Fresno State kick offs its Hispanic Heritage Month observance from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., today (Sept. 15), with the University’s annual Bienvenida in the Peace Garden presented by the Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association.

It’s the first major event on a calendar of nearly 20 events Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 both on and off campus in concert with the nationwide observance paying tribute to generations of Latino Americans who have influenced and enriched the nation’s progress and way of life.

President Joseph I. Castro, himself a symbol of the University progress in opening its doors to all segments of the community as Fresno State’s first Latino chief executive in its 107-year history, will welcome faculty, staff and students at the event.

He will be joined by the Hon. David Manuel Preciado Juárez, the Cónsul Titular of the Mexican Consulate in Fresno.

The consul brings with him special performers from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, a public university in the Mexican state of Baja California, one of 43 universities in México’s state university system: the Concierto Coro Ensenada, Banda de Guerra and tenor José Ortega.

Cultural performances will also be performed by Los Danzantes de Aztlan and the Fresno State Mariachi before Consúl Preciado Juarez leads the traditional Mexican Independence Day battle cry known as “El Grito de Dolores” that Father Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla delivered early the morning of  Sept. 16, 1810 –now known as  el Dieceséis de Septiémbre — in the small Mexican town Dolores, Guanajuato.

The middle of September is also the independence anniversary for several other Latin American countries so the Bienvenida and the Hispanic Heritage Month observance also pays tribute to them, said. Dr. Victor Olivares, president of the LFSA.

The celebration, which welcomes back students faculty and staff for the fall semester, is cosponsored by the Latino/a Programs and Services  of the Cross Cultural Gender Center in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. Other sponsors are the Provost’s Office, the College Assistance Migrant Program and the Student Involvement Office.

See today’s full schedule: bit.ly/LFSA-Bienvenida17event

The CCGC Latino programs also coordinates the full Hispanic Heritage Month calendar that will also be highlighted by the 20th Anniversary of the film “Selena” featuring a tribute to its producer, Moctesuma Esparza, 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25,∙ Maya Cinema Courtyard located at Campus Pointe (Chestnut, north of Shaw).  It will include an entertainment tribute to Selena.

Also planned is a fundraiser to support Fresno State Dreamer students at the Save Mart Center. It will include a reception a ticket to view the movie, popcorn and beverages. (More information: Fotini Alfieris at 559.278.8570. Full press release with ticket prices to come).

Other on-campus Hispanic Heritage Month events include:

  • “Frida” – Movie showing from 12-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, in HML 33212
  • Author Maya Christina Gonzalez reception with from 2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25, in the University Dining Hall
  • Murales de mi Tio from 6 -8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 26 in HML 2206
  • UndocuQueer Panel from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 27 in HML 3212
  • Workshop by author Maya Christina Gonzalez from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29 in the Education Building 140
  • Rebozo Fashion Show and Sale from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27 in the North Gym 118
  • Educational Workshops led by Master Weavers from Chiapas, Oaxaca and San Luis Potosi from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Thursday Sept. 28 in HML 3212

See the full Hispanic Heritage Month calendar.

For more information, contact Ofelia Gamez, coordinator of the CCGC Latino/a Programs and Services, 559.278.4768.