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During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), we’re proud to honor the achievements, histories, and rich histories of Latin American countries. Join us here as we shine a spotlight on campus celebrations and team members who are celebrating the month.
Heirloom | Joel Chamizo
We are proud to highlight Joel Chamizo, Director of Resident Dining Operations at the University of Miami, as he shares how he and his family celebrate Nochebuena through a traditional Cuban pig roast. Through sharing stories, we recognize the rich heritage in our communities of gathering around shared tables of joy.
Please be advised: this video contains details and imagery of a traditional Cuban pig roast to celebrate Nochebuena. The content may be sensitive to some audiences.
The University of Rio Grande Valley | Abuela’s Mesa
At the University of Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), the dining team honored Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day through a special Abuela’s Mesa dinner that paid homage to Mexican culture.
Guests could fill their plates with traditional, authentic dishes such as gansito conchas, mocktails such as palomas and micheladas, and more. During dinner, dancers from the UTRGV Ballet Folklorico group danced while the conjunto club and mariachi from a local high school played.
After dinner, guests were invited to play loteria, a classic Mexican game that turned out to be a fan favorite. Attendees could create their own cards for a personalized touch.
University of Maryland Baltimore County | Salsa and Bachata Lessons
The dining team honored Hispanic Heritage Month through an event that educated students on the cultural history of two famous dances that originated in Latin American countries—salsa and bachata.
They hosted dance classes in their dining hall in partnership with the Hispanic Latino Student Union on campus. Students got to try the steps while dancing to a special guest DJ, CIRE from UMBC.
After dance lessons, the team served recipes from The Latin American Cookbook, including tostadas, which turned out to be a student favorite.
Bowling Green State University | Latinx Lunch at Social House
The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) dining team partnered with their Division of Inclusion and Belonging and Thompson Hospitality to host a Latinx lunch that featured authentic dishes from all across Latin America.
Guests took the chance to try Peruvian lomo saltado and Mexican rice while also dancing in salsa lessons. The team also featured their General Manager Jeremiah Crespo’s family recipe, cochinita pibil, honoring his family’s heritage from Guanajuato, Mexico.
Trinity University | Hispanic Heritage Month Farmer’s Market
To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Trinity University team hosted its first Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Farmers Market to help bring Latinx-owned small businesses to guests.
Along with a vendor showcase, the dining team also served fresh produce, fruit cups, aguas frescas, and items that paid homage to flavors across Latin America.
Boise State University | Hispanic and Latinx Night
The Boise State dining team brought local dancers to campus to share authentic performances, while also serving up a menu of delicious, globally inspired dishes. The event also took place on Parent and Family Weekend, and many of our guests celebrated with their families.
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