The University of Toledo will observe Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with several events that will celebrate the culture.

“This month is important because this is when most of the Hispanic countries gained independence from Spain,” Latino Student Union President Jacob Torres said. “We cannot forget that this month celebrates our independence and freedom to become individual countries that create the diversity of Latin cultures today.”

The month kicks off today with an open house for the Latino Student Union and concludes with the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony on Oct. 14. Other events throughout the month include salsa dance lessons, demonstrations on how to prepare Hispanic dishes, a Spanish tutorial, a Latino Idol singing competition and more.

Some highlights include:

•  Tuesday, Sept. 17 — Naturalization Ceremony, which is part of Constitution Day, 11:30 a.m. in the Law Center McQuade Law Auditorium. At the ceremony, more than 20 people will be sworn in by federal court officials to become U.S. citizens. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Government Relations and the Program in Law and Social Thought.

•  Wednesday, Sept. 18 — Anita Lopez, Lucas County auditor who ran for mayor, will give the Main Campus keynote address for Hispanic Heritage Month at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ingman Room. Lopez received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a law degree from UT in 1994 and 1997, respectively, and is a former Latino Student Union president. She will talk about her personal journey.

•  Thursday, Oct. 3 — Dr. Patricia Documét, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences and director of the Center for Health Equity at the University of Pittsburgh, will give the Health Science Campus keynote address for Hispanic Heritage Month at noon in Health Education Building Room 110. She will discuss her research that focuses on Latino health and the relevancy of social relationships.

The events are facilitated through the UT Office of Excellence and Multicultural Student Success and Latino Student Union. Click here for a full list of events.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Sept. 16, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 17, 2013)