Kutztown University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2023. This national, month-long celebration recognizes the diversity of the Hispanic/Latino/x/e culture and commemorates the achievements, contributions and histories of American citizens who have ancestry from Mexico, Spain, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law Aug. 17, 1988.

Kutztown University acknowledges the celebration of cultural heritage year-round but loves to spotlight and honor its unique beauty. KU appreciates National Hispanic Heritage Month as an important reminder to honor the past and present influence Hispanic/Latino/x/e culture has on the university and around the country. During the month-long celebration, the university is hosting a variety of events.

KU will kick off the festivities Thursday, Sept. 14, with the Bienvenidos Welcome. This event will offer food, drinks and caricatures. Learn more about KU Multicultural Center events on their website or by contacting 610-683-4807 or multicultural@kutztown.edu. 

Read Rohrbach Library’s blogpost that offers Latino Heritage resources online.

The Student Alliance for Learning, Success and Achievement (S.A.L.S.A.) is a student-run organization advocating leadership, success and achievement on campus. This organization will help foster a sense of activism that helps to create new leaders on campus while also challenging students to define and pave their own ways to academic and personal achievement. Led by advisor Maria De La Cruz, assistant director of Residence Life for Programming and Leadership Development, learn more about S.A.L.S.A. on Engage.

For detailed information on the events below, follow the Multicultural Center on Instagram @kumcc or email gnegr538@live.kutztown.edu.

Fiesta with S.A.L.S.A. (Student Alliance for Learning Success and Achievement)
Tuesday, Sept. 12
6 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Bienvenidos Welcome
Thursday, Sept. 14
2-5 p.m.
Multicultural Center

Movie Night: Selena 
Thursday, Sept. 14
7-9 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Meet the Upsilons (hosted by Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. and Mu Sigma Upsilon Upsilon Sorority, Inc.)
Monday, Sept. 18
7:30 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Lunch & Learn: LGBTQIA+ and Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, Sept. 19
12-1 p.m. 
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Song Association with S.A.L.S.A. (Student Alliance for Learning Success and Achievement)
Tuesday, Sept. 19
6 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Bachata con Hotacha (S.A.L.S.A.)
Tuesday, Sept. 26
6 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Dominos & UNO Tournament
Thursday, Sept. 28
5-8 p.m. 
Multicultural Center

Bears at Night: ¡Celebra! Hispanic Heritage Month 
Friday, Sept. 29
7 p.m.
South Dining Hall, Room 1

Denbow Social (S.A.L.S.A.)
Tuesday, Oct. 3
6 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Esta Historia Es Mi Cultura Open Mic Night
Thursday, Oct. 5 
5-8 p.m. 
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Pre-Havana Night Social (S.A.L.S.A.)
Tuesday, Oct. 10
6 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Noche De Baile 
Friday, Oct. 13
6-9 p.m. 
Multicultural Center Unity Room

Herencia Ball Havana Night (S.A.L.S.A.)
Saturday, Oct. 14
6 p.m.
McFarland Student Union, Multipurpose Room