For the tenth year in a row, Grand Valley will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events on campus.
The events, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will feature prominent members of the Hispanic community. All the events are free and open to the public and take place on the Allendale Campus.
This year’s events include:
- Café Con Leche - Networking Reception
Tuesday, September 15, 3-5 p.m., Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center
Mix and mingle with Latino students, faculty, and community members over coffee and desserts while learning about different opportunities at Grand Valley.
- Photographing Latino Life: Jose Galvez
Monday, September 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center
Renowned photographer Jose Galvez will discuss his work, which uses black and white film to capture the Hispanic experience in America. His photographs have been featured everywhere from rodeos to libraries to lowrider shows, as well as more traditional venues such as the Smithsonian Museum. His work will also be featured at the Red Wall Gallery in Lake Ontario Hall until October 1.
- A Story of Latina Excellence: Marylou Olivarez Mason
Thursday, October 8, 12-1:30 p.m., Cook-DeWitt Center
As a Latina, single mother and former child migrant worker, Marylou Olivarez Mason has struggled with poverty and discrimination throughout her entire life. She overcame this adversity and founded Michigan Hispanic Heritage Month. She has served on the advisory board of three Mexican presidents and received the highest award the Mexican government bestows upon individuals outside Mexico. A light reception will follow the lecture.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. Ronald Reagan expanded the observation to a month, beginning September 15 and ending October 15, in 1988.
For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month at Grand Valley, visit gvsu.edu/oma.
