Hispanic Heritage Month

Vanguard University’s El Puente club has been preparing events for Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate Hispanic culture in September and October. 

On Sept. 1, the Intercultural Student Programs (ISP) had their annual mixer to introduce the five cultural clubs on campus, including El Puente. Many students showed interest in each of the clubs, making the expected turnout for Hispanic Heritage Month large.

El Puente had their opening event on Sept. 13, Baila Con La Piñata, to introduce the club and its cabinet members at the Huntington and Laguna dormitories. Which were decorated with papel picado; there were dancing instructors there to teach salsa, games of lotería, fresh fruita, and a piñata. 

President of ISP and former El Puente president, english major and senior, Andrea Velasquez has been overseeing the formation of Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. 

Velasquez stated, “I want the Latino culture to be shared and celebrated in unity with the whole school. Like even if you have no idea where central America is on the map I want them to be able to feel the rich culture that they have.” She wants to provide awareness and educate students on all that Latino culture has to offer.

El Puente’s club president, psychology major and sophomore, Ashley Ibarra is planning the various events for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Ibarra said,“ The goal is Hispanic visibility, I want students to be familiar with the picture of Hispanic, its very wide— its not just Mexican, you have your El Salvadorians and Cubans, I want to try my best to show the diversity with Latinos and Hispanic people.”

On Sept. 16, from 8 to 10 p.m. El Puente held Salsa night at the William Seymour Building. The event included dancing, aguas frescas, and flautas.

Ibarra described it as having a “ballroom-esque feel.” 

Students have many events to look forward to this month that captures the very essence of what it means to be a Latino.

On Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. in the Forest Room, El Puente will be hosting a movie night featuring the Disney film Coco. Where students can sit and drink Mexican hot chocolate while enjoying the movie.

On Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Oddo Terrace, A second “Lunch and Learn event,” will occur exploring ideas about Latino identity and what it means to be a student at Vanguard.

To end the month, El Puente will have their Block Party with free food and live music. 

All are welcome to share in the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month and learn about the many captivating Hispanic cultures the campus has to offer.