From Sept. 15 until Oct. 15, NSU will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Latin culture.
Events include film screenings, readings, dance performances and food tastings hosted by the Alvin Sherman Library, the Center for Psychological Studies, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education, the Shepard Broad Law Center and the regional campus in Miami.
Jessica Valenzuela, assistant professor in the Center for Psychological Studies, said Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to enrich one another with the diversity of Latino cultures represented at our university.
“I think it’s important that we come together for the events that seek to provide a taste of Latino cinema, literature, and foods from different parts of the world to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Americans and to focus on the diverse heritage of Latinos in our community,” she said.
Each Sunday during September, the Alvin Sherman Library will host events open to the public including the showing of the film series Cine Argentino, which will feature documentaries of legendary figures in the Latin culture. During some of the films, special appearances will be made by the producers of the films. The library will also host an opening reception to showcase Latin American art work and a performance by the Cuban Dance Company.
The Center for Psychological Studies will host a presentation regarding pediatric obesity in Latino Families on Oct. 2 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Maltz Building, Room 2045. The event will teach children and their parents how to cope with anxiety and feelings of seclusion. Attendees will also learn how to manage stress for children dealing with struggles that minorities deal with.
The center will also host a lunchtime salsa dancing eventhonoring Latin American music.
Valenzuela said she hopes that the events enhance the work students and Latinos are doing for the rest of the academic year. She encourages students to use the events as an opportunity for cultural competence, cross-cultural understanding, and excitement for the richness of our community.
NSU will also celebrate Hispanic lawyers during the event Being a Lawyer and Changing the World: Celebrating the Contributions of Hispanic Lawyers on Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the law center. This eventwill allow Hispanic legal professionals to share personal experiences that motivated them to become attorneys. All students are welcome to attend.
Miguel Hernandez, assistant director of admissions in the Shepard Broad law center, said that compared to law schools around the country, NSU’s law center is specialbecause it’s made up of one third Latinos. During Hispanic Heritage month, Hernandez said the law center is aiming to let students know that they can do anything they set their mind to, no matter how far-off the goal may seem.
“One of the most valuable assets of NSU is that no matter where you come from, who you are, or what you bring to the table, you can participate in any organization on campus you wish to,” Hernandez said.
To learn more information and to see a list of events, visit nsunews.nova.edu/nsu-celebrates-hispanic-heritage-month-2014.
