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Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month, federally designated as Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, is observed from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the rich historical and cultural legacies of individuals whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain, and Mexico. The day of September 15th is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for multiple Latin American countries. During this 30-day period, the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will facilitate programs and events that highlight historical and contemporary contributions of the Latinx community to the fabric of our campus and society.
The term “Latinx” relates to people of Latin American origin or descent and is used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latina/o. That said, terms like “Hispanic” and “Latinx” are based in language that privileges non-indigenous and non-Black identities and center Eurocentric views of history. We strive to be inclusive and welcoming of all identities and for that reason share this critique.
Latinx Heritage Month on the Auraria Campus invites students, staff, and faculty to gain new knowledge and build meaningful connections through storytelling, dialogue, and community. This year’s theme, Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, celebrates the richness of our shared histories while planting seeds for what’s ahead.
This year’s events reflect this spirit:
Our Kickoff Event honors the people, places, and legacies that shape Latinx communities across the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain.
Café con Chisme creaets a cozy space for open conversation over cafecito, pan dulce, and hot chocolate—where trending topics meet cultural storytelling in a modern-day sobremesa.
La Bodega Social brings the neighborhood bodega experience to campus with snacks, games, a live DJ, and the joyful energy of community celebration.
Together, these events honor tradition, spark meaningful dialogue, and celebrate the ways Latinx communities continue to thrive—on campus and beyond.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
The purpose of HSI Week is to recognize 569 HSIs throughout the nation for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanics/Latina/o/x. This year HSI Week, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is September 16 – 20. MSU Denver will participate by hosting several events and sharing stories about our impact on our students and community in the Early Bird and on social media. For more information on HSI Week, please visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s website.
Latinx Heritage Month Events
Latinx Heritage Month & Hispanic Serving Institution Week Kick-Off
Monday, September 15th | 11:00AM – 1:30PM | St. Cajetan’s
Kick off the celebration with the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the HSI Committee as we honor the vibrant spirit of our Latinx students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community!
Drop in anytime and join the party as we celebrate the many cultures, countries, and traditions across the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain. Expect good vibes, rich cultura, and meaningful connection!
Our special guest for the event is none other than Olmeca, a powerful Tepehuane/Chicano artist, activist, and scholar whose music, voice, and message have been featured on BBC London, NPR, Complex, and even TV shows like Sons of Anarchy. He brings truth, rhythm, and inspiration that you won’t want to miss.
And that’s not all! We’ll have local Latinx vendors sharing community resources that uplift and empower.
Come for the cultura, stay for the comunidad. ¡Nos vemos allí!
*No registration link required, open to all Auraria Campus
Café Con Chisme
Wednesday, September 24th | Noon – 2:00PM | Tivoli Multicultural Lounge
Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and let’s spill the tea, literally and figuratively! Café con Chisme is your go-to hangout for cafecito, tea, hot chocolate, and pan dulce, all served with a side of good convo. No topic is off the table, from the latest buzz about Ozempic to “can ChatGPT do my homework?” Come laugh, share, snack, and chismear in a chill space made for connection and comunidad. Whether you’re here for the pan dulce or the piping hot takes, we’ve got you covered.
*No registration link, open to all Auraria Campus
Rowdy En La Plaza
Tuesday, September 30th | 3:00PM – 6:00PM | Jordan Student Success Lawn
Come hang out at Rowdy in La Plaza, a vibrant celebration filled with games, delicious food, and fun for everyone! Step into the heart of Hispanic culture and relive the nostalgia of traditional plazas and ferias with music, laughter, and community spirit.
*No registration link, open to all Auraria Campus
La Bodega Social
Tuesday, October 14th | Noon – 1:30PM | Tivoli Multicultural Lounge
We’re open! La Bodega Social, where the vibes are high and the snacks are never-ending. We’ve got all your go-to bodega favorites: ramen, esquite bar, fruit bar, chips, candy, and more! Basically, if you can dream it, we’ve got it.
But that’s not all, we’re turning up the energy with a live DJ spinning the soundtrack to your snacking and socializing. And don’t miss your chance to shout “¡Lotería!” as we play classic games with fun prizes and lots of laughs.
Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, the games, or just to kick it with the community, La Bodega Social is the place to be. Come vibe with us!
*No registration link, open to all Auraria Campus
Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI)
Questions? Contact CMEI
Learn More About CMEIPhone:
303-615-0606
Mailing Address:
Campus Box 39, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362