In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, UTM is hosting events highlighting and celebrating Hispanic culture.
There will be a Hispanic reception featuring a live salsa band on Oct. 5 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the UC Welcome Center.
Prior to the performance, big band dance lessons will be offered to attendees starting at 4:30 p.m.
At the reception, information will be given about the Coleman Opportunity Scholarship, which recognizes the importance of diversity within the student body. For families or students in need of assistance, Spanish translators will be present throughout the reception.
After the reception, there will be “Salsa in the Quad” – free food and live salsa music provided by The Lalo and Friends Salsa Band from 5 – 8 p.m.
Lead percussionist Lalo Davila, professor of Music and director of Percussion Studies at MTSU, was named one of Nashville’s top five percussionists in the year 1998.
According to HispanicHeritageMonth.gov the purpose of the observed month is for, “celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.”
Hispanic Heritage Month occurs between Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 every year because several historical events happened between these dates.
“The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period,” according to HispanicHeritageMonth.gov. Students of Hispanic descent considering UTM or any form of higher education are encouraged to come.
To register for the reception visit utm.edu/hispanicreception. All of the events are free of cost.
For more information contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020.
