SXU Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is kicking off Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) with a celebration of Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week (September 14 to 20). SXU is proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and provide opportunities for growth to Hispanic students while celebrating their culture and traditions with the whole SXU community. Over the nationally organized month, the SXU community can enjoy a range of events to experience Hispanic art and culture, learn from successful alumni and community leaders, and explore the heritage and cultural highlights of the Latinx community.
SXU students have the opportunity to participate in building SXU’s HSI identity and history through a variety of academic, cultural, leadership and professional organizations, including the SXU chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA); UNIDOS, a Latinx registered student organization; and other cultural programming and professional networking events during this month and throughout the year.
"As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we recognize the contributions that our Latinx students bring to campus. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite us to celebrate, unite and renew our commitment to serving the Latinx community every day of the year," said Patricia Sanyoto-Marin, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence.
All month long, the SXU community can view curated selections of books by Latinx authors and films by Latinx directors at the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library. The community can also view posters online and on campus designed by students from Dr. Amanda Lopez’s History of Mexico class. The posters showcase the diversity and culture of the states and capital of Mexico.
"I saw a lot of creativity in planning with our UNIDOS and ALPFA students. Truly, our Latinx student leaders are the key to the success of the celebration of Latinx Heritage Month at Saint Xavier," said Lopez.
Each Thursday, the SXU Diner will have a special food option in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month. The community can also sign up for a Latinx Alumni Panel to be held on September 22, where they can join leaders of ALPFA and UNIDOS as they host a conversation featuring alumni panelists, who will share their tips and experiences in seeking employment, career paths and experiences in pursuing post-graduate degrees.
On September 20, SXU students can enter a preliminary competition to be named America's Best College Poet, an event hosted by Carlos Andrés Gómez. Finally, on October 23, Estrellas de SXU Latinx Achievement Awards will be hosted on YouTube. The awards ceremony will honor outstanding students for their efforts in academia and leadership.
SXU is proud to recognize its Latinx students all year long. Over the summer, SXU’s ALPFA chapter was named Midwest Chapter of the Year. Established in 1972, ALPFA is the oldest Latino professional organization with more than 95,000 members across the United States. As part of the Midwest chapter, SXU was recognized for its outstanding commitment to ALPFA’s mission through local impact, engagement, programs, regional participation and national support.
"As a Hispanic-Serving institution, our mission is to make sure our Latinx students have a safe place to be our authentic selves and the correct resources to have a successful career, to create leaders and to give back to our community," said Jose Frausto, an accounting major and vice president of ALPFA.
SXU is incredibly proud of its students and looks forward to continuing to share cultural exchanges throughout the year.