Festivities begin: WSU set to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations this week
Photo supplied, Weber State University
Weber State University celebrates Hispanic Heritage month with El Marcadito and music from Los Chasquis on Oct. 11, 2024.OGDEN — Weber State University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is set to get underway this week.
A slew of events will take place starting today with the Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off from noon-2 p.m. at the Shepherd Union featuring traditional dress and refreshments.
Mónica Rodriguez, student engagement program manager at the Student Success Center, told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday there’s an exciting few weeks ahead for students and the community alike.
“It’s going to be very interactive, dynamic, colorful, full of culture — tradition and educational opportunities for all,” she said.
Rodriguez said partnership events will include events with the Ogden School District, Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music, or OFOAM, and Ogden City Harvest Market.
She added this year’s keynote speaker will be Don Salazar, founder of Creative Times, Inc. and chairman of the board for the Hispanic Business Council.
“Don Salazar is a very respected, honorable man in the Hispanic/Latino/Latinx community due to his philanthropic work towards people who are seeking education,” Rodriguez said.
Salazar is set to appear in the Wildcat Theater at the Shepherd Union on Oct. 15, from 12:30-2 p.m.
Rodriguez added that there will also be a major new addition to the festivities: a “Hispanic, Latino, & Latinx Entrepreneur Contest.”
“We are trying to welcome all of those entrepreneurs who are in the community trying to establish a business and contribute towards the economy of the United States,” she said.
The entrepreneur contest will be held in the Wildcat Theater at the Shepherd Union on Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m. and will include a $500 cash prize for the winner.
Rodriguez said an event has also been slated to address mental health concerns among the Hispanic community.
“The current climate has created a lot of uncertainty among the students,” she said. “The masters of social work and counseling and psychological center are providing a workshop to help people to manage their mental health.”
The “Managing Mental Health Through Difficult Times” panel is set for Oct. 1 from noon-2 p.m. at the Shepherd Union.
For a full list of events, visit https://www.weber.edu/student-success-center/hispanic-heritage-month.html.