Fitchburg State University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will include a series of programs organized around the theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping Our Future Together.”
The programs are designed to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of Hispanic and LatinX/O/A folks in history and our society.
The National Hispanic Heritage Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Pioneers of Change: Shaping Our Future Together.” The theme encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience.
Fitchburg State’s campus observance will kick off with an outdoor cookout and music on the main quad at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness will welcome the executive boards of the campus African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU), Caribbean American Student Association (CASA), and Latin American Student Organization (LASO).
There will be a Hispanic Heritage Month flag raising ceremony at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 to formally launch the month’s festivities. The ceremony will be held on the Alumni Quad between Hammond Hall and Thompson Hall.
The events will also include a look at social determinants of health with stories of Latino men in recovery at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in the main lounge of Hammond Hall. This panel talk will include Worcester Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr. Matilde “Mattie” Castiel, along with Latin American Health Alliance (LAHA) President Clara Reynolds and Latino men who are graduates of the Hector Reyes House. Dr. Castiel and the team will discuss identity, public health, her role as the Commissioner, along with the Hector Reyes House and LAHA.
Additional programs include a panel discussion featuring students discussing their experiences growing up with Hispanic parents, a young Latinx alumni networking event, as well as cooking and dance demonstrations.
See the full list of campus events at https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/student-support/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/center-diversity-and-inclusiveness/hispanic-heritage-month.