Dear SFC Community,

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), designated by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Francis College (SFC) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, a time when numerous countries in Latin America — including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua — celebrate their independence.

As one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, Hispanics have been contributing to the success of this nation and this part of the world for centuries. At SFC, nearly a third of students identify as Hispanic, making them the largest racial/ethnic demographic group among the College’s student body.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, SFC’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will be hosting the following events:

• Loom Your Flag: On Thursday, September 21, from 12:50-1:50 p.m. in the Dining Hall, attend this tabling event that is being co-sponsored with the Latin American Society. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture through engaging activities, including a chance to loom a flag bracelet while listening to the rhythmic beats of Latin music.
  
• Power, Prosperity and Progress: This panel discussion — to be held on Thursday, October 5, from 12:50-1:50 p.m. in Room 5206 — invites guests to delve deeper into Latinx heritage. The panelists will illuminate their personal journeys and offer insights regarding their paths to success, while SFC’s Center for Inclusion and Excellence will provide iconic Latin American foods for guests to sample.

Recently, the STEM Resource Center (SRC) participated in National HSI Week, sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. STEM Peer Ambassadors represented the SRC at St. Francis College’s Fall Club Fair and shared facts to raise awareness of National HSI Week, what it means for SFC to be an HSI, as well as general resources and partnership opportunities.

For additional events and student-engagement opportunities during National Hispanic Heritage Month, SFC’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Latin American Society are organizing a social media campaign on Instagram. Please follow them at @sfcmulticultural and @sfc_las to learn more.

Tim Cecere
Interim President

Maliek Sterrett
Director of Multicultural Student Affairs