The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has released a schedule of events designed for students, faculty, staff, and the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) for all to enjoy.
Events on campus showcase Hispanic culture and encourage those who may not have visited the campus before now, especially the Hispanic community. All events are free and open to everyone to enjoy and learn.
The UAFS Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee has scheduled six events that will take place beginning Sept. 15 and will conclude on Oct. 12. Outside of the events, students can learn more about Hispanic Hearitage Month through a display at the Boreham Library. Event times and descriptions are as follows:
Friday, Sept. 15
Chisme at the Breezeway will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this event, students will be sharing the ‘chisme’ (gossip) about the events and Hispanic culture. Committee members and students will be in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Breezeway to answer questions and talk about all that is scheduled, from a family game night, salsa dancing, and a panel of first-generation Latino professionals.
Family Game Night starts at 6 p.m. in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynold Room. The entire Fort Smith community is invited to attend the official Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration at UAFS. There will be door prizes, music, food, and games for all ages. Games will be sponsored by the Fort Smith Public Library, Monarch 61 Project, Sebastian County Literacy Council, Fort Kids Children’s Museum, Fort Smith Adult Education Center, Cinthya Galvan from Keller Williams, Ariana Caballero a teacher at Van Buren Freshman Academy, and Karla Almeida-Arias, Community Development Mortgage Lender at Arvest.
Vengan a disfrutar un noche de juegos en familia. Habrá juegos, comida, música, y premios.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
The UAFS Office of Admissions will host its fourth Si Se Puede event at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event will be entirely in Spanish and aims to provide the Hispanic community with helpful information about student needs for a successful transition to UAFS. Si Se Puede strives to provide Spanish-speaking families with information on the UAFS admissions process, enrollment, financial aid, campus resources, student life, and the numerous degree and career paths UAFS provides.
Join the Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee and the UAFS World Language Department for a discussion and screening of the movie “Voces Inocentes” (Innocent Voices). The powerful film chronicles a young boy’s childhood in the 1980s during El Salvador’s Civil War. Head over to the Windgate Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. for the presentation.
Friday, Sept. 29
For the third year in a row, dance the night away to Latin music and enjoy delicious food at Salsa at the Bell Tower. End the school or work day with rhythm, dancing with others from 6-10:30 p.m. Food for the event will be provided by Zapata’s Mexican Grill.
Les invitamos celebrar el Mes de Herencia Hispana con música, baile, y comida. Nos vemos en la torre de la campana.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Stop by the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to listen to, and participate in, meaningful conversations about Hispanic Heritage Month topics. A little more than halfway through the month, share your experience with others over Cafecito con Pan.
Thursday, Oct. 12
Hispanic Heritage Month at UAFS concludes with a panel discussion featuring first generation Latino professionals at the Health Science Weidman Center from 6:30-8 p.m. Area professionals are invited to speak about their educational and career journeys as first-generation Latinos. Hear their inspiring messages as the month-long cultural celebration comes to an end.
