University Celebrates Latinidad Heritage with Presentations, Performances, and Civic Engagement Events


William Paterson University will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with presentations, workshops, performances, and civic engagement events during its annual Latinidad Heritage Celebration.

The annual Latinidad celebration at William Paterson recognizes the contributions and history of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people with events constructed by its students, faculty and staff.

This year’s celebration kicks off on Tuesday, September 21, with a special event: the grand opening ceremony for the University’s new Center for Latinidad, to be held at 4 p.m. in University Commons, Student Center 211. The event will feature remarks by President Richard Helldobler, a keynote address by Francisco Diaz, associate vice president for student development, remarks by other University staff and students, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Student Center 209.

Reoccurring and special events throughout the celebration include:

 Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Conexiones, a student support group, Zoom (log-in information available on Pioneer Life).

 Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

Café con Leche, a faculty, staff, and student mixer, University Commons 211

 Wednesday, September 22

  • Dance-A-Raoke Party, 8 p.m., Student Center Multipurpose Room

Thursday, September 23

  • Spoken Word Artist: La Bruja, 12:30 p.m., Student Center Cafe
  • BombAntillana Performance & Line Dancing, 8 p.m., Student Center Multipurpose Room

Friday, September 24

  • Off-Campus Community Service at Father English Food Pantry, Bus departs Lot 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, September 27

  • Meet the Latinx and Latin American Studies Faculty, 12:30 p.m., Barbara Moll Grant Hall 235
  • La Cumbiamba Colombian Music Ensemble, 5:15 p.m., free program, Shea Center Plaza

Tuesday, September 28

  • “Together We Learn, Fight and Win” Workshop with activist David Caicedo - SJLB Credit, 12:30 p.m., Zoom (See Pioneer Life for log-in information)
  • Salsa Champ Dance Instuction, 5 p.m., Skyline Hall Lobby

Wednesday, September 29

  • “La Conexion: Leveraging Your Uniqueness While Networking,” Workshop presented by Alma Diaz, Career Development Center, 5 p.m., Zoom (See Pioneer Life for log-in information)

Thursday, September 30

  • “Mindfulness and Mental Health” Workshop with Candy Calderon, 12:30 p.m., University Commons 209

Friday, October 1

  • On-Campus Community Service Project - Painting Wooden Instruments for Donation to Children, 1 p.m., Student Center Multipurpose Room
  • Closing Event, Outdoor Movie Screening: In the Heights, 8 p.m., University Commons Multipurpose Room

There will be a virtual option for some in-person events. More information for the Latinidad celebration is available on Pioneer Life, or visit www.wpunj.edu/diversity-and-inclusion.

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09/20/21