Events & Resources
Each year, from September 15 to October 15, our 91探花 community joins the nation in honoring , taking time to recognize and celebrate the impact and contributions of Americans whose family origins, like my own, are in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. While we embrace Hispanic culture and achievements all year round at the UW, serves as a reminder to reflect on the depth and breadth of all that Latine and Hispanic people have added to our national life.
This year鈥檚 theme of 鈥�Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America鈥澛爎esonates deeply here at our UW, where we are driven by our belief in the power of higher education to create pathways to those aspirations. During this and every month, we have so many opportunities to celebrate the art, history, stories, language, culture and myriad other achievements of the UW鈥檚 Latine community members past and present, as well as their impact across our state and nation.
On our Seattle campus, Kane Hall is home to Mexican-American artist monumental work , a powerful symbol of perseverance and Mexican and American cooperation, and the 鈥檚 collection includes several murals by Latine artists, including 鈥淪omos Aztlan鈥� by Chicano artist . Among the are a beautiful collection of textiles and other artwork from Mexico, Central and South America, including the Fred Hart pottery collection, the largest collection of Mexican pottery in North America. And we continue to celebrate the incredible life and impact of the pathbreaking artist, 91探花alumnus and my dear friend, Alfredo Arreguin 鈥�67, 鈥�69, who passed away this spring. He leaves a towering legacy of both artistic and cultural impact.
The 91探花is and has been home to some of the world鈥檚 leading Latine scholars, including former 91探花American Ethnic Studies professor 鈥� and first Latino to be named U.S. poet Laureate 鈥� who was recently granted the , and 91探花alum Maria Quintana, whose recent book, examines the impact of 20th century U.S. guestworker programs from Mexico and the Caribbean. And we look forward to seeing 91探花alumnae and current U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon鈥檚 鈥� come to fruition in 2024, featuring the installment of contemporary nature poetry as public art at national parks across the U.S.
Above all, our University is committed to creating and sustaining a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of the diverse experiences and heritages that are represented by the Hispanic diaspora. Groups including the and the are working to create supportive and empowering environments for 91探花Latine community members. At 91探花Bothell, students involved with the are mentoring local Latine high school students to increase access to higher education for a community that is often underserved. And the UW鈥檚 offers services and support to undocumented students, including educational resources like the campaign and the 聽for working with undocumented students. On October 20, 91探花Tacoma will host its third annual 鈥�,鈥� celebrating the outstanding contributions of Latine-identifying members of the South Puget Sound.
During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, I hope you鈥檒l explore some of these wonderful opportunities to learn from and enjoy the immense richness and variety of Hispanic and Latine influences on our campus, city and region. They serve as a reminder of the excellence that arises in a culture that is grounded in a welcoming spirit of belonging.