In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Intercultural Student Engagement Center is hosting several events recognizing hispanic culture. 

Veronica Portillo, an ISEC graduate student overseeing Hispanic Heritage Month activities, said the events are important because they give students a time to honor their roots and learn about their family culture. 

“I have part of my family who is Mexican, and being able to take a step back and think about all of the sacrifices and challenges they had to go through is very important to me,” Portillo said. “It’s really unique to be able to honor history, but also be able to connect with your family roots in a different way.”

On Sept. 26, ISEC will host a Hispanic recipe showcase in room 213 of the Academic Complex from 4:30-7 p.m. in collaboration with the Spanish Club and Professor Yertty VanderMolen’s Spanish 102 students. 

A Hispanic arts showcase will take place in room 3020 of Downing Student Union on Oct. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. Students will be showcasing their different talents related to Spanish culture. 

On Oct. 4, Julio Capó, an associate professor of history at Florida International University in Miami, will be presenting a lecture on how Latin American and Caribbean queer immigrants and migrants have impacted U.S immigration law. The event will start at 7 p.m. in the Gary Ransdell Hall Auditorium.

The final event for the month will be a game night on Oct. 5, giving students a chance to play the traditional Mexican game of lotería, often referred to as Mexican bingo. The event starts at 5 p.m. in room 1011 of the Mahurin Honors College.

News reporter Madison Carter can be reached at [email protected].