On the evening of September 13th, the UIS Diversity Center hosted its annual Hispanic Latin Heritage Month Flag Raising event. Running from 6 PM to 8 PM, this celebration brought together students, staff, and faculty to honor and celebrate the rich cultures of the Hispanic and Latin communities at UIS. The event was filled with lively activities, but the flag-raising ceremony itself was the highlight, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The festivities featured the distribution of free t-shirts, cultural dances, and heartfelt moments shared over an open mic. Students had the opportunity to express their pride in their heritage, sharing personal stories of identity and the significance of celebrating their cultures in a university setting. The sense of community and belonging was palpable as students reflected on how important it was for them to be recognized and celebrated.
The event was hosted by Daniel Aguilar, Program Coordinator for the Hispanic/Latin Diversity Center, who played a central role in bringing the celebration to life. Aguilar, deeply proud of his own Hispanic heritage, was moved by the students’ enthusiasm and their expressions of cultural pride. “The Spanish and Latin Heritage Month opening flag-raising is empowering,” Aguilar said. “It is a student-led event. It’s powerful to hear what identity means to students, what culture means to students, and how this event empowers them to feel like UIS has a place for them.”
Aguilar also emphasized the broader importance of the event, noting that it reflects UIS’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion on campus. He believes that the university has made significant progress in creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds, and the Hispanic Flag Raising serves as a reminder of the diverse voices and experiences that enrich the UIS community.
For those who attended, the event was more than just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of identity, culture, and the power of community. As Hispanic Latin Heritage Month continues, students and staff look forward to more events that celebrate the diversity that makes UIS a vibrant and inclusive campus.
