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10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 03:17

Shaping the Future Together: UC San Diego Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month

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October 03, 2024

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The campus community is invited to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month-an annual celebration centered around building community and showcasing the intersectionalities of Latinx people and culture.

With a wide range of events planned for October, this year's celebration encourages reflection on the national theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." The theme, selected by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers, recognizes trailblazers who have created opportunities for future generations while highlighting those continuing to drive positive change.

For Mario Garibay, dean of Student Affairs for Eleanor Roosevelt College and one of the co-chairs for the LHM planning committee, this year's theme is particularly meaningful. "When I first learned of this year's national theme, two things stood out to me. First, it highlights how change and innovation have been shaped by Latinx people for generations. From education and the arts to science and engineering, our community has continually paved the way-even during challenging times. It's important to recognize the great things the Latinx community is accomplishing," Garibay said. "Second, I love the part of the theme that emphasizes shaping the future together. As a community, we come together not just in times of celebration but also in times of need, and our successes are built upon the efforts of those who came before us. Moving forward, we'll need one another to pave the way toward a better future."

This year's celebration will feature a diverse lineup reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Latinx community. "Our committee works hard to curate a robust calendar of events, and I'm always blown away by how many program submissions we get from departments across campus," Garibay shared. "LHM 2024 features everything from speakers and movie nights to student organization fairs and a Día de los Muertos teach-in and altar."

One of the most anticipated events this year is a keynote address by Daisy Gonzales, the executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. "I once heard Dr. Gonzales speak, and I was truly inspired by her efforts to create equitable access to education and how this ties into her own personal journey," Garibay said. "Her passion and commitment to students and the Latinx community can truly be felt during her talks, and I can't wait to see what she shares at our celebration on October 17th."

Below is a sampling of events taking place throughout the heritage month:

October 4 | Feminist Film Club: "Dolores" Screening

Join the Women's Center for the Feminist Film Club's screening of Dolores, a documentary about labor activist Dolores Huerta. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Women's Center Living Room, located at Student Center West. The film will prompt discussions on workers' rights, environmental justice and feminism.

Sport the 2024 LHM T-Shirt

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month in style with this exclusive shirt designed by UC San Diego student Yamil Aguilar, winner of the 2024 Latinx Heritage Month T-shirt design contest. The shirt features the "El Charro Triton" graphic on the front and "Latinx Heritage Month" on the sleeve, and is now available at the UC San Diego Bookstore.

October 10 | Latinx Heritage Night at Women's Soccer

Celebrate Latinx culture at the women's soccer game against Hawai'i from 6 to 9 p.m. at Triton Soccer Stadium. Before the game, learn about some of UC San Diego's Latinx student organizations, then head into the stadium to cheer on the Tritons and enjoy a special performance by La Joya Del Sur, the campus mariachi group.

October 10 | Diversity in Medicine Lecture

Join Dr. Natalie Rodriguez, UC San Diego Health's Medical Director of Health Equity, as she delivers the Fall Quarter Diversity in Medicine Lecture from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Ong Family Lower Auditorium at the Medical Education and Telemedicine Building. A reception will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the lecture.

October 11 | MEChA x Raza Resource Centro Pachanga 2024

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with MEChA and the Raza Resource Centro during Pachanga 2024, held from 5 to 8 p.m. in Matthew's Quad. This event aims to promote community building and uplift the rich history and culture of the Latinx community. Attendees can explore various campus resources, including student organizations and departments, while enjoying student organization tabling, drag performances, baile folklórico, music, food, dancing and more.

October 15 | Día de los Muertos: Painting con Amor

Learn more about Día de los Muertos with a guided painting session led by a local Latina artist. The activity will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Stage Room, providing a space to honor tradition through creativity.

October 17 | Latinx Heritage Month 4th Annual Celebration - Keynote Speaker: Daisy Gonzales

Join the Latinx Heritage Month 4th Annual Celebration featuring keynote speaker Daisy Gonzales, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Price Center West Ballroom. This year's theme is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together."

Attendees enjoying the Latinx Heritage Month Celebration held at Price Center.

October 17 | First-Gen Speaks: A Conversation with Alejandra Campoverdi

Alejandra Campoverdi, the national bestselling author of "First-Gen: A Memoir," will share her experiences navigating academia-from USC to Harvard- and her career at the White House during this special conversation. This free discussion will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Great Hall, where registered attendees can look forward to a book reading followed by a Q&A session.

October 29 | Celebrating Latinidad in Engineering

Engage in a discussion with Latinx professionals in engineering during this panel from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Qualcomm Conference Room at Jacobs Hall. The panelists will discuss how their Latinx identity enhances their work in the engineering field. The event will include a networking session over a shared meal.

October 30 | Día de los Muertos Events

Join us in celebrating Día de los Muertos with a two-part event at the Price Center Triton Steps. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., help build the community altar by bringing photos to add to the ofrenda. Following the altar building, a teach-in and performance by local artists and dancers will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to share the significance of this rich cultural tradition honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away.

An altar decorated for Día de los Muertos.

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