The University of Colorado (CU) is honored to celebrate Latinx/é Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the rich cultural contributions, histories, and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States. This annual observance, running from September 15 to October 15, underscores CU’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity, while also showcasing its support for Hispanic and Latinx students, faculty, staff, and community members throughout Colorado.
Latinx/é Heritage Month was established in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a monthlong celebration in 1988 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
At CU, the celebration of Latinx/é Heritage Month extends beyond acknowledgment; it embodies actionable support. As the only R1 institution in the Rocky Mountain region with HSI status, CU Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment where Hispanic and Latinx students can excel. The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus regained its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in May 2024, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CU Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus's HSI designation affirms its dedication to serving its Hispanic and Latinx student body. To qualify as an HSI, a university must have at least 25% of its undergraduate full-time enrollment composed of Hispanic students and a high concentration of students eligible for Pell Grants. As of May 2024, over 26% of CU Denver undergraduates identified as Hispanic, reflecting the shifting demographics of Denver and the state of Colorado.
This year, CU campuses are hosting a variety of events to celebrate Latinx/é Heritage Month and deepen connections with Hispanic and Latinx communities.
- CU Denver began the month with events such as “Recetas y Recuerdos,” which celebrates cultural traditions through shared recipes and stories. Upcoming events include Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA) Mix and Mingle on September 19, Latinx Student Alliance Presents: Artsy Craftsy, Very Demure on September 25, CU Denver Noche Latina on September 26, Becoming Mexipino: The Immigration History of Shared Identities on October 9, Displaced Aurarian Scholarship Mixer on October 10, It’s a Gordita Craft: From Dough to Delicious, Food Demonstration on October 14, and We Didn't Cross the Border, The Border Crossed Us: A Panel of the Indigenous and Latinx Intersections on October 16.
- At CU Boulder, the Latinx/e Heritage Month celebration features multiple events, including cultural showcases, educational workshops, and community dialogues aimed at exploring the diversity within Latinx/e communities and their impact on campus and beyond.
- CU Anschutz hosted the Latine Excellence Symposium, which focused on celebrating achievements and fostering discussions about future opportunities for the Hispanic community in the fields of medicine and public health.
- The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), actively working toward HSI status, will host events throughout Latinx/é Heritage Month, including the Heritage Month Munch & Learn: Latinx Heritage Month featuring Dr. Edgar Cota-Torres, Associate Chair of Languages and Cultures, and Dr. Edwardo Portillos, Chair of Sociology, who discussed identity by utilizing personal narrative to explain identity formation as a product of life on the Borderlands, and the importance of bringing those cumulative experiences to UCCS.
As CU celebrates Latinx/é Heritage Month, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where Hispanic and Latinx students can thrive. Through its HSI status, ongoing cultural events, community partnerships, and support programs, CU continues to create pathways for success and build bridges between the university and the diverse communities it serves. This month and every month, CU is dedicated to ensuring that education works for all, empowering every member of its community to achieve their full potential.