Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican and Mexican-American tradition celebrating and remembering family members who have died.
MSU Denver
Events Hosted by Chicana/o Studies
The Department of Chicana/o Studies hosts or supports a number of events on and off campus. Most events are open to all faculty, staff, and students from all three institutions on campus.
IGNITE Immigration Forum - Jan 27th 2022 from 5pm-6pm in JSSB room 440T, or virtually
Presented by IGNITE student organization at MSU Denver. The leadership will be hosting an Immigration forum on January 27, 2021, from 5-6pm in the JSSB on the 4th floor room 440T. We hope to have a discussion with students on campus about Immigration reform and share materials and resources with our fellow classmates pertaining to Immigration rights.
Richard T. Castro Professorship
The Richard T. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professorship is Chicana/o Studies’ signature event each year in September or October. It was initiated in 1997 to foster multiculturalism, diversity and academic excellence at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The professorship brings renowned Latina and Latino scholars, artists and leaders of distinction to MSU Denver to conduct classes, seminars, performances and lectures for students, faculty and the larger Denver community.
Background
Richard T. Castro (1946-1991), educational and civil rights activist, was one of Colorado’s true champions of disenfranchised communities. From a young street social worker in the early 1970s to executive director of Denver’s civil rights agency, Castro was known as a fighter for human justice and dignity. At 25, Castro became one of the youngest lawmakers ever elected to the House of Representatives, a post he held for five terms. Castro led many struggles for social justice, including opposition to English-only legislation. He was a leading spokesperson in the debate on Mexican immigration. A bust commemorating Castro, sculpted by noted Denver artist Emanuel Martinez, sits in the rotunda of the state capitol.
The Professorship
Each year, the Professorship involves a number of activities, from keynote speeches, to panel discussion, to exhibitions and musical performances, depending on the expertise of our visiting scholar.
Events Hosted by MSU Denver
Annual and Biannual Events
Latinx Graduation Ceremony
MSU Denver’s Latinx Graduation Ceremony is an annual tradition to honor Latina/o/s students graduating with their degrees.
Latinx Leadership Summit
Celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez through this leadership conference, focusing on social justice and activism.
Periodic Events
Lalo Delgado Poetry Festival
A celebration of Colorado native social justice poet, Lalo Delgado, also known as the National Grandfather of Chicano Poetry. Occurs annually during the Spring semester.
Latinx Welcome
A welcome event for Latinx students, program includes an official welcome, a blessing by Aztec dancers, food and music. Occurs annually during the month of September.