Ballet Folklórico performers from VC's Family Fiesta Day 2023
Victoria College is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events and activities for students and the community through Oct. 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the diverse cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic communities.
“We are proud of Victoria College’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with Hispanic students making up a significant portion of our college community – 48 percent of our total enrollment,” said Dr. Jennifer Kent, VC President. “This designation has resulted in VC receiving over $7.4 million in federal grant funds to expand educational opportunities for students.”
Victoria College will kick off the month-long celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with the second annual VC Family Fiesta Day from 4-6:30 p.m. at the VC Sports Center. VC students, employees and their families will enjoy games, crafts, Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi performances, food and door prizes.
VC’s Student Life Office is partnering with the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) to host the bingo game, Lotería, for students on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library Building. Students will have the opportunity to win prizes and enjoy food and beverages.
VC’s Multicultural Committee, in partnership with LASO, will host a presentation titled “Hispanic Representation in Comics & Media” at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. VC History Instructor Fred Aguilar will delve into the political history of comic books. The presentation will examine how recent comics have begun to offer a more positive and authentic reflection of the Hispanic experience. The presentation is open to the public and will take place in VC’s Library Building. Light refreshments will be served.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, VC’s Museum of the Coastal Bend will unveil “Where Texas Ranching Began: La Misión,” the first component of a new permanent exhibit exploring the region’s ranching heritage. A reception for VC students and employees will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by an evening reception for museum members and sponsors. The community is invited to a public opening event for the new exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, VC’s Student Life Office will wrap up the Hispanic Heritage Month festivities by offering students an opportunity to stop by the Library Building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up a tortilla-making kit so they can try their hand at making tortillas at home with their families.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Museum of the Coastal Bend will showcase “El Camino Real de los Tejas: Its History, People, and Places.” This temporary exhibit examines the 18th-century Spanish colonial thoroughfare instrumental in the settlement, development and history of Texas. Admission to the museum is free and open to the public.
For a full list of events and more information, go to Visit.VictoriaCollege.edu/Series and select “Hispanic Heritage Month 2024.”