The President's Commission on Diversity

Celebrating Hispanic and Latino Cultures in the US and Abroad

September 15 through October 15, PSU celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events that recognize the cultures, contributions, and histories of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States and abroad.

Friday, September 16, 1:25–2:15 p.m.
“Pura Vida” presentation on Costa Rica and its people
Hyde 120
Presenter: Lauren Bergeron
Come experience the excitement of being a PSU student in Costa Rica. Learn about Costa Rica’s natural wonders, feel the hospitality and generosity of the local “ticos,” and taste some of the local Costa Rican cuisine.
Free and open to the public.

Sunday, September 18 (and through the end of the semester), 7–8 p.m.
Salsa lessons
Aerobic Fitness Room
Dance to Latin music rhythms. Salsa instructor Juli Pruden will give a short demonstration prior to the live music dance. Join us!
For further information please contact Dr. José Gonzalez at jhgonzalez@plymouth.edu.

Wednesday, September 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
Cultural Contradictions:  Zoot Suit Riots and the Patriotic Unity of WWII
Hyde 120
Presenter: Dr. John Krueckeberg

WWII presented opportunities and obstacles for Americans striving to experience equality. Although Mexican Americans supported their country in times of war, their country did not always support them; nowhere was this more clear than in the famous Zoot Suit riots of 1943. A PBS documentary of this event will be shown, introduced by a short presentation contextualizing the riots in light of the strides LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) made for bringing equality to Hispanic citizens of the United States.

Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Wilson García at wagarcia@plymouth.edu.

Friday, September 23, 1:25–2:15 p.m.
The Nicaragua–New Hampshire Connection
Hyde 120
Presenters: Sarah Brennan and Zachariah Goldenberg
Learn all about the summer service trip of the Nicaraguan Club in Managua and La Paz (Nicaragua). As one club member commented: “This trip allows us to not only to gain a different perspective of the world we live in, but also to share all that we have and bring so much from our small town in New Hampshire.”
Free and open to the public.
For further information please Eric Cintrón at eocintron@mail.plymouth.edu.

Wednesday, September 28, 9–10:30 a.m.
International Coffee Tasting
HUB Fireplace Lounge
Awaken your taste buds to the different blends of coffee from around the Spanish-speaking world. Learn the proper coffee-tasting procedure as you try some of the most popular coffee exports from places such as Colombia, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico!
Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Eric Cintrón at eocintron@mail.plymouth.edu.

Thursday, September 29, 6:30–8 p.m.
“May I Speak?” documentary and discussion
Hyde 220
Presenter: Edgar Ochoa
This documentary offers a snapshot of Venezuela beginning its ninth year under Chavez; a valuable launching point from which its audience will more aptly understand the current state of Venezuela and its president, Hugo Chavez. It offers a unique and intriguing insight to the role of pluralism and dialogue not just in the realm of Venezuelan politics but also that of global relations (source: Documentary Sol Productions).
Q &A will follow the film.
Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Wilson García at wagarcia@plymouth.edu. 

Wednesday, October 5, 12:05–1:15 p.m.
Dominoes Tournament
HUB Fireplace Lounge
Learn how to play one of the most common games played at the “plazas” in Latin America! Then compete in pairs for the grand prize. Capicu!
Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Dr. José Gonzalez at jhgonzalez@plymouth.edu. 

Thursday, October 6, 6–8 p.m.
“Hurricanes and the Caribbean: Stormy Relationship” Q &A to follow
Boyd 001
Presenter: Dr. Lourdes Aviles-Bramer
This presentation by PSU meteorology professor Lourdes B. Aviles will examine the science of hurricanes in the Caribbean, and ways in which they have been part of the culture of the region for many centuries.
Q &A will follow after the presentation.
Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Wilson García at wagarcia@plymouth.edu. 

Wednesday, October 12, noon–2 p.m.
Grupo Fantasia, Latin music and culture
Prospect Hall
Grupo Fantasia will give PSU students, faculty, and staff a taste of Latin music and culture. The band will interpret songs from the Caribbean and other parts of Latin America, including Cuban mambos and chachas, Dominican merengues, Puerto Rican salsa, and Colombian cumbias.
For further information please contact Wilson García at wagarcia@plymouth.edu. 

Thursday, October 13, 7–9 p.m.
Screening “Dangerous Living: Coming Out in the Developing World”
Hyde 120
Presenter: Dr. James Whiting
This documentary will explore the lives of gay and lesbian people in non-western cultures. We will learn the heartbreaking and triumphant stories of gays and lesbians in Egypt, Honduras, Kenya, Thailand, and elsewhere, where most occurrences of oppression receive no media coverage at all.
A discussion with refreshments will follow the film. This is a joint event with Queer History Month.
Free and open to the public.
For further information please contact Dr. James Whiting at jcwhiting@mail.plymouth.edu. 

September 15 through October 15
Students’ poster presentations
Lamson Library and library.plymouth.edu

September 15 through October 15
Diversity Window display
HUB Bookstore and plymouth.edu/diversity

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, President’s Commission on Diversity, Department of Languages and Linguistics, HUB Recreation Programs, Sodexo, Student Activities Office, and Lamson Library.