A multitude of university-organized events are slated to occur both on campus and elsewhere in Ogden.

“This month reminds us that even though we have different upbringings, we are bound together as Americans and a community here at Weber State,” Mónica Rodriguez — student engagement program manager and WSU Ballet Folklórico coordinator — said in a release.

Rodriguez tells the Standard-Examiner that attendance to the free on-campus events, as well as those downtown, is open to anyone, even those who aren’t current WSU students.

“For them, it’s a really good combination of education, leadership, art, literacy and fun. So, it’s a little bit of everything for everybody,” she said.

The lineup of events is as follows:

• Sept. 17: “Leading for Impact” event with speakers Yudi Vargas Lewis (director of WSU’s Emerging Hispanic Institution), Nubia Peña (senior advisor/director – access & opportunity, Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox) and Laís Martinez (assistant commissioner for engagement and educational opportunity at USHE); from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theatre.
• Sept. 17, 18, 24, 25 and Oct. 1, 2, 8 and 9: “Crack your boots with WSU Ballet Folklórico!” from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theatre.
• Sept. 21: Harvest Moon Celebration with WSU Ballet Folklórico from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Farmers Market Ogden on Historic 25th Street.
• Sept. 24: “What it takes to be a Leader!” event with speakers Benjamin Barraza (WSU’s Goddard School of Business & Economics) and Eulogio Alejandre (principal of Esperanza Elementary, West Valley City); from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Shepherd Union Fireplace Lounge.
• Oct. 1-31: Latin Art “Our Roots” art exhibit in the Shepherd Union Bridge; open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 4: Shakespeare’s “Bilingual Winter’s Tale” Project, beginning at 5 p.m. at Dumke Arts Plaza, located at 2510 E. Washington Blvd. Performed by eight bilingual actors, led by Dr. Sarah Grunnah, assistant professor of theatre at WSU’s School of Performing Arts. Food trucks and music will follow the performance.
• Oct. 8-9: El Mercadito: Hispanic, Latino and LatinX Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shepherd Union.
• Oct. 8-9: Rhymes and Live Music: Harps and Cuatros from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Atrium. Fortaleza Venezolana on Oct. 8 and Los Chasquis de Perú on Oct. 9
• Oct. 10: Yoga, Trauma and Healing en Español! from 5 to 6 p.m. at Shepherd Union, Room 321.
• Oct. 15: Keynote: “Why Hispanic Heritage Month?” with speaker Olivia Jaramillo (Equality Utah’s director for public outreach and training) from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. at the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theatre.
• Oct. 15: Spanish Poetry and Short Story Writing Contest from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Happy Magpie Book and Quill, located at 455 25th St. The contest is open through Oct. 2. and winners will be announced at this event. To make a submission, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10_QysAPQ9Z6Asx2O1Q64v76vDE32g-SavgabosK6hB8/viewform?ts=66d73c19&edit_requested=true

The curious timing of the monthlong national celebration, which began as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson before getting expanded by President Ronald Reagan to encompass the aforementioned 30-day period in 1988, is significant.

Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Meanwhile, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.