The Latino Student Union here at CUC has been very busy recently, hosting three events in the past few weeks to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is held between Sept. 15 and Oct.15.
Yasmin Carrillo, who has been the LSU president for one year, said she wanted the club to go all out for Hispanic Heritage month.
“It is a nice way to celebrate our culture,” said Carrillo, a senior. “It means a lot of community building, forming new friendships, and being together to embrace our culture.”
Indeed, building a community is one of the main goals of the group.
“It is important to have a group like LSU on campus because it provides a space for Latino students on campus to connect and build relationships with each other,” said Alex Cerino, the staff advisor for the LSU. “It also helps students to develop leadership skills and gives everyone an opportunity to study Latino heritage and traditions.”
The LSU held a kickoff event to introduce new CUC students to the club, an unwind and relax event, and a piñata breaking. Holding big events, like the recent ones held for Hispanic Heritage Month, can also help students to discover the club.
“I probably found out about LSU through posters around campus,” said senior Mariah Trevino, who also serves as the president of the Poetry Club.
Hispanic Heritage Month was first recognized as Hispanic Heritage Week by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill turning the week into a full month.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated between Sept. 15 and Oct.15, because that is when several South American countries celebrate their independence. Costa Rica and Nicaragua have their Independence Day on Sept. 15, while Chile celebrates its independence on Sept.18.
As for events that they would like to see LSU hold to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the future, they each had different ideas. Carrillo said that she is open to suggestions, and that each year they decide what events will work best for that year.
“I would love to see LSU celebrate Posadas,” said Cerino, who is also the executive assistant to CUC president Russell Dawn and Jamie Kowalczyk, CUC’s vice president for strategy and innovation. “It is the re-enactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place in Bethlehem. It is a festive celebration with food, piñata’s, and everyone prays.”
Trevino, on the other hand, has something a little less specific in mind. “I just want LSU to do something with tamales,” she said.
Before Carrillo took over as LSU president, the club struggled with members graduating and leaving the school, especially when it came to those in leadership positions.
“When the former President of the club left, we were put in the spot of not knowing what to do next,” said Carrillo.
However, Carrillo feels very good about the future of the LSU after she graduates. “There are three freshmen that are heavily involved with the club, and two sophomores that serve on the executive board,” she said. “I am sure that Alex Cerino will make sure that the club will continue and grow.”
