Hispanic Heritage Month, observed nationwide from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the histories, contributions and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans. At TCU, students and organizations are celebrating in various ways.
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science hosted a Hispanic Heritage Showcase along with three other organizations. It took place on Sept. 28 in the Brown-Lupton University Union ballroom and included music, food and activities.
“We’ve done events throughout the month to support Hispanic culture,” Marayala Ortiz, a senior and a member of La Mesa Hispanica TCU, said. “Events like ‘lotería’ and butterfly-mache making.”
For many Hispanic and Latino students, these events serve as a reminder of belonging on campus.
“Events like this are always so fun to attend,” Rebecca Wolyn, an early childhood education major, said while attending the Hispanic Heritage Showcase. “It reminds me that TCU values our culture and wants to share it.”
TCU Volleyball also joined the celebration by hosting Noche de Musica during the Sept. 24 match against Houston. Fans were treated to an atmosphere that blended athletics and culture.
Members of the TCU Ballet Folklórico performed between the second and third sets during the match.
“I enjoyed seeing the performance,” Merit Wagstaff, a junior strategic communications major, said. “Before coming to TCU, I had never seen folklórico dancing.”
Ballet Folklórico, which can be translated as a folkloric dance, is a traditional Mexican art that blends intricate footwork, colorful apparel and exaggerated movements to tell a story.
The university’s celebration of the month does not end on South University Drive. At the Burnett School of Medicine, located east of TCU’s main campus, one Hispanic staff member, Angie Carter was nominated for the monthly spotlight. Carter is the school’s accreditation coordinator.
She told the Burnett School of Medicine that Hispanic Heritage Month reminds her of encouraging family memories and traditional Mexican food.
The celebration will conclude with a film showing of “Bailando Culture” on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Brown-Lupton University Union ballroom.