Juntos, a Hispanic student organization at Lubbock Christian University, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with activities that highlight culture, tradition, food, and fellowship. The events invite students, faculty, and staff across the LCU community to come together to celebrate, learn, and experience Hispanic culture and traditions.
Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At LCU, Juntos is marking the month with activities that give students opportunities to celebrate their heritage while inviting others to learn, connect, and participate.
“Our student leaders have done an incredible job creating opportunities for our campus to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in meaningful ways,” said Abriana Fernandez, director of Student Engagement and Leadership and Juntos club sponsor. “Through their creativity, leadership, and intentional planning, they have brought students together to celebrate culture, heritage, and the stories that make our community unique. It has been exciting to see students take ownership of these events and create spaces where others can learn, connect, and celebrate together.”
Juntos will host a movie night at 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, in the Katie Rogers residence hall parlor. All LCU students are invited to gather for a showing of Encanto and an evening of fellowship.
At its monthly meeting on Monday, October 5, Juntos will also welcome LCU students to a panel featuring Hispanic students. Izzy Miranda, Director of the LCU Center for Student Success, will facilitate the discussion.
The organization’s largest celebration of the month will be its Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 8, in the LCU mall area. The event will celebrate Hispanic culture and give the LCU community an opportunity to experience and learn about the traditions, food, music, and activities that are part of the celebration.
The Block Party will feature a taco food trailer, while LCU campus dining partner Aramark will provide aguas frescas, fruit cups, and elote. The Lubbock High School Folklorico Program will perform traditional Mexican folkloric dances, highlighting the vibrant dance techniques and traditions of Mexican folklore. Guests can also participate in activities including a cake walk, ring toss with Jarritos drinks, cornhole, Spikeball, hopscotch, and a sack race. A DJ will provide music throughout the evening, and Abraham Mata, Ph.D., Professor of Foreign Languages at LCU, will speak during the event.
For Olivia Perez, a junior biology major from Amarillo, Texas, and President of Juntos, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the history and traditions of the Hispanic community while creating a sense of belonging at LCU.
“Being part of our Hispanic community means carrying the stories, traditions, and sacrifices of those who came before us. For me and our organization at LCU, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder to be proud of where we come from, celebrate who we are, and create a community where everyone feels like they belong,” Perez said.
LCU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the university’s commitment to serving a diverse student population. Hispanic students make up 35.7% of LCU’s overall student body and 42.2% of the university’s freshman cohort, making opportunities to celebrate and learn from one another an important part of campus life.
“The richness of different cultures on campus is important as we live out one of our institutional values of being a welcoming community, embodying a spirit of hospitality in every aspect of our lives together,” said Randal Dement, LCU Vice President of Student Life. “It is important to the entire community to value and understand one another. The Juntos student organization is extremely important in creating a space for belonging for so many of our students. I am grateful for a campus community that prioritizes these important community events.”
Through Juntos’ Hispanic Heritage Month activities, the LCU community has the opportunity not only to celebrate Hispanic heritage, but also to share traditions and experiences that help strengthen the sense of community across campus.