Hispanic Heritage Month events on the horizon as part of Maryville College’s annual observance
Sept. 29, 2025
Maryville College has a vibrant history of embracing its population of Latino students, and every autumn, it celebrates them with a number of special events during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Observed from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationwide celebration of “the extraordinary contributions of Hispanic-Americans past and present,” according to an official proclamation from the White House earlier this month. At Maryville College, the Center for Community and Belonging, alongside the MC Latinx Student Alliance (LSA), has put together several activities to mark the occasion.
“LSA and Community and Belonging are collaborating on a Loteria–a Mexican bingo night event Sept. 30 in Anderson Hall, Room 140,” Aja Rodriguez, the director for MC Community and Belonging, said. “We will have the traditional Loteria card set, use pinto beans as markers and engage in a dynamic discussion around this culturally iconic game.”
All students are welcome and encouraged to attend and take part in the celebration.
“For many Latino families, Lotería nights are a cherished tradition that brings people together to share conversation, laughter and cultural connection,” Michel Gonzalez, the president of MC’s Latinx Student Alliance, said. “Through this event, we hope to provide the campus community with an opportunity to experience a meaningful aspect of Latino culture while also fostering dialogue and togetherness.”
The 6-7 p.m. Sept. 30 Lotertia event is the first of a number of campus-wide Hispanic Heritage Month events that will take place over the next several weeks, some of which are still being planned.
“Community and Belonging is working on a larger Hispanic Heritage Month celebration [scheduled for] Oct. 1,” Rodriguez said. “We hope to have paletas, (a traditional Mexican frozen treat) Mexican candy, Jarritos (a Mexican fruit soda), flower-making, stickers, interactive interviewing opportunities and live music. This will be held outside of Pearsons Lawn from 1 to 4 p.m. and be open to the entire campus.”
The Center for Community and Belonging also hopes to bring some of the festivities into Pearsons Dining Hall, by working with Fresh Ideas, the College’s food services provider, to curate a special menu for the month.
A number of Hispanic-serving nonprofit organizations — including Centro Hispano, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Remote Area Medical — have also been approached about collaboration, according to Rodriguez.
“Our goal is to not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month but also to offer participants a glimpse into the traditions that strengthen family and community bonds within Latino culture,” Gonzalez said.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the College gives MC students a chance to commemorate, learn and engage in Hispanic culture, she added.
“I believe it is especially important — not only for Latinos, but for everyone — to understand the challenges our community is currently facing,” Gonzalez said. “Too often, our voices are overlooked or silenced, but I am determined to create a space where they are heard, valued and respected.
“My goal during Hispanic Heritage Month is to ensure that people become more knowledgeable about the resources available to the Hispanic community, while also amplifying Latino voices on campus.”
— Written by McKenna Marr ’28