The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) continues its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a 31-day period observed from September 15 to October 15.

This annual event honors the rich cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino/a communities in the United States. UIS has organized a variety of events to engage its diverse campus community, including a Loteria Night with Women of Distinction on October 4, National Coming Out Day at Lincoln Residence Hall (LRH) on October 8, and a community gathering with La Familia on the Union Patio on October 13.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes both Hispanic and Latino/a cultures. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking cultures, while Latino/a encompasses those of Latin American ancestry. Recently, gender-neutral terms such as Latine and Latinx have emerged as alternatives to Latino/a, though these terms remain a topic of debate within the Latin American community.

The roots of National Hispanic Heritage Month in central Illinois run deep, with a strong connection to the UIS campus. In 1988, Illinois Senator Paul Simon, a former founder of the Public Affairs Reporting graduate program at what was then Sangamon State University, introduced the bill to officially recognize this month. Sangamon State University became the University of Illinois Springfield in 1995.

At UIS, approximately 8 percent of the student population identifies as Hispanic. However, the month-long celebration is open to all students, reflecting UIS’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that honors the diverse backgrounds of its community. Events during Hispanic Heritage Month are designed to engage students in a range of cultural activities and discussions.

Upcoming events include:

• Papel Picado: A craft session led by Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., on Wednesday, October 2, at 2 p.m. (Location TBD)
• LGBTea and Buenas Vibras Collaboration: A discussion on the intersection of identity and sexuality at the Diversity Center on Wednesday, October 2, at 4:30 p.m.
• Salsa with SAC: A dance event in collaboration with SAC and Baile Monarcas (Date TBD)
• Fruta Picada: A diabetes awareness discussion led by Gamma Phi Omega on Friday, October 4, at 2:30 p.m. (Location TBD)
• Cards and Conversations: A collaborative event with MOCI and BMCS at the Diversity Center on Friday, October 4, at 3 p.m.
• Loteria Night: Hosted by Women of Distinction on Tuesday, October 8, at 8:30 p.m. in LRH
• National Coming Out Day: A film screening and discussion on the documentary I am Vanessa Guillenon Wednesday, October 9, at 6 p.m. in the PAC Studio
• Painting Cantaritos: A crafting event with Gamma Phi Omega on Friday, October 11, at 6 p.m. (Location TBD)
• La Familia Cookout: A community cookout on Sunday, October 13, at 2 p.m. on the Union Patio as part of Family Weekend
• Closing Ceremony: A reflection on the month’s successes at the Diversity Center Lounge on Monday, October 14, at 12 p.m.
• I Stand with Immigrants: A dialogue event with the Springfield Immigration Advocacy Network on Tuesday, October 15, at 6 p.m. in the Union Ballroom

The UIS Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will continue through October 15, offering students opportunities to explore cultural identity and community through a series of enriching events.