ECC celebrates 25th annual Latino Heritage Month with 'Dia de Familia'

It is never too early or too late to prepare for college. That is the theme of Elgin Community College's "Dia de Familia" event, a family-friendly affair with games, activities and sessions focused on preparing, entering and succeeding in college.

The community event will be one of many in celebration of ECC's Latino Heritage Month 25th anniversary. It will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Building C library, 1700 Spartan Drive.

As part of the celebration, the college will offer workshops and sessions for parents and family members who hope to attend college within the next five years.

"This event embraces the whole family, which is paramount to the Latino culture," said Amybeth Maurer, director of student life and orientation. "It's exciting because every member of the family unit can serve as a partner and advocate for higher education. Our hope is that family members are enthusiastic about the opportunities and possibly can see themselves as an ECC student in the future."

"Dia de Familia" is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. The whole family is invited. Below is a list of activities and sessions planned for the day (subject to change):

9:30 to 10 a.m.: Check-in and registration in library lobby/Building C

10 to 10:15 a.m.: Welcome

10:15 to 11:45 a.m.: Children's activities for prekindergarten to fifth grade, with breakout sessions in library for: middle school students; freshmen to juniors; seniors and college age; and parents session in Spanish.

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Resource Fair, lunch, games and family activities in the outdoor Green Space or inside Events Center if it rains.

The annual kickoff breakfast for Latino Heritage Month is scheduled for Sept. 11. For more information, contact Rodolfo Yanez at (847) 214-7425 or ryanez@elgin.edu.