Related Articles

• ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ honors Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Karla Estrada Perez embraces connections and learning
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Edward Hernandez ā€˜27 builds community and legacy at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Vanessa Bravo communicates connection and belonging

When Sylvia MuƱoz, current director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE), first arrived at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ from Costa Rica in spring of 1998, she may have been considered ā€œthe one percentā€ of university staff that were Latinx. The Multicultural Center (now CREDE) was still four years away from its inception, there was no Core Curriculum language requirement, and there were no formal celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM).

It was the idea of then-university President Fred J. Young to create a place for students to immerse themselves in Hispanic culture and language. He recruited MuƱoz to lead it, and El Centro was created. What started out of a small office in Moseley Center, organizing programming such as conversation classes and supported by MuƱoz cooking for students in her home has since grown into an expansive student center that is headquartered on the first floor of the Carlton building with its own living space and kitchen.

El Centro continues to provide space for the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community to learn about Latinx cultures and the opportunity to practice Spanish at conversation classes. While it offers programming throughout the year, there is a particular emphasis on recognizing HHM, which ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ celebrates from Sept. 15 through Oct. 24. Some events this year were the HHM Kick-Off Festival, Noche Latina and CafĆ© con Leche with Friends.

Though HHM has been recognized in the US since 1988, it was not celebrated at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ until the early 2000s, in the early days of El Centro. According to MuƱoz, the HHM Kick-Off, a vibrant start to the month with foods and music from various Hispanic cultures, and the Perspectivas panel, a deliberate dialogue on Latinx identity in collaboration with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, are two of the longest-running events.

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵā€™s celebration of HHM will conclude on Friday with the ninth annual Gala Latina, an event featuring Hispanic food, music, and a celebration of Latinx achievement. On the origin of Gala Latina, MuƱoz said she wanted to create a space to ā€œcelebrate not just the people who identify as Latinx-Hispanic but also ā€¦ those folks that research, that uplift, that celebrate the identity as well.ā€

Each year awards are given at the gala celebrating the academic excellence, leadership, service, and art of students, as well as staff who promote the visibility of and support the Latinx community.

ā€œOne of the nice aspects about Gala Latina is that yes, it centers the Latinx-Hispanic identity and culture, but itā€™s open to anybody,” saidĢżMuƱoz. “All of our programs are open to anybody who wants to attend and anybody who wants to learn about these identities.ā€

In terms of expanding HHM programming, MuƱoz said, ā€œI always believe that itā€™s not about quantity. Itā€™s about going deeper into the programs that we have.ā€ She emphasized the importance of ensuring that each program, even if it is a ā€œfun cultural celebration,ā€ is educational.

ā€œItā€™s the one community that keeps on growing,ā€ MuƱoz said of the Latinx community at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, which at 7.2% of the undergraduate population is the largest minority group at the school. ā€œAs they continue to grow, they continue to bring a different type of diversity that we all need to learn about. I learn from students all the time. I think thatā€™s the beauty of any identity.ā€

Gala Latina will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 on the second floor of LaRose Commons. Attire is semi-formal.

Related Articles

• Hispanic Heritage Month: Vanessa Bravo communicates connection and belonging
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Lilliana Molina ā€™27 extends her hand for mentorship

ā€œIā€™ve made my own family here at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ.ā€

As president of ĀŅĀ׏Óʵā€™s Latinx Hispanic Union (LHU), Edward Hernandez ā€™27 can easily describe the purpose heā€™s discovered in fostering community across campus and in the surrounding communities where he was raised.

ā€œWhether itā€™s my LHU family, my El Centro team, or my Odyssey cohort, those connections feel like home,ā€ said the double major in marketing and business analytics from Burlington, N.C. Theyā€™re also the foundation of a legacy he hopes to leave for future Hispanic and Latinx students.

Roots of Legacy

Hernandezā€™s legacy begins with the blending of two identities. As the son of a Mexican mother and Salvadoran father, he grew up surrounded by traditions that emphasized the value of family and community.

His most cherished memories are Christmas Eve gatherings with more than 60 relatives, opening presents at midnight and celebrating until morning.

ā€œEvery year, weā€™d drive down to Florida to see my grandparents. Christmas Eve was always the biggest gathering,ā€ Hernandez said. ā€œThose are some of my favorite memories, just being surrounded by family and celebrating together.ā€

These traditions shaped Hernandezā€™s understanding of belonging, a value he now carries with him through his college experience.

Cultivating Community at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ

Hernandez was first introduced to ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ through the ā€œIt Takes a Villageā€ Project, but it was ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Academy, the universityā€™s college access and success program for academically promising high school students from families with little or no history of college, that truly showed him college was within reach.

ā€œĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Academy was the biggest help for me,ā€ he said, ā€œIt showed me what college could be and [that it] was attainable.ā€

After choosing to attend ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, the recipient of the Douglas and Edna Truitt Noiles ā€™44 Scholarship in the Odyssey Program found spaces like El Centro and LHU to celebrate his heritage. He progressed from visitor to student coordinator at El Centro, helping to host programs such as Perspectivas, where the Hispanic and Latinx community shared their experiences.

ā€œLast year, my department hosted a panel on machismo,ā€ he said. ā€œIt was powerful to hear how different people grew up with those cultural norms and how our generation is pushing to move away from them.ā€

His involvement with LHU grew just as quickly. By the spring of his first year, he was on the executive board, later serving as treasurer, vice president, and now president.

Inspiring the next generation

Mentorship has become one of the most meaningful ways Hernandez carries his values forward. Hernandez is both a College Access Success Team (CAT) mentor and summer mentor with ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Academy, where he offers the same encouragement he once received as a scholar.

ā€œThe mentors I had there made such a difference in my life, and thatā€™s why I now give back as a CAT mentor and summer mentor because the program gave me so much,ā€ he said.

He also volunteers weekly with the Dream Center in Burlington, supporting primarily Hispanic and Latinx students through its SPIN program, which provides academic assistance, mentorship and community engagement.

ā€œWe act as mentors, but also as older siblings, playing games and helping out,ā€ Hernandez said.

Together, these experiences reflect the core of his impact: inspiring younger students to lead, give back and see themselves as part of a thriving community.

Shaping the future

Hernandez sees his legacy not in recognition but in impact, a truth underscored when students he mentored through ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Academy enrolled at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ.

ā€œIt was really a full circle moment. The scholars that I mentored during the summer going into my sophomore year are now here at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ,ā€ he said. ā€œSeeing them join and even ask me about LHU or El Centro shows me that my work is making a difference.ā€

Looking ahead, Hernandez hopes to carry his values of family and community into a career in marketing and business analytics, advocating for more inclusive practices and challenging stereotypes.

ā€œA lot of the time, marketing uses very harsh stereotypes of people,ā€ Hernandez said. ā€œI think there can definitely be changes. Whenever people market or design campaigns, the voices of different cultures need to be in the room so communities arenā€™t stereotyped.ā€

More than a story

In the end, Hernandezā€™s vision of legacy is simple: giving back, community and family ā€” both the one he was born into and the one he created at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ. His story also reflects this yearā€™s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, ā€œMĆ”s Que Una Historia: Living Our Legacy,ā€ as he honors the traditions that shaped him while inspiring future generations.

ā€œIt really feels good to see that I am making a difference,ā€ he said. ā€œMy hope is that the students Iā€™ve helped will do even more than I did at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ and continue to make a difference here.ā€

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ honors Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ is sharing stories that celebrate the contributions, identities and experiences of students, faculty and staff. This month recognizes the rich histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities, while also honoring the ways these traditions connect with and inspire people of all backgrounds. This month provides a special opportunity to honor Hispanic and Latinx heritage, but it also serves as an invitation for all members of the university to engage, learn and celebrate together.

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: August
• The Month in Photos: July
• The Month in Photos: June

The fall 2025 semester is in full swing at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ with events across campus, including celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month and Family Weekend.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Marking history

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ unveiled a new historical marker Under the Oaks, next to Schar Hall, asĢża symbol of the continued connection and relationship between ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ and the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation Tribe.

Getting organized

Students came together on Sept. 17, 2025 for the Fall Organization Fair, a time for the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community to showcase different clubs and organizations across campus.

A Common Reading conversation

Award-winning author Alejandra Campoverdi turned the 2025-26 Common Reading Lecture into a conversation, taking questions from ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ students about her life of ā€œextreme contradictions” detailed in her memoir “First-Gen.”

Acorn Academy

Acorn Academy at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ officially celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting on Sept.18, 2025. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August with full enrollment of children from infancy to 2 years old whose parents are members of the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community, with plans to expand capacity and age groups in early 2026.

Hispanic Heritage Month

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a festival on Sept. 19, 2025.

Lessons from Ledecky

Fourteen-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky delivered the 2025 Fall Convocation address in Schar Center on Sept. 26, 2025. Before the event, Ledecky met with ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ student-athletes to answer their questions about her career and training.

Phoenix Families

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ hosted Family Weekend from Sept. 26-28 with a variety of events including Fall Convocation ²¹²Ō»åĢża home football gameĢżagainst Hampton University.

Related Articles

• ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ honors Hispanic Heritage Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Vanessa Bravo communicates connection and belonging

Like many ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ students, Lilliana Molina ā€™27 is incredibly involved on campus. She teaches Spanish conversation classes in El Centro, works in the Gear Room in the School of Communications, reports for ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ News Network and mentors students in the Odyssey Program.

This summer, Molina added another accomplishment: she spent three weeks in Costa Rica investigating illegal hammerhead shark fishing as part of the 2025 Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowship.

While reporting was the highlight, the experience also gave Molina the chance to reconnect with what she calls her ā€œsecond home.ā€ Growing up, she often spent summers in Costa Rica with her grandparents. Returning there to work on a story close to her heart made the fellowship especially meaningful.

ā€œI came up with my pitch during my first-year,ā€ Molina explained.

She spent six months prepping for the story, including three months before knowing she received the fellowship.

ā€œI came up with my pitch my first year,ā€ Molina said. She spent six months preparing, including three months before she officially learned she had received the fellowship.

Her assignment took her far out of her comfort zone as Molina spent three days on the ocean, which challenged her as a self-described ā€œindoorsyā€ person.

ā€œIf I can do that, I can pass this quiz. I can do anything,ā€ she remembered thinking while on the boat. The experience, she said, gave her confidence and perseverance that no classroom lesson could have matched.

Mentorship Matters

After returning from Costa Rica, Molina jumped back into campus life during Odyssey Week. As a scholar in the Odyssey Program, through the Edward W. and Joan K. Doherty Odyssey Scholarship, she served as a mentor for incoming students, helping them prepare for their first year at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ.

ā€œI wouldnā€™t be here without it, so I want to pay it forward,ā€ she said. ā€œItā€™s my way of saying thank you and dedicating two weeks of my summer.ā€

Mentorship, Molina said, is an essential part of her ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ journey. The university fosters a relationship-rich environment where peer and faculty mentorship are equally valued.

ā€œThereā€™s no point in doing what I doā€”getting the Pulitzer fellowship, writing these articles, all of these accomplishmentsā€”if I canā€™t turn around and extend my hand to the next person, bring them up and give them advice,ā€ Molina said.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

When choosing ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, one of Molinaā€™s biggest deciding factors was El Centro, the universityā€™s center for Latinx and Hispanic communities.

ā€œI go there as much as I can, and I just love being in that space,ā€ she said. While she often teaches Spanish there, El Centro also provides community and connection.

El Centro plays a key role in organizing events during Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing diverse Hispanic identities throughout September and October. From the kickoff celebration on Medallion Plaza with music, dance and food, to the closing Gala Latina, the month highlights culture and community.

For Molina, the celebration is about more than eventsā€”itā€™s about honoring identity.

ā€œItā€™s about being proud of our identity and showcasing that identity,ā€ she said. ā€œTo have that recognition for many of our students whose parents are immigrants and have given so much for them to be hereā€”that is important.ā€

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ honors Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ is sharing stories that celebrate the contributions, identities and experiences of students, faculty and staff. This month recognizes the rich histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities, while also honoring the ways these traditions connect with and inspire people of all backgrounds. This month provides a special opportunity to honor Hispanic and Latinx heritage, but it also serves as an invitation for all members of the university to engage, learn and celebrate together.

President Ronald Reagan signed the law changing Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month on August 17, 1988. Americans now observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.15th to Oct. 15th. Many Latin American nations including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua share their independence anniversaries on Sept. 15, making it the perfect start for Hispanic Heritage Month. Mexico and Chile also share their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

This anticipated celebration, not only shines a spotlight on the richness, history and triumphs of the Latinx/Hispanic community, also allows the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Community to acknowledge the struggles and individualized stories of the community.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 events at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ

Paletas En El Patio

Monday, Sept. 15 | Outside of Mosely Kitchen | 4:30 p.m.

Come learn more about the Latinx-Hispanic Union, and their signature event, La Habana, while enjoying yummy paletas.

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Display

Sept. 15th – October 5th, 2025 | Belk LibraryĢż

Come check out books written by Latinx/Hispanic authors, as well as audiobooks on the Libby app.

ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Common Reading Lecture with Alejandra Campoverdi

Thursday, Sept. 18 | Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center | 7 p.m.

Alejandra Campoverdi is a nationally recognized advocate for educational opportunity and womenā€™s health, a bestselling author, founder and former White House aide to President Barack Obama. Her book, ā€œFIRST GENā€ won the Dolores Huerta Award from the International Latino Book Awards, which also named Campoverdi its 2024 Rising Star in Nonfiction. In 2024, Campoverdi founded the First Gen Fund, a nonprofit that provides hardship grants to first-gen students. She produced the groundbreaking PBS health documentary ā€œInheritanceā€ and founded the LATINOS & BRCA awareness initiative in partnership with Penn Medicineā€™s Basser Center for BRCA. Previously, Campoverdi served in the Obama White House as deputy director of Hispanic media.

are $15 or free with an ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ ID.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Festival

Friday, Sept.19 | Medallion Plaza, Lakeside area | 5:30 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

This celebration highlights the diverse cultural traditions, achievements and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their vital role in shaping American society. We will have food, vendors and performances!

La Habana

Friday, Sept. 19 | Taphouse | 10 p.m. ā€“ 2 a.m.

The Latinx-Hispanic Union is throwing their semesterly dance party with great Latinx music and free food!

Noche Latina

Tuesday, Sept. 30 | ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Soccer Field | 7 p.m.

An afternoon of fun, music and soccer as we cheer on ĀŅĀ׏Óʵā€™s Soccer Team. Announcements are made in both English and Spanish.

Cafe con Leche with Friends

Thursday, Oct. 2nd | Irazu Coffee Shop | 5:30 – 7 p.m.Ģż

A night of karaoke with LHU, First Gen and El Centro! There will be food and lots of music!

Graduate Ice Cream Social

Thursday, Oct. 2nd | Legends Ice Cream & Churros (4925 W Market St STE 1100, Greensboro)| 6 – 8 p.m.Ģż

Have fun for a night of ice cream and socializing with other Latinx/Hispanic graduate students.

Vamos a La Cocina

Wednesday, Oct. 8 | El Centro Kitchen | 3:30 p.m.

This is El CEntroā€™s hands-on cooking series designed to celebrate and share the rich culinary heritage of LatinX/Hispanics cultures. Each session focuses on creating traditional dishes while fostering community and cultural appreciation. RSVPs are required to attend.

Perspectivas: Deliberative Dialogue

Thursday, Oct. 9 | El Centro (Carlton 114)| 6 – 7 p.m.

An educational program focusing on student perspectives and deliberative dialogue, in collaboration with Kernodle Center.

Late Night Cafe con Leche with ELHAN

Friday, Oct. 10 | El Centro (Carlton 114)| 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

ELHAN is hosting a late night cafe con leche for an opportunity to network with other Latinx/Hispanic community members.

Gala Latina

Friday, Oct. 24th | LaRose Commons | 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.Ģż

This culminating event of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates student success while highlighting the contributions and achievements of the Latinx/Hispanic community at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ. Open to all students, faculty and staff, it serves as a space for empowerment, recognition and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

Events such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the resilience of students from many backgrounds and experiences.

ā€œThese students faced additional layers of complexity throughout their time at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, and they exemplify resilience, commitment and conviction,ā€ said Professor Vanessa Bravo, assistant dean in the School of Communications. ā€œGraduating from college is a wonderful accomplishment in itself, and the School of Communications is immensely proud of these individuals ā€“Ģżand all of our graduating seniors.ā€

First-Generation Stole Ceremony
May 21, McKinnon Hall

Honoring the accomplishments of first-generation college students, this event celebrated those who were the first in their families to earn a college degree. School of Communications honorees:

• Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
• Chase Augustus, Sport Management
• Jenivee Bevan, Cinema & Television Arts
• Alexis Cooper, Journalism
• Laker Figueroa, Sport Management
• Hailey Gardiner, Cinema & Television Arts
• Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
• Manny Peralta, Sport Management
• JosĆ© Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications
• Mackenzie Smith, Cinema & Television Arts
• Givanna Solis, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jessica Walker, Strategic Communications

Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
May 22, Lakeside

This bilingual event is an annual tradition to honor the achievements and contributions of all graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who identify with Latinx/Hispanic identities and cultures. School of Communications honorees:

• Leslie Aviles Mendoza, Strategic Communications
• Cristy MarinĆ©, Cinema & Television Arts
• JosĆ© Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications

Donning of the Kente
May 22, Alumni Gym

The university’s Donning of the Kente ceremony is a celebration that honors students of African descent and acknowledges their academic achievements, cultural heritage, and personal journeys. During the ceremony, graduates are presented with a Kente stole ā€“ a colorful, handwoven cloth ā€“ which they wear as part of their graduation regalia. School of Communications honorees:

• Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
• Aniya Arnold, Cinema & Television Arts
• Chase Augustus, Sport Management
• Alexis Cooper, Journalism
• Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
• Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
• Madison Muir, Cinema & Television Arts
• Sebastian Schroeter, Sport Management
• Taylor Scott, Strategic Communications

Lavender Graduation
May 14, Alumni Gym

The universityā€™s Lavender Graduation honors and celebrates the achievements of graduating LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The ceremony provides a space for reflection, recognition and community, acknowledging the unique experiences and contributions of these students during their time on campus. Among the 23 participants were the following School of Communications majors:

• Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications

ā€œThis stole around my shoulders bears the journey of my family, my mentors, my friends and my ancestors,ā€ she wrote, switching seamlessly between English and Spanish. Her message was a love letter: to her Mexican parents who journeyed across borders for opportunity; to her sisters cheering her on from afar; and to the mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself.

ā€œEste momento es nuestro.ā€

ā€œThis moment is ours.ā€

That spirit of gratitude, pride and belonging was palpable throughout the 2025 ā€œĀ”Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flightā€ celebration held May 22 in the Lakeside Meeting Rooms. Led by El Centro and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, with the support of the Office of Alumni Engagement, the annual bilingual program honors Latinx and Hispanic graduating students while celebrating the diverse stories that define the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ experience.

The ceremony marked more than a milestone. It was a moment of recognition for the work, love and legacy each graduate carried on their shoulders.

ā€œIā€™m here because of your faith in me,ā€ Rachel Lopez wrote in her reflection. She spoke of the sacrifices made by her parents, originally from El Salvador, including her father holding two jobs and her mother driving her around to every after-school activity when she was younger. Ģżā€œIā€™m here as a proud daughter of immigrants, with your love in my heart and your example guiding every step I take.ā€

In their reflections, many students spoke of navigating challenges as first-generation college students, honoring their parentsā€™ labor and resilience, and finding chosen family at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ through mentors and peer connections.

ā€œYou have made ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ a more vibrant, loving and powerful space, and we are forever changed by your presence.ā€ ā€” Sylvia MuƱoz, director of the CREDE

Jose Alex Reyes Arias, who participated in ĀŅĀ׏Óʵā€™s ā€œIt Takes a Villageā€ Project since childhood, reflected on the power of community. ā€œBefore I ever stepped foot on ĀŅĀ׏Óʵā€™s campus as a student, I was already surrounded by the love, support and encouragement of the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community,ā€ he wrote. ā€œWhen I officially became an ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ student, my village only grew stronger. Throughout my time here, Iā€™ve had mentors who poured into me not just academically, but personally.ā€

Cristy MarinĆ© ā€™25 delivered a heartfelt charge to the students, sharing how she once hesitated to bring her full identity into the classroom. ā€œI questioned whether my voice belonged ā€¦ whether people would understand me when I switched languages mid-sentence.ā€ Over time, she added, she stopped asking for permission to be proud of her roots.

ā€œI let my culture be loud,ā€ MarinĆ© said.Ģżā€œI stopped translating parts of myself to make others comfortable, and I let my story take up space.ā€

She likened her college journey to her Venezuelan motherā€™s arepas. While they are made with simple ingredients, itā€™s the filling that makes all the difference. Likewise, the richness of our identities is not complete without what we carry inside.

ā€œWhatever your life looks like after graduation, fill it with what matters. Speak your language, hold your traditions close and know that youā€™re allowed to shape the spaces you walk into,ā€ MarinĆ© said. ā€œIf thereā€™s one thing Iā€™ve learned from my momā€™s arepas, itā€™s that you donā€™t need much to make something meaningful, but you do need love and intention.ā€

In her remarks, President Connie Ledoux Book reminded graduates that the stole they received was designed by a former Latinx ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ student and serves as a symbol of both continuity and community. Beyond a diploma, she said, they leave ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ with the lifelong bonds they have formed with each other and mentors who shaped them along the way. ā€œYour time at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ helped you build relationships that will impact the rest of your life,ā€ she said. ā€œThis ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community is yours for the rest of your life, and I hope that you lean into it.ā€

The monarch butterfly, woven into the stoleā€™s design, represents migration, transformation and persistence. As Assistant Director of the CREDE MJ Larrazabal ChacĆ³n Gā€™21 explained, the butterfly was chosen by students as a metaphor for the journeys many in the Latinx community navigate. ā€œĀŅĀ׏Óʵ has become one of our stops to recharge,ā€ she said, ā€œas we think about our next destination.ā€

Like the butterfly, students carry their heritage wherever they go. As the ceremony closed, Assistant Dean of Students and CREDE Director Sylvia MuƱoz reminded students that their presence, rooted in heritage, courage and grace, is a powerful force that can make a difference in the world.

ā€œYou have the power to challenge injustice, to lead with compassion and to light the way for those who come after you,ā€ she said. ā€œYou have made ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ a more vibrant, loving and powerful space, and we are forever changed by your presence.ā€

is motivated by a desire to uncover the truth.

Since 2022, the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ alumna has served as an immigration reporter and fact-checker for , an online fact-checking platform operated by the . The journalism and strategic communications double major explained that she finds great satisfaction in thoroughly researching topics, noting that ā€“ unlike many other journalism roles ā€“ fact-checkers can explore subjects in great detail.

ā€œI really enjoy how deeply I can research a topic,ā€ said Ramirez Uribe, a few hours before headlining the universityā€™s about the upcoming presidential election. ā€œI feel privileged to be able to spend the time to talk to the experts, to really dive in and understand an issue, and to truly look into the data. It is something that most journalists don’t have the time and the capacity to do ā€“ to fully investigate a topic and learn about it.

ā€œSo, I feel an immense level of responsibility, but also a lot of privilege to get to do it.ā€

With Election Day just two weeks way, Ramirez Uribeā€™s campus visit corresponded with a crucial time in American politics. While her focus is immigration, her responsibilities stretch across the landscape of political misinformation, whether debunking viral social media claims or fact-checking statements from high-profile politicians. Working in both English and Spanish, she has also joined PolitiFactā€™s TikTok team, using creative content to explain complex political subjects to younger audiences.

In recent weeks, Ramirez Uribe has investigated claims that former President Donald Trump paid for Nelson Mandelaā€™s travel to the U.S. in 1990, as well as Vice President Kamala Harrisā€™ statements that the Biden-Harris administration cut the amount of fentanyl flowing into the country in half. Both claims were rated ā€œFalseā€ on PolitiFactā€™s popular Truth-O-Meter scale.

Ramirez Uribeā€™s work involves more than just verifying facts. She dives into the data, consults experts, and transforms legal jargon into stories that resonate with readers. Her days are varied. She has interviewed public health experts about communicable diseases in Springfield, Ohio, and spoken with economists and subject matter experts on Medicare and Social Security. The topic of immigration intersects with many other subjects in the national conversation.

Plus, there is an additional wrinkle to fact-checking. Ramirez Uribe explained that fact-checking politicians can be quite different from general journalism because it requires taking a stronger stance.

ā€œOne of the biggest shifts for me was it’s a different type of writing, and it’s a different type of thinking about and presenting information,ā€ she said. ā€œIt’s not general storytelling. It’s not writing the way that journalists write or that we’re taught to write. You have to be a lot more authoritative because you’re telling somebody they’re wrong.ā€

She also highlighted the difficulty of fact-checking misinformation when thereā€™s limited or no available data, citing her experience investigating claims about fentanyl seizures in the U.S.

ā€œIt’s hard to fact-check something we don’t know, and when thereā€™s no data about it,ā€ she said.

Ramirez Uribe expressed great appreciation for the journalists she cites in her work, often referencing stories several decades old. Without their journalistic efforts, she wouldnā€™t be able to do her current job.

This underscores the enduring value of journalism.

ā€œAs I begin researching, inevitably more questions begin to pop up and I try to answer them as well,ā€ she said. ā€œSo, Iā€™m reliant on what was reported previously and the work of previous reporters ā€¦ and it just proves the importance of journalism as a historic record.ā€

Assistant Professor Israel Balderas, who teaches Media Law and Ethics and participated in the Alumni Voices discussion with Ramirez Uribe, noted that the impact of her work at PolitiFact extends far beyond just correcting a false statement. No, there is more ā€“ significantly more ā€“Ģżat stake, he explained.

ā€œMaria represents the next generation of journalists who understand that fact-checking isnā€™t just about correcting the record ā€“ itā€™s about protecting democracy itself,ā€ he said. ā€œHer work, particularly her coverage of immigration issues, demonstrates how firsthand experience, combined with rigorous fact-checking, helps combat the spread of harmful misinformation that affects real communities and influences electoral outcomes.ā€

Ironically, Ramirez Uribe shared that she was not initially drawn to journalism. In fact, she resisted the idea when she enrolled at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ. At that time, she was more interested in strategic communications. But her first-year Communications in a Global Age class, taught by Rich Landesberg, adjunct associate professor emeritx of journalism, changed her path.

“I did not want to be a journalist. I pushed back a lot. But Rich is the reason I’m in journalism,ā€ she said.

The journalism professor immediately recognized Ramirez Uribe ‘s intelligence, focus and commitment to improving the world. As a result, he guided her toward the newsroom where she could use her many strengths.

ā€œWhat a joy it was to have Maria in my classes,ā€ Landesberg said. ā€œShe was challenging in the way we hope all of our students will be. Most importantly, she has a strong desire to make the world a better place by seeking and reporting the truth. One of her strongest skills is the one thing you canā€™t teach: passion for journalism.ā€

For Ramirez Uribe, the topic of immigration is deeply personal. She was born in Venezuela and relocated with her family to the Washington, D.C., area at the age of 12. That personal experience fuels her. Likewise, she credited her academic background and the community she built at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, especially her time at El Centro, for shaping her as a person and as a journalist.

ā€œĀŅĀ׏Óʵ is, without a doubt, the reason I am where I am today,ā€ she said.

Tavo Alcoser, Jr., lead singer for Jarabe Mexicano, said the bandā€™s overall mission is “encouraging inclusion and community engagement through the arts.ā€

The band was formed in 2015 by Alcoser and Kevin Lomes, who plays the vihuela. Over the last nine years, Jarabe Mexicano has gained members and watched members move on. Now, Jarabe Mexicano has five faces: Alcoser, Lomes, Danny Brito (percussionist), Eduardo Valencia (guitarron) and Estaban Smith (guitarist).

ā€œWe value respect and communication in this band, which is essential for conflict resolution,” said Alcoser on whether the band has encountered challenges with each other over the years. ā€œWeā€™ve learned to treat each other like family because thatā€™s what you are when youā€™re on the road.”

Being on tour and busy can take its toll at times. Nonetheless, Jarabe Mexicano has had its fair share of funny and memorable moments. Alcoser reminisced about a time when he had to make a pitstop to buy new shoes because he ripped the soles off his old ones from dancing during a show. This enthusiasm earned him the nickname ā€œEl Trompo,” or “the spinning top,” to his bandmates.

Unbeknownst to them, Jarabe Mexicano wasnā€™t only letting loose and having fun with their audience but encouraging them and motivating them as well. In one instance, a woman confided in the band, telling them she had cancer and was scared of what the future would bring. She told them that their music, specifically their bilingual rendition of Bob Marleyā€™s ā€œGet Up, Stand Up (Semillas),ā€ deeply empowered her to face her illness and fight for her life.

ā€œWe were shocked, honored and deeply moved by this encounter as we realized the effect that our performances could have on people, even as we felt like small fish in a huge sea,” Alcoser said.

That woman eventually beat cancer and has since stayed in remission: ā€œThe power of music is truly amazing,” said Alcoser.

Hispanic Heritage Month may mean different things to different people. Maybe a student hasnā€™t had the opportunity to hear music derived from such a rich culture or there are faculty members who would benefit from shaking off stress with the joy that music brings. There may even be individuals who were born in Hispanic countries who would feel a little more at home with the music.

ā€œI’m optimistic that we can keep honoring our histories, our cultures and our traditions while also embracing change and creating a future that benefits and enriches us all,” Alcoser said.

What better way to spread awareness and knowledge on culture and heritage than through celebration and music? In such a politically diverse world, it’s important to find little things that may unite the masses.

ā€œItā€™s a difficult task, but one thatā€™s worth fighting for,” said Alcosar.

When asked if he had any advice to impart on college students pursuing aspirations and dreams, Alcoser stated that ā€œdreams are extremely important but are only as useful as the effort youā€™re willing to invest into them. As you move forward in life, remember to always follow your gut instinct when it calls out to you and to never, ever lose faith in yourself.ā€

With their show ā€œFiesta En Familia: Home Is Where The Heart Is,ā€ Jarabe Mexicano hopes that the people who attend their performances can feel like a part of the bandā€™s extended family. They hope that regardless of background, the audience can spot a bit of themselves in the culture and music.

ā€œDespite our differences, we ultimately belong to one human family,” he said.

Ģż or FREE with your ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ ID.

Enacted into law on August 17, 1988, President Ronald Reagan changed Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month. Americans now observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.15th to Oct. 15th. Sept.15th holds special importance as it marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile commemorate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

This annual celebration highlights the diversity, history, and achievements of the Latinx/Hispanic community. It allows the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Community to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of Latinx and Hispanic individuals.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 events at ĀŅĀ׏ÓʵĢż

Professor Tita Ramirez Presents: Faculty Fiction Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 10 | McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 7 p.m.Ģż

Celebrate the arrival of Tita Ramirezā€™s debut novel, Tell It To Me Singing, an inventive work of fiction filled with passion, love and questions of identity. Tita Ramirez, a professor of English at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, grew up in Miami; her novel focuses on a Cuban American family in Miami whose personal and cultural obsessions are dizzyingly alive.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Festival
Friday, Sept. 13 | Alumni Gym | 5 p.m. ā€“ 6:30 p.m.
Have some fun at the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the independence of many countries! There will be live performances, music, food, vendors, and more.

Paletas En El Patio
Monday, Sept. 16 | Lakeside Patio | 4 ā€“ 5 p.m.
Come learn more about the Latinx-Hispanic Union, and our signature event, La Habana, while enjoying yummy paletas.

College Coffee (Hispanic Heritage Month themed)
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | Phi Beta Kappa Commons | 9:40 ā€“ 10:20 a.m.
Join us for a special Hispanic Heritage Month-themed college coffee and enjoy some popular Hispanic breakfast items.

Latinx Hispanic Unionā€™s (LHU) Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | Outside Mooney | 5 ā€“ 6 p.m.
Come celebrate the creation of LHU with cake and piƱatas.

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Display
Sept. 17 ā€“ Oct. 4 | Belk Library
Come check out books written by Latinx/Hispanic authors, as well as audiobooks on the Libby app.

Jarabe Mexicano
Wednesday, Sept. 18 | McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand ofĢżā€œBordenĢƒo-Soul,ā€ which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform, ranging from Mexican folk, rock & roll, nortenĢƒo/tex-mex, Latin rock, trio ramaĢntico and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and nortenĢƒo-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past. Admission: $15 or ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ ID. Tickets are available here.

La Habana
Friday, Sept. 20 | Taphouse | 10 p.m. ā€“ 2 a.m.
The Latinx-Hispanic Union is throwing their semesterly dance party with great Latinx music and free food!

Perspectivas: Deliberative Dialouge
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | McKinnon F | 6 ā€“ 7:30 p.m.
An opportunity for Latinx/Hispanic students to have a deliberative dialogue on the topic of Machismo.

Latinx/Hispanic Employee Resource Group Event
Thursday, Sept. 26| Irazu | 4:15 ā€“ 5 p.m.
Join us for free coffee and pastries from a local bakery while networking with other faculty and staff on campus.

Latinx/Hispanic Graduate/Professional Student Ice Cream Social
Thursday, Sept. 26 | Legends Ice Cream and Churros (4925 W Market St STE 1100, Greensboro) | 6 p.m. ā€“ 8 p.m.
Come mingle with fellow Hispanic/Latinx graduate and professional students while savoring FREE ice cream and churros from the top spot in North Carolina!

Making the Invisible Visible: German/Jewish Migration
Tuesday, Oct. 1 | LaRose Student Commons 200 | 2:30 ā€“ 3:30 p.m.
This lecture will analyze different emigration routes and entry points to Latin America from Nazi Germany and how people adapted to life on a new continent whilst examining the different contexts of urban centers such as Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay) and SĆ£o Paulo (Brazil). This lecture will also raise questions about the long-term consequences of flight and forced migration.

Latinx/Hispanic Identity Panel
Tuesday, Oct. 1 | Mckinnon F | 5:30 ā€“ 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the complexity and intersectionality of Latinx/Hispanic identities. There will be a panel formed by ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ students, faculty and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic.

HHM Themed Bingo: Loteria!
Thursday, Oct. 3 | Mckinnon | 10:00 p.m. ā€“ 12:00 a.m.
Enjoy the night playing a traditional Mexican game, Loteria! You have the chance to win some amazing prizes.

CafƩ con Leche
Monday, Oct. 7 | El Centro (Carlton 114) | 5:30 ā€“ 7 p.m.
This forum is a space for all students, with a focus on Latinx/Hispanic students and community. Itā€™s an opportunityĢżto learn from each other and help create a support system at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ.

La Pulga
Tuesday, Oct. 15 | Medallion Plaza | 4 ā€“ 6 p.m.
Enjoy the Latinx/Hispanic version of a Flea Market! We will have different student organizations, departments and vendors.

Gala Latina
Friday, Oct. 18 | LaRose Commons | 6 ā€“ 9 p.m.
A celebration of Latinx/Hispanic student success. This event is dedicated to the empowerment of students, faculty, and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic.