Luther College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in September

Luther College invites the public to join the college in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September. The college is sponsoring a trip to Latino Fest in Rochester, Minn.; a keynote talk by a renowned scholar of Hispanic culture, Adele Lozano; as well as film and music that celebrate Hispanic heritage.

Women represent Nicaragua at the Latino Fest in Rochester, Minn. Photo courtesy of ACHLA

On Saturday, Sept. 14, Luther’s Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) has planned a trip to Latino Fest in Rochester, Minn. Participants will enjoy food, exhibits, dancing and culture. Luther is providing transportation to the event, which is scheduled for 12–6 p.m. Luther students will be prioritized; community members can join if space is available. Contact CIES at cies@luther.edu to sign up. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7–8:30 p.m., in Olin 102, Hispanic Heritage Month speaker Adele Lozano, Ph.D., will delve into the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture, sharing her extensive knowledge and personal experiences. Lozano, who recently taught at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, is a renowned scholar and advocate. Her talk will cover the significant contributions of the Hispanic community to society and the importance of cultural awareness and advocacy. 

“Dr. Lozano has a wealth of knowledge about the experiences and identity development of Latinx/a/o and Hispanic students, ethnic cultural centers on campus and building a sense of belonging for students,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. 

On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6–8 p.m., in Valders 206, the monthly movie night will feature the 2021 musical drama In the Heights. Set in the Dominican community of Washington Heights, New York City, this film is based on the stage musical of the same name by Lin-Manuel Miranda and by Quiara Alegría Hudes.  

On Friday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall, the Center Stage Series presents Nella. Born in Venezuela, Nella was a recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music when she won the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Her style is a rich blend of her native country’s folklore, the sounds of her generation, and influences from Spain’s Andalusia region. This presentation is sponsored by Emplify. Tickets are available at tickets.luther.edu or by calling the Luther Ticket Office at 563-387-1357.

Hispanic Heritage Month is the first in a series of planned cultural celebrations for 2024-25 at Luther College.  “In the United States, cultural heritage months and observations play a vital role in breaking down barriers, building bridges of understanding and preserving the rich cultural heritage that enhances the fabric of our community as well as intersects with other identities,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “By providing programming during cultural heritage months and observations institutionally, it promotes the inclusivity, collaboration and intersectionality needed to foster a sense of belonging for all.”