A poetry reading, one-act play and arts and crafts activities were a few of the many events that St. Thomas students, staff and faculty participated in to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

This year’s new approach to the celebration incorporated a variety of departments such as the modern and classical languages department, the history department, the Office of Diversity and the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library. Associate Dean of Students Patricia Conde-Brooks said the new multi-department effort has helped to increase participation in this month’s festivities.

“I think it just gives the students a variety of choices of different events that they can attend,” Conde-Brooks said. “Maybe you are more interested in a social justice issue that has to do with Hispanics versus a dance or a celebration; so depending on where your scope is and how you want to look at that, it gives us more choices.”

Conde-Brooks said that some of the popular events of the month included the justice and peace studies department’s discussion “A Contradiction of Flowers: Workers’ Rights in the Flower Industry of Colombia,” a dance held by Latino Unidos and the play “Help Wanted” put on by Teatro del Pueblo in the O’Shaughnessy Education Center auditorium.

Sophomore Andrea Rodriguez said she enjoyed the play, which was about two Mexican sisters who immigrated to Minnesota in search of work.

“I thought it was really good. I have a lot of background in this, so my family kind of comes from the same cultural differences and stuff. And I just thought it was interesting how nothing has really changed,” Rodriguez said. “We’re still fighting the same battle.”

T’s also joined in the celebration by serving a special lunch menu and the O’Shaughnessy-Frey library participated by showcasing Hispanic writers throughout the month.

While Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration, it’s also meant to educate students about other cultures, according to Conde-Brooks.

“First of all, it’s a celebration of the largest minority group in the United States – just learning more about it and appreciating differences and educating the students as to what the riches are that the Hispanic culture has, what they brought to this country, what the history of it is – just like any other heritage month,” Conde-Brooks said.

Junior Angel Paucar, an Ecuadorian student, said the celebration gives him an opportunity to share his culture with others.

“I like to explain my own culture, like talk about where I come from, (and) what I like to do,” Paucar said. “Sometimes they think it’s weird; sometimes they think it’s cool, fun. It’s just what I like to share for myself.”

Jessica Gjerde, education program director for Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, said she thinks Hispanic Heritage Month is an important learning opportunity for students.

“It’s important for students here to get a global perspective and understand that there are a vast number of people who come from really rich heritage that has enhanced this country,” Gjerde said. “And I think it enhances the learning, as students particularly, to be mindful of other cultures and to celebrate what makes us different while recognizing what makes us the same.”

Student Diversity and Inclusion Services will also celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year. Conde-Brooks said Diversity Services would also like to acknowledge Pride Month, a celebration of LGBTGIA+ experiences, even though it falls in June.

Theresa Bourke can be reached at bour5445@stthomas.edu.