(Above) Participants can create their own “loteria” (bingo) cards and play the game during Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. (Photo by Yenitza Melgoza) (Below) Jennifer Borrero will be speaker for the kickoff event Sept. 15. (Photo provided)
September 09, 2025
SIU celebrates 2025 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, beginning Sept. 15
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is recognizing Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with a variety of special events, including guest speakers, a scavenger hunt, workshops, interactive activities, dancing and more.
“Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” is the theme of the celebration that runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
“During this special month, we pay tribute and celebrate the Hispanic/Latinx Americans who have enriched our nation with their wonderful, positive accomplishments and contributions,” said Alexander Rodriguez-Gabino, SIU Hispanic/Latino Resource Center coordinator. “It is essential to recognize the importance of understanding our background and how it enables us to inspire others to improve our communities. SIU’s planned activities are as diverse as the Hispanic/Latinx culture, and we welcome everyone to attend.”
Most events are free and open to the public.
Kickoff features special guest
The special guest speaker for the 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15 kickoff event in the Old Main Room at the Student Center is Jennifer Borrero, an award-winning Columbian-Mexican entrepreneur, community/housing developer and human rights/social impact advocate. A first-generation American, Borrero is a global goals ambassador for the United Nations Association and has been recognized as a NextGen Collective “30 Under 30” award recipient as an emerging Hispanic executive for her work as founder of Youth Housing Coalition, which helps empower young people to solve problems. She is active in a variety of social impact projects and focuses on supporting community members through sustainability and human rights.
Borrero will present “Igniting Change.”
Luncheon, bingo, carnival and more
Meet people of varied backgrounds during the Hispanic/Latinx luncheon set for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 17 in Rooms 150/160 of the Student Services Building.
The luncheon will include conversations about how people can support one another. The goal is to foster a sense of “nosotros” or “us.”
The fun really cranks up for crear tu propía carta de loteria and noche de lotería. Participants can design, create and paint their own cards and play Mexican bingo. Or, use provided cards to play. Win prizes, including Mexican candy, and have a great time. Crear tu propia carta de lotería is from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 22 while noche de lotería takes place 4:30-6 p.m. Sept. 24 in Rooms 150/160 of the Student Services Building.
Stop by Room 140 in the Student Services Building between noon and 1 p.m. on Sept. 23 to make a taco, customizing to your tastes. As you enjoy the treat, you can learn more about the Hispanic/Latino Resource Center.
Another highlight of the month is the LASA Carnival, set for 5-8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Student Services Building pavilion. Join international students from Hispanic/Latino countries for a cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dancing and games.
A piñata-making workshop, paint and chat session, study jams, ballet folklorico, and a variety of other academic and cultural enrichment activities are planned throughout the month. Stop by the Hispanic/Latinx tailgate as well on Saturday, Oct. 4, before the Family Weekend football game on the Banterra Center parking lot to meet current students and alumni.
And all month long, departments and units across campus are collaborating to sponsor a scavenger hunt for students. Just scan the QR code displayed at many of the month’s special events to learn more about influential Hispanic/Latino people who have made lasting contributions and shaped their communities. Prizes will go to those who participate the most in the hunt.
Learn more
Numerous SIU units and departments have partnered to present the activities, including the Student Multicultural Center, Hispanic/Latino Resource Center, student organizations, and other campus and community partners. For the complete schedule of events and additional details, visit the website.