On Sept. 15, UNC Greensboro kicked off its Hispanic Heritage Month events outside of Moran Commons with Fiesta at the Fountain. At the Fiesta, students representing cultural clubs and support organizations shared their services and social connections, speakers addressed the assembled crowd about the importance of honoring Latine cultures at UNCG, and performers dazzled their audience before all in attendance joined in to dance and celebrate the heritage that makes them unique, yet united.
Todos los Espartanos
Today, 15.6% of the University’s total enrollment self-identifies as Hispanic or Latine, a percentage that has steadily grown over the past 10 years. In fact, our recent incoming class of first-year Hispanic students are up 23% from last year.
These new students feel at home at UNCG. Latine student leaders welcome them and become their “familia.” Latine staff and faculty teach and offer support. Latine cultural and social groups connect them with their culture. It’s a formula that fosters success with every Hispanic graduate who crosses the stage for a UNCG diploma and sets off to fulfill their discovered purpose.
Marisa Gonzalez ’16 ’19, educational developer for University Teaching and Learning Commons, remembers finding a home at UNCG and knows the importance of supporting Hispanic students who came after her: “As the first emerging Hispanic-serving institution in the UNC System, we have the responsibility to model the way in North Carolina. Beyond enrolling Hispanic students, we must also serve them in all capacities and help them get to the finish line at graduation.”
Although Hispanic Spartan students stand united, this group is made up of independent nationalities, each with its own traditions and heritage. Learning about how these cultures influence America — just as they influence our campus — is what Hispanic Heritage Month is all about.
Una Historia de Influencia
The declaration honoring Hispanic cultures in the United States was initiated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. It originated as a week of celebrations until President Ronald Reagan declared Sept. 15-Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988.
The mid-month start commemorates the independence of many Central American countries from Spanish rule in September 1821. Independence Days are celebrated on Sept. 15 in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, closely followed by Mexico (Sept. 16), Chile (Sept. 18), and Belize (Sept. 21).
Although the University prides itself on welcoming students of diverse backgrounds every day, Hispanic Heritage Month gives all Hispanic cultures the opportunity to share their traditions and values with the campus community.
Una Fiesta para Todos
Don’t let your lack of Spanish heritage keep you from attending Hispanic Heritage Month events at UNCG. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the ways Latine cultures make our campus community rich and vibrant. Check out the following scheduled events and come out to learn, participate, and lift up the cultures that make us uniquely “Espartan.”
¡Celebra con nosotros!
Men’s soccer: UNCG vs. Davidson Sept. 23, 7 p.m. start time at the soccer stadium Cheer on the men’s soccer team during an evening of fun while celebrating HHM with a special section and giveaways.
Queer & Coffee: LGBTQ+ Latine Artists Sept. 25, 3–4 p.m. at EUC Azalea Room Meet up for a cup of coffee while learning more about queer Latine artist of the past and present.
Raíces y Resonancias: Exploring Hispanic Heritage Through Culture and Mind Sept. 30, 3 p.m., location to be determined The Departments of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and Psychology are collaborating to host this event celebrating the voices, histories, and identities of Hispanic heritage students. It’s a place to reflect on the cultural richness of the Hispanic world and examine how heritage, identity, and mental health intertwine in shaping the student experience.
Hispanic Heritage Month Talent Show Oct. 2, 6 p.m. at EUC Auditorium A popular tradition each year at UNCG, and this year will surely be no different. Enjoy the amazing talent showcase of singing, dancing, acting, and more from students.
UNCG Latin American Folk Ensemble Gallery Performance Oct. 2, 6–7 p.m. at Weatherspoon Art Museum McDowell Gallery This concert led by Lorena Guillen will feature the works of Afro-Latino composers. The exhibition Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice will be on view. Refreshments are available after the performance.
Guitar Concert: Carlos Castilla Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. at School of Music Organ Hall This free concert will entertain everyone with Hispanic music provided by Carlos Castilla with Lorena Guillén and Alejandro Rutty.
¡Camina el campus!
Exhibición Pattern Recognition – Visita Guiada en Español Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–Noon at Weatherspoon Art Museum Join a guided tour in Spanish of the new Pattern Recognition exhibition at the Weatherspoon and learn more about the objects from its collections. Snacks will be available after the tour. It’s free to enter, but registration is required.
1st G Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Sept. 25, 6:00–7:30 p.m., Bryan School, Room 132 1st G will lead an evening discussion about various cultural traditions, and we invite all to share their own traditions and experiences with the group. Loteria and coloring books will be available for extra fun.
¡Bienvendos! UNCG Admissions Sept. 27, 9.a.m., School of Education Building An opportunity for prospective junior and senior bilingual students and their families to learn all about the resources UNCG has to offer. They’ll take part in sessions on admissions, financial aid and scholarships, and tour the historic campus. Current UNCG students and parents will talk about student life and the resources that helped them.
University Libraries Open House Oct. 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Jackson Library Staff from various library departments will be available to share information on how they can help create a more excellent college experience. Free coffee and churros will be provided.
Hispanic Excellence in Business Oct. 8, 5 p.m. at EUC Alexander Room Join the Bryan School and ALPFA as a panel of professionals share their experiences. There will be light refreshments provided.
Exhibición Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice – Visita guiada en español Oct. 18, 11 a.m. at the Weatherspoon Art Museum This guided tour in Spanish focuses on the work of renowned Civil Rights icon William H. Johnson. Snacks will be served at noon. Admission is free but registration is required.
¡Descubre un grupo nuevo!
Latinx Connections Every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Gove Student Health Center This weekly group welcomes all students who identify with or feel connected to Latinx/o/e experiences, regardless of nationality, racial/ethnic background, or other intersecting identities. Join a supportive space to build community, make connections, share resources and recharge. A willingness to engage and honor group members’ privacy are the only requirements to attend. Facilitated by Cecilia Gonzalez Barber, LCMHC
Spanish Heritage Language Program Presents: Nuestras raíces Sept. 26, 1. p.m. Bryan Building, Room 205 Doubling as an info session, current student members will share poetry about their identities and cultures and explain how to get involved in the program.
Aguas Frescas & Hot Topics Oct. 7, 5 p.m. EUC Alexander Room This mental health space allows students to hear and learn from others.
Alianza Social Oct. 8, 3 p.m. MHRA, Third Floor Faculty Lounge Faculty and staff are all invited to come together and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as the mid-semester point.
Historias Espartanas
In addition to participating in Hispanic Heritage Month events, check back with UNCG News this month for profiles of students, staff, and alumni who personify “Historias Espartanas.”
These Spartans know where they come from, confidently express their heritage, and help shape the future of their cultures in the United States. They are perfect Spartan examples of the nation’s 2025 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month, Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future. It’s a theme that perhaps no university in North Carolina can understand better than UNCG.
Story by Becky Deakins & Janet Imrick, University Communications. Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications.
