Kent State Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Kent State University’s Latino Networking Caucus (LNC) and the Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA) are presenting a diverse lineup of events for National Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebration is to recognize the contributions that Latinos and Hispanics have made in the United States.
 
“Hispanic Heritage Month allows people to learn more about the Hispanic culture and community,” said T. David Garcia, Kent State’s associate vice president for enrollment management and chair of the LNC. “At Kent State, we have faculty, staff and students from different Latin American countries that have their own traditions of music, food and dance. I invite everyone to attend one or all of our scheduled events to learn more about the Hispanic community.”

Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started 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 starting on Sept. 15.

The following is a list of Kent State events marking National Hispanic Heritage Month:

LNC/SALSA Festival
Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Risman Plaza at Kent Student Center
The festival will feature music, food and fun for the entire family. Free and open to the public. The rain location is Room 204 of the Kent Student Center.

Guest Speaker John Quiñones of ABC News
Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m., Kent Student Center
John Quiñones is the Emmy Award-winning anchor of the “Primetime” series “What Would You Do?” During his tenure he has reported extensively for ABC News, predominantly serving as a correspondent for “Primetime” and “20/20.” This event is free and open to the public.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m., Progressive Field, Cleveland
Former Cleveland Indians player Carlos Baerga will be the special guest. Tickets are $10, $25 and $50.

Noche Caliente
Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eastway Dining Hall, Kent Campus
The public is invited to enjoy Latino cuisine (for purchase) and learn how to salsa dance.

Kent State Homecoming 2012
Saturday, Oct. 20, various times:

•    Breakfast and Parade
The Latino Networking Caucus will participate in the Kent State’s 2012 Homecoming Parade. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the public is invited to enjoy free breakfast and great seats for the parade at the Williamson Alumni Center.

•    The LNC Alumni Awards Luncheon
The LNC Alumni Awards Luncheon will take place in Room 204 of the Kent Student Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $10 per person. Registration at www.ksualumni.org is required.

•    Homecoming Football Game
The Kent Golden Flashes take on Western Michigan at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium. 


•    Dinner, Music and Dancing
Beginning at 7 p.m., enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing at Oscar Ritchie Hall.


For more information about Kent State’s Latino Networking Caucus and related events, visit  www.sfa.kent.edu/lnc/LNCPortal.asp or contact T. David Garcia at 330-672-4050 or tgarcia5@kent.edu.

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Media Contacts:

T. David Garcia, tgarcia5@kent.edu, 330-672-4050
Bob Burford, rburford@kent.edu, 330-672-8516