Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated at Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15, 2025, with several events happening on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.

• Paletas with President's Cabinet-September 17, 12:15 p.m.
  • Kick off the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with a sweet treat and spend some time connecting with members of the President's Cabinet during activity hour in the Forest (Alumni Plaza).
  • Free and open to the FPU community.
• College Hour: Chapel with Oscar Merlo, Ph.D.-September 17, 10:50 a.m.
  • Join us in the Special Events Center for Chapel with Dr. Oscar Merlo, missiologist, anthropologist and Honduran American academic leader dedicated to equipping the next generation of Hispanic leaders in pastoral and theological contexts. Dr. Merlo directs AETH's Compelling Preaching initiative and co-coordinates the National Hispanic Initiative to Strengthen Pastoral Leaders (NHI), a Lilly Endowment Inc.-supported project advancing pastoral formation across the U.S. and Latin America.
  • Free and open to the public.
• Lunch & Learn with Oscar Merlo, Ph.D.-September 17, 12:00 p.m.
  • This conversation over lunch will inspire, challenge and equip attendees to think critically about the role of faith, leadership and culture in shaping thriving communities. Event takes place in the Special Events Center.
  • Free and open to FPU staff and faculty.
    • RSVP needed.
• Fun with Folklórico-September 23, 12:15 p.m.
  • Join us in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center Lin Family Performance Studio (Black Box Theater) during activity hour to learn some history and practice some steps with the FPU Folklorico dancers.
  • Free and open to the FPU community.
• Lotería Night-September 30, 5:00 p.m.
  • All staff, faculty, students, alumni, community members and friends of the university are invited to join us for the fifth annual Lotería Night. It is a fun evening of food, live music, lawn games and, of course, Lotería (sometimes referred to as "Mexican Bingo") on the Campus Green. All are invited, and no Lotería experience is needed to play the game and win prizes.
  • Free and open to the public.
• Cafecito Conversations with Monarca (LSU)-October 7, 2:30 p.m.
  • The Latinx Student Union will meet in the Student Government Association house for open conversations around culture, faith and community. All are welcome to join. Coffee (and tea) will be provided.
  • Free and open to the FPU community.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Prayer Breakfast-October 9, 8:00 a.m.
  • Join us in the Ashley Auditorium for a program featuring a special performance by the Fresno Pacific University Folklórico Dancers, showcasing the beauty and spirit of Hispanic culture through dance. We are also honored to welcome Artie Padilla, Director of DRIVE Initiatives at the Central Valley Community Foundation, as our keynote speaker. Artie will share an inspiring message about faith, community and leadership in the Central Valley. This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate heritage, uplift voices and unite in prayer as we seek to build a stronger, more connected community.
  • Open to the public.
    • RSVP needed.

A Hispanic heritage celebration was originally signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson as National Hispanic Heritage week in 1968. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation expanding the observance from a week to a month, from September 15-October 15. The start date of September 15 was chosen to mark the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence on September 15, 1821.

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