¡Bienvenidos! Island University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Corpus Christi is a hub of cultural perspectives and at the core is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

To showcase the vivid cultural wealth and prolific Hispanic and Latino history of the area, the Island University graciously opens its doors to welcome the community to Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15). All 30+ events are free and open to the public.

“Since 2010, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee has planned a calendar of events that highlights different aspects of Hispanic culture, such as film, art, music, history, scholarship, and poetry, to celebrate and share the contributions of South Texas within the community,” said Andrea Montalvo-Hamid, professional assistant professor of English and Hispanic Heritage Month Committee Chairwoman.

Each Hispanic Heritage Month event intertwines education and cultural empowerment. This year’s line-up features long-standing signature events like the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, Creating a Legacy – The Life of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and the Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair. Additional festivities include film screenings, a game of lotería, discussions with expert Islander faculty members, a vibrant alebrije ceramic art session, bilingual literary readings, music conciertos, and fiestas. The 30+ event lineup would not be possible without a collaborative effort from faculty from the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Arts, Media & Communication, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as students and staff from Programs for Academic Student Support (PASS), Student Activities, and the Islander Cultural Alliance.

“The value of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is crucial to our Hispanic Serving Institution,” said Montalvo-Hamid. “As a native of the Corpus Christi community, I feel it’s important to feature our local poets, artists, musicians, and creatives who work to promote our culture through their artistic endeavors at the local, state, national, and international levels.”

Representing Hispanic culture and enrapturing audience members of all ages, the Island University’s Mariachi de la Isla will headline a larger-than-life performance with the traditional dances of Alcorta’s Compañía de Danza Folklórica. The festive showcase will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. This is the ensemble’s first Hispanic Heritage Month performance. The sensational program will mix the unique sounds and pageantry of mariachi with the flowing movements of bright, colorful Jalisco dresses worn by highly-skilled dancers.  

Also new this year, A&M-Corpus Christi will host a speaker series by the Tejano Justice League. Comprised of Islander alumni and community members, the Tejano Justice League is a collective of local creatives, culinary gurus, and savvy entrepreneurs who inspire each other and others to make their impact in the community. As role models to future generations, the group motivates, promotes, and embraces the unique culture connection of the Coastal Bend. Presentations are as follows:

• The Artists: Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6-7 p.m. in University Center Lonestar Ballroom A
• The Chefs: Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 6-7 p.m. in University Center Oso 221
• The Designers: Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6-7 p.m. in University Center Oso 221

For a full schedule of Hispanic Heritage Month events taking place at the Island University, visit http://hispanicheritagemonth.tamucc.edu/.