 14 (Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall). University Chapels occur at 11:30 AM on September 30 (Newbold Auditorium), October 7 (Newbold Auditorium), and October 14 (HPAC) presenting speakers such as Tiago Arrais and topics like “¿God, qué quieres?” or “God, what do You want?” Todos Uno is a series of short courses featuring topics such as mental health and the stigma that surrounds it in the Hispanic/Latino community on October 8 at 11:30 AM (Buller 135) as well as the oppression of women on October 19 at 11:30 AM (Buller 135).
Furthermore, students can participate in Spirit Week from Monday, October 4 to Friday, October 8. The themes are Wear Your Flag day (Monday), Profe Day (Tuesday) where students dress up as Professor Navia, Celebrity Day (Wednesday), Sports/Jersey day (Thursday), and Traditional Clothing day (Friday).
Finally, at the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, there is a Latin Chapel on Thursday, October 14 (HPAC). Then, on Friday, October 15, there is a Latino Vespers hosted by Makarios and AULA (PMC). Finally, on Saturday, October 16, there is a Makarios Sabbath at 11:30 PM at the Seminary Chapel followed by AULA and Adelante’s “Noche Latina” (or Latin Night) at 8 PM (Johnson Gym) to close Hispanic Heritage Month.
When asked why these events were made to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Grecia Castillo (senior, psychology), president of Makarios, said that Makarios’ events would highlight “how we praise, [how] we worship” and to emphasize the “family-oriented” aspect of the culture. Jocelyn Rico (senior, Spanish), president of AULA, commented on the difficulty for Hispanic/Latino people “to make friends,” especially when “coming to the US and not knowing the language.” Rico added that these events allow Hispanic/Latino people “to get out of their comfort zone…[and] meet new people.” Pamela Alarcón (senior, biology pre-med), president of Adelante, noted how Hispanic and Latino students bonded during these events, such as the bonfire on September 17 when students sang “coritos,” or Hispanic/Latino children’s songs. Alarcón also encourages all students – not just those who are Hispanic or Latino – to come, “socialize,” and “share” in the culture and fun.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.