Schedule of Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Display
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 | Brandt Student Center
Weekly Spanish Speaking Bible Study
Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | Brandt Student Center 118
Students who would like to develop their Spanish-speaking skills and deepen their Christian faith en una familia are invited to join Spiritual Life on Tuesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. for a Spanish-speaking Bible study! Facilitated by native Spanish speaker and Music Therapy Professional Studies student Carmen Justiniano, this study is an opportunity to build community, be in fellowship, and grow in faith and love. Spanish speakers of all levels are welcome, and Spanish language bibles are provided. Contact Chaplain Ian Urriola at iurriola@ngskmc-eis.net or Carmen at carmen.justiniano@ngskmc-eis.net for more information.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
Friday, Sept. 15 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center 123 (Borden Student Association Center aka B-SAC)
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with Estudiantes Unidos with games, food, and fellowship. Bring yourself and your friends out for a night of fun. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@ngskmc-eis.net.
Trivia Night
Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Mosaic Center
Test your knowledge about Latin & Hispanic culture, geography and so much more with other students in the Mosaic Center! Play on a team or on your own, first, second, and third place winners will receive prizes! For more information, contact Malik Henry at mhenry132@ngskmc-eis.net.
Loteria & Dinner Dialogue
Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Brandt Student Center 123 (Borden Student Association Center aka B-SAC)
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, join an ongoing conversation about the differences between the words Latino, Latinx, Latine, and Hispanic to understand how these terms relate to culture, ethnicity, inclusivity, and gender identity. Share your story, ask questions, and satisfy your curiosity as you explore the meaning of being part of the Hispanic community. A traditional game of Loteria will be played during the event while enjoying a variety of Hispanic dishes. Register to attend the dialogue through this Google form. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@ngskmc-eis.net.
Celebración de Winchester
Saturday, Sept. 23 | noon-4 p.m. | Loudoun Street Mall
The 10th annual Celebración of Winchester will be held on the Loudoun Street Mall, celebrating and educating our area about Hispanic Heritage Month. The Celebración of Winchester, presented by Winchester Main Street Foundation (WMSF), is an all-day festival that is free to the public!
First-Generation Hispanic Student Financial Aid Information Table
Thursday, Sept. 28| 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Lobby
Have questions about scholarships, grants, and anything else related to financial aid? Stop by and have your questions answered by a Financial Aid staff member. No question is too small or too big. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@ngskmc-eis.net.
Hispanic/Latinx Speaker: Joe Hernández-Kolski
Thursday, Sep. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Ferrari Room, Brandt Student Center
Two-time HBO Def Poet and Emmy Award-winner Joe Hernández-Kolski is a constantly in-demand actor/poet/comedian, known for live performances that are hard-hitting, truthful and incredibly funny. He has opened for everyone from legendary musician John Mellencamp to Hillary Clinton. His blend of comedy, social commentary and personal stories attracts fans from all different backgrounds. For more information, contact Malik Henry at mhenry132@ngskmc-eis.net.
Hispanic Heritage Month Food Tasting Event
Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Mosaic Center
Experience different cultures through food. Food is the essence of most cultures. Peruvian, Mexican, El Salvadoran, Dominican, and other tasty food will be available in the Mosaic Center for a taste of the different cultures. For more information, contact Malik Henry at mhenry132@ngskmc-eis.net.
Spanish Conversation Hour
Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 7-8 p.m. | Alson H. Smith Library
¡Bienvenidos! Are looking to brush up on your Spanish language skills, practice your second language, or just enjoy a talk with fellow Spanish speakers? Alson H. Smith Library is hosting a Spanish conversation hour in the main lobby on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Both learners and native speakers are welcome to join. Snacks and coffee will be provided. For more information, contact Bridget Reddy at svl41@ngskmc-eis.net.
Latinx Homecoming Tailgate
Saturday, Oct. 7 | 4:30 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center
¡Todos son bienvenidos! Join other Latinx alumni, families, and current students to celebrate what makes Shenandoah special at this tailgate tent before the Homecoming football game. For more information, contact Scott Spriggs at sspriggs@ngskmc-eis.net.
Latine Art Night
Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, 118
Abi Gomez, Arte Libre owner/artist, will lead participants in creating artwork and conduct a presentation explaining the history and significance of Latine Art. Walk away with both a piece of art that you’ve made and a new understanding of the history of Latine Art and its significance to Latine culture. Register online or contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@ngskmc-eis.net for more information.
Papel Picado
Thursday, Oct. 12 | 2 p.m. | Henkel Hall, Hester Auditorium
Create your own papel picado and enjoy tamales! In Mexican culture, there’s no celebration without music, flowers and papel picado! Papel picado means “punched paper.” It comes from the Aztec tradition of using tree bark to make amatl/amate (paper) and covering it in rubber, thus creating designs. Eventually, in the 20th century, tissue paper was adopted and it has evolved into the art form we know today. These colorful decorations are often hung in homes, streets, and public places to add color and festivity to the occasion. Papel picado is often displayed on Día de los Muertos altars and represents the union between life and death. This delicate tissue paper also signifies the fragility of life as it is ephemeral, as well as the element of wind.
Paper Flowers
Friday, Oct. 13 | 2-3 p.m. | Henkel Hall, Hester Auditorium
Students can make their own paper flowers in celebration of Dia de los Muertos on Friday, Oct. 13 from 2-3 p.m. in Henkel Hall, Hester Auditorium.
In Mexico, enormous fresh marigolds in red, orange, and yellow are used to decorate the graves and altars but tissue paper flowers are also popular and are often strung together to make elaborate garlands that are draped overhead and along the edges of gravestones.
Saul Flores, Speaker
Friday, Oct. 13 | 6 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Rom
Saul Flores is a masterful storyteller, social innovator, and a powerful voice for change. Recognized for his innovative ideas, impactful projects, and visionary ventures, he has presented at over 250 universities nationwide, sharing his message with thousands of students from diverse backgrounds, earning him the distinction of being a leading national speaker. Students can attend for free with their SU student ID. For more information, contact Bryan Pearce-Gonzalez at bpearceg@ngskmc-eis.net.
Organizations & Resources
The Mosaic Center
We focus on valuing and fostering the diversity reflected in our lives at Shenandoah and in the world beyond our campus.
PRIDE
We provide assessment, recommendation, and consultation to SU’s Senior Leadership and departments across the university.
Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Inclusion, diversity, and equity are woven throughout the university’s structure and overseen by multiple individuals.