October 4, 2023

SVSU community celebrates Hispanic Heritage 

Saginaw Valley State University students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events and activities. Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15-October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.  

From now through Oct. 26, SVSU’s Multicultural Student Center will partner with other departments, clubs and organizations on campus to host events that celebrate the richness of the Hispanic culture. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” The mission of Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is to promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.   

“At Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community,” said Evangeline Cruz, a communication and Spanish double major from Detroit. “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a part of our efforts to create an environment where all students, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported.”  

Cruz, who is serving as the program coordinator for SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs for second year, said her primary responsibility is to facilitate and coordinate activities that celebrate various cultural heritages. 

“I come from the Mexican community myself,” Cruz said, “so the work that I do here is even more meaningful to me.” 

This year’s celebration encourages students to play games, dance, participate in crafts and more. In addition, a Latinx Alumni Meet & Greet on Wednesday, Oct. 11 will provide students an opportunity to network with SVSU Latinx alumni.  

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.  

For more information on SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, visit https://www.svsu.edu/msa/wecelebrate/ or call (989) 964-7090.