September 19, 2023

University Celebrates Hispanic/Latinx Heritage with a Month of Events

This year’s theme is ‘Latinxs: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America’

Posted in: Hispanic Initiatives, University

Students carry flags from Latin American countries.

A large group of students, faculty and staff pose with flags from Latin American countries. — The annual Hispanic/Latinx flag raising ceremony was moved indoors due to inclement weather. Events for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Months continue through October.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, the members of the campus Latinx community came together (indoors because of inclement weather) for the University’s annual commemorative flag raising on Monday, helping to kick off the month-long celebration of Hispanic heritage and Latinx culture on campus as well as this year’s theme: “Latinxs: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.”

The ceremony included speeches by students, staff, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell and State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, District 29.

The Office for Hispanic Initiatives, along with Hispanic/Latinx student and faculty/staff organizations, will celebrate the month and the University’s diverse and dynamic Latinx community with a series of events focusing on both culture and challenges, while also commemorating Latinx pride.

As Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives Katia Paz Goldfarb explains: “This month gives us an opportunity to share, recognize and celebrate de donde venimos y a donde vamos (where we come from and where we are going) as an intrinsic part of the society.”

State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, District 29 — New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, District 29, inspired students at the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month flag raising event on Monday, September 18, when she spoke of the lessons she learned from her father about taking care of her neighbors that inspired her to go into politics.

President Jonathan Koppell speaks to people sitting at round tables. — Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell spoke of the University’s commitment to being a Hispanic Serving Institution.

A full list of events can be found on the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Calendar.