It is Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has no shortage of events planned to celebrate. These events are curated with students in mind and are a fantastic opportunity to learn and embrace aspects of different cultures. From mid-September to mid-October, students can attend the following events and more: the Cumbia Cachaca band, which focuses on playing traditional Colombian cumbia and also teaches the listeners and dancers about the indigenous instruments they use; the Hispanic Heritage Month Community Networking and Mariachi Celebration, which features a 12 person mariachi’s performance by The Mariachi San Jose, an award-winning mariachi from California; DEI Coffee and Conversations featuring Dr. Astrid Lorena Ochoa Campo; and Dia de los Muertos Altares or Ofrendas will be put up around campus between Oct. 15 and Nov. 4. These are just a few of the many enjoyable events that the Division of DEI has to offer.
Most of these events made their debut four years ago, when the Division of DEI was established. “By hosting a series of programs that are open to all, Viterbo brings together our campus and the community in the celebration of cultures, traditions, and education. Hosting events that help [people] to learn more about other cultures, the arts, and each other is very important as our Division of DEI embraces the joy of learning,” says Marlene De La Cruz-Guzman, Vice President for DEI.
Excitingly, the Spanish program at Viterbo is also celebrating its 30th year in 2025. There will be a celebration on Oct. 11, highlighting the program that so many students love, followed by a reception honoring both current and past students.
Participating in DEI-led programs and activities provides a fun learning experience for all. De La Cruz-Guzman adds, “The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strives to educate and support all students on campus through its programming, and we are always open to suggestions from the campus community on what programs they would like to see in the upcoming year. We are also happy to support individuals (students, staff, faculty, alumni, community) who have an idea for a program and would like support with logistics, operations, etc. Please reach out and let us know your thoughts on what you would like to see happen throughout the year!”
More information on the events, which are open to everyone, can be found on Viterbo’s website for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
