National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized throughout the country from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. TCU is honoring the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans through sharing their stories and promoting celebration.
One of the ways TCU will mark the month is with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s
feature presentation Sept. 23. Jose Luis Zelaya will share his personal story, “The Generational Power
of Higher Education: From a Street Child to a Ph.D.” His message is that of hope,
resilience, responsibility, education, family and the importance of community engagement.
Other events can be found on the curated event page on the TCU calendar. TCU encourages departments, student organizations and other groups to honor such recognition months by hosting celebrations, speakers, exhibits or other events. Have one scheduled? Make sure to post it on the TCU calendar with #HH2021.
“TCU has some of the most dedicated, hardworking, resilient and gifted Hispanic/Latinx students, scholars, advocates, leaders and practitioners that positively enhance our campus,” said Florencio Aranda, coordinator of diversity and inclusion initiatives. “It is imperative that our institution continues to uplift, highlight, advance and regard members of our TCU Latinx community, beyond this heritage month, because we bring so much richness, value and beauty to any and all settings.”
TCU Magazine has continued to tell numerous stories over the years that involve remarkable Hispanic and Latino Horned Frogs and has once again curated a page of featured content. Together with revisiting past stories, the publication adds the recent stories of Spanish volleyball star Daniela Alvarez and soccer player Emily Alvarado, who is on the Mexican National Team. We also hear cultured voices in the stories of Horned Frog veterans and explore the contributions of alumna Katherine Ortega Courtney on children’s mental health.
“Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month has so much significance and meaning to the Hispanic/Latinx community because it is a celebration of culture, language, tradition and history,” Aranda said. “Most importantly, it is a time where we showcase the lived experiences, triumphs, talents and exceptional contributions made by our community in the United States.”
According to HispanicHeritageMonth.gov, “The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.”