Waubonsee Community College to kick off Latinx Heritage Month Sept. 15
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, Waubonsee Community College is hosting several events for students, alumni, and the community to experience and enjoy Latinx tradition and culture together.
The programming will revolve around family-fun activities and spotlight Latinx leaders who have positively impacted communities and different industries. These in-person events are open to the public and will be held from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
• Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff & Meet our Alumni: Do you identify as Hispanic or Latinx? Did you attend Waubonsee as a student? Come join Latinx alumni and meet the Latinx Heritage Month Committee for an afternoon of amistad y tradiciones "friendship and traditions." Alumni will share stories about how Waubonsee has been fundamental in their academic and professional success. Participants will enjoy a nostalgic afternoon filled with storytelling, networking, traditional Mexican treats, music, and a fun game of Mexican Loteria. This meet-and-greet will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Latinx Resource Center at the Aurora Downtown Campus.
• STEM al Estilo Latinx: Waubonsee Community College and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy have teamed up to discuss the importance of increasing Latinx representation in the emerging fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Join in exploring all the world of science has to offer! This important discussion will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Aurora Downtown Campus. There will also be family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.
• Allilanchu! An Interactive Workshop on Quechua Language and Culture: The Quechua languages are the most widely spoken Indigenous languages of the Americas, with up to 10 million speakers combined. Historically known as the Incan civilization's language, Quechua is spoken in countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia and has a vast influence on the richness of culture and tradition. Carlos Molina-Vita, a professor at the University of Illinois, will teach attendees the main features of this language, including basic greetings and the number system of the Southern Quechua languages. Agriculture, clothing, and music will also be highlighted. This interactive workshop will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the he Aurora Downtown Campus, 18 S. River St.
• Eschucha y Baila Conmigo: Come listen, eat, and dance at noon Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Student Center Café at the Sugar Grove Campus. We will be playing popular Latinx music, which includes Cumbia, Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, and more. Refreshments will be provided.
• Fighting Stigmas: Latinx with Disabilities: Join a panel discussion on understanding and working with Latinx/e communities and disabilities at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Aurora Downtown Campus, 18 S. River St. Members from the college and Fox Valley area communities will share their experiences and provide useful information on how to best support Latinx/e individuals with disabilities.
• Noche de Encanto: Come experience the magic of Disney's "Encanto" at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Aurora Downtown Campus. This free movie screening, in collaboration with Waubonsee's Student Life Department and the Aurora Public Library District, will take you on a journey to Colombia, where you'll learn about la familia Madrigal's extraordinary gifts. Bring your familia and enjoy quiet activities including fun crafts, story time, and snacks during the movie screening. Feel free to get comfy and bring your own blankets and pillows.
• Fiesta y Kermes "Celebration of Latinx Cultures": Immerse yourself in the Latinx culture by experiencing a kermes from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at the Aurora Downtown Campus. The kermes aims to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with a program full of food vendors, community-based organizations, live music, and the engagement of our students and our community. This event is open to the public.
• "¡Siempre Pa'late!": Catch a glimpse of esteemed Latinx leaders across different industries and fields by visiting the poster board displays during a rotating schedule on each of Waubonsee's four campuses from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
As a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2009, Waubonsee is committed to providing resources, support services, and educational experiences to support students' academic and social success. Latinx Resource Manager Franklin Ortega-Palaguachi believes comunidad "community" will be the enabling factor that will launch students forward from success to completion to graduation.
"Todos juntos como comunidad estamos invitados a fortalecer la educación de nuestros jóvenes, a impulsar sus sueños de graduarse de la universidad. La educación es la mejor herencia que puede existir, la educación nadie te la quita, tú te la ganaste," said Ortega-Palaguachi, which translates to, "Together as a community, we are invited to strengthen education for our young people, to promote their dreams of graduating from Waubonsee. Education is the best inheritance that can exist; no one takes education away from you because you earned it."
To learn more about how Waubonsee is celebrating and recognizing Latinx leaders during Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic-Serving Institution Week and to receive event details, visit waubonsee.edu/latinxheritagemonth.