OCTOBER 4, 2021 — In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, UTSA is offering a mix of virtual and in-person events this week that dive into discussions about the Hispanic culture, diversity and inclusion in the community—all following the university’s theme of “Esperanza: A Celebration of Our Heritage and Bold Future.”
The university’s festivities, along with others held across the nation, started in September and will run through October 15, with UTSA’s events mirroring the national theme, and focusing on hope and heritage throughout the month.
Monday, October 4
Inspiring Radical Creativity—Empowering Young, Diverse Voices to Tell Their Own Stories: Keynote with Gabby Rivera
7 p.m., virtual event
Gabby Rivera, a Bronx-born, queer Puerto Rican writer, is the first Latina to write for Marvel Comics. During this keynote address, Rivera will unpack how she navigates the world as a queer, Latinx, millennial woman; how she incorporates her heritage into her writing; and celebrates the healing power of community. This free event is open to the San Antonio community. Interested attendees are asked to pre-register.
Wednesday, October 6
UTSA Racial Justice Book Club
2 to 3 p.m., virtual event
The club will be reading two books this year, starting in September with the autobiography I, Rigoberta Menchú. The October book will be Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. Students who join the UTSA Racial Justice Book Club are eligible to receive the books for free.
Thursday, October 7
Conversation with Sandra Cisneros
7 p.m., virtual event
Sandra Cisneros is a poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, performer and artist whose work explores the lives of the working class. Her coming-of-age novel The House on Mango Street has sold over six million copies, has been translated into 25 languages, and is required reading in schools across the nation. Interested attendees for this interactive conversation with Cisneros are asked to pre-register.
Friday, October 8
Contemporary Hispanic Americans in Digital Media and Technology
10 a.m., Buena Vista Theater, Buena Vista Building, Downtown Campus (virtual option included)
Sponsored by UTSA University Technology Solutions, guest speakers Perla Garcia and Danielle Schramm will showcase important Hispanic Americans at the national level and discuss their contributions to technology and media.
We Too Were Once Young: The Legacy of Struggle of La Raza Unida Party
6:30 p.m., Buena Vista Theater, Buena Vista Building, Downtown Campus
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first state convention of La Raza Unidad Party (RUP) in San Antonio, UTSA is hosting Ignacio Garcia, the Lemuel Hardison Redd Jr. Professor of Western and Latino History at Brigham Young University. He is the author of United We Win: The Rise and Fall of La Raza Unida Party.
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Move In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe 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.
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We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.