OCTOBER 5, 2020 — This week UTSA continues its slate of events in observation of National Hispanic Heritage Month. From the history and contributions of the Hispanic community to their strength and resiliency, the Hispanic community is being recognized.
UTSA, along with the rest of the country, is joining the heritage month observations through October 15 with a series of events surrounding the university’s theme, “Voces de Resistencia / Visions of Resilience.”
This year’s events will showcase the stories of and perseverance of the Hispanic community, while also inspiring Roadrunners to face adversity with their own strength.
Since the university’s inception, UTSA has always embraced its Hispanic serving identity. Ranked third in Texas for Hispanic student enrollment, UTSA has a student body that 57% of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino. Last week UTSA was selected by Excelencia in Education to receive the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, a comprehensive certification recognizing the university’s commitment and ability to accelerate Latino student success.
The certification adds momentum to UTSA’s journey to become a Hispanic thriving institution, a model Hispanic Serving Institution that provides the highest quality education to advance social mobility and economic opportunities for Latino students and their communities.
Keynote Address with Rep. Joaquín Castro
Tuesday, October 6 at 2 p.m.
Part of the University Relations Speakers Series, this panel discussion will include Rep. Joaquín Castro, President Taylor Eighmy, and Regina Parra Cantu, student body president. As we mark Hispanic Heritage Month, Castro will share with the UTSA community his vision to not only recover from this pandemic, but ensure those most harmed by COVID-19 are not left behind.
Intersectionality of Identity and Well-being in the Latinx Community
Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m.
This panel discussion will cover practices, barriers, community needs and cultural implications of well-being in the Latinx community. Erica Sosa, associate professor of kinesiology, health, and nutrition, will share expertise in evaluation, assessment and family-based health promotion in Mexican Americans. Panelists include Melissa Hernandez, director of Student Counseling and Mental Health Services; Victoria Lopez-Herrera, senior associate director of Campus Recreation; Amanda Graves, assistant director of Student Health Services and adjunct instructor in community health.
Racial Justice Book Club
Wednesday, October 7 at 2 p.m.
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the book for this month will explore issues of Latinx identity, diversity, equity, student success and social justice. Weekly sessions will include guest speakers and virtual discussions. The club will be reading Redeeming La Raza: Transborder Modernity, Race, Respectability, and Rights by UTSA professor Gabriela González.
Latinos in Corporate America
Wednesday, October 7 at 4 p.m.
Part of the University Relations Speakers Series, this panel discussion will include Patricia Diaz Dennis of UTSA's Center for Professional Excellence.
Tertulia Talks with UTSA Faculty
Thursday, October 8 at noon
This panel will showcase the cutting edge of Latinx research at UTSA featuring panelists Jerry Gonzalez, Chicanx Suburbs/The work of UTSA Mexico Center; Gabriela Gonzalez, The Life of Jovita Idár; Omar Valerio-Jimenez, The Mexican American War; and Alejandra Elenes.
Caminos into Tech
Thursday, October 8 at 4 p.m.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latin Americans in the U.S. and within the tech industry. Come join the University of Texas at San Antonio and Tech Bloc in a conversation featuring Maria Lensing, McKesson’s SVP Chief Technology Officer.
Kate Lazo
Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Kat Lazo, known for her "tell is like it is" work on The Kat Call on the Mitu digital platform, as well as Barrio USA on Thrillist, MTV's Decoded and other shows and platforms, will speak to UTSA students about common misconceptions of the Latinx community. She will also talk about what privileges are held by members of Latinx communities and how to use that privilege for a better future.
Movie Viewing: The Infiltrators
Friday, October 9 at 6 p.m.
Based on true events, The Infiltrators is a film about young activist Dreamers who embark on a suspenseful and daring journey into a detention facility. Following the film, there will be a community discussion.
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Join the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
