Written by Casey Kuman
Concordia University at Chicago is celebrating Hispanic heritage month all through September and October. Blanca Gutierrez is the director of the Office of Multicultural and First Generation Student Engagement and she is also the advisor for the Latin Student Union Club (LSU). Blanca supervises and helps plan events, but otherwise the club is student-run and laid back.
The first Latin American event CUC held was called Dia De Antojitos. This was held on September 17th outside by Mary Martha Hall. It included Mexican street food such as Elote, Horchata, Chicharrones chips, and fruit with Tajin. This event was planned in July and Blanca helped get contracts signed, and also found food vendors willing to contribute to this event. There was no fundraising involved. The OMSE has their own budget they get to use for the whole year.
Latin Student Union has many other events planned throughout the month. On September 26th from 4-5pm, there was a Folkloric dance performance by Flor de Corazon in the Cougar Den. They danced and demonstrated certain techniques from Hispanic heritage dances.
During Homecoming week on October 4th from 2-6pm, there will be a fiesta for Cougar Charlie held in the Triangle if weather permits. Otherwise it will be held in the south gym. This event will include Caricature Artists, pinatas, music, games, cultural cake such as Tres Leches, and there will also be other cultural cakes.
“We want to include several cultural foods for this event including Arab cake called Khanef, and traditional Polish cake.” stated Blanca.
On October 11th there will also be an event held from 2:30-3:30pm in the Cougar Den. This will include a percussionist named Sammie Torres.
“There will be an interactive presentation with bongos and congos and students will be able to learn different drumming styles.” said Blanca.
Another event will be taking place on October 15th from 12-1pm in the Crossroads Dining Hall. Mariachi Los Palmeros will be playing music as you enjoy your lunch and will give students more of a Latino vibe. Sodexo has approved of serving Latin American food. Also from 1-2pm Mariachi Los Palmeros will be playing music in the Cougar Den.
A few weeks later there will be a holiday called Dia De Los Muertos which means The Day of the Dead, and that takes place November 1st and 2nd. This event will be held in the Cougar Den hallway from 11:30-4pm. Students and faculty will be able to honor peoples loved ones with pictures, and there will also be a chapel reading.
Throughout the years at Concordia the Latino student population has increased. This makes CUC a Hispanic serving institution and allows special grants for certain students.
“The undergraduate Latin student body in 2016-2017 went up to 28.5%. Each and every year this number increases,” stated Blanca.
Hispanic Heritage month is important to celebrate for many Latinos and it is a great way for students to get involved and learn more about other nationalities and their culture.
