Latino Heritage Celebration

IU East students going through the Mexican buffet.

“This semester, we implemented a series of events with the main goal of improving our understanding of other cultures,” said Luz Mary Rincon, an IU East foreign language lecturer. “The Hispanic culture has made its own distinct contributions to our nation with its pride in old traditions, its own cultural diversity, strong family values, and its rich art and literature. This was an opportunity to know more about the Latin American culture and to celebrate with the Hispanic people its Latino heritage.”

Other activities included in the celebration were a panel and lecture series and a film series.

Joanne Passet, assistant professor of history, and Paul Kriese, associate professor of political science, facilitated a discussion on the challenges confronted by Hispanic immigrants. Rincon, a native of Colombia, spoke about the war that is taking place in Colombia’s highlands and jungles. Anne Szopa, associate professor of sociology, and Woody Woodford, director of Community Builders Richmond, facilitated a discussion with second-generation Hispanic students who shared their experiences of living in multiple cultures.

Several Spanish language films were shown throughout the week and were followed by discussion.

In an effort to strengthen cultural education on campus and in the community, IU East has sponsored two heritage festivals this year. Check out the Latino Heritage Celebration