**For Immediate Release**
OPSU Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 09-15-05
by Teri Mora
In its desire to reflect the demographics
of the area it serves, Oklahoma Panhandle State University
plans to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September
15 to October 15. The theme for this year’s nationally
recognized event is “Hispanic Americans: Strong and
Colorful Threads in the American Fabric.”
FIESTA, held by the City of Guymon, gets the celebration
underway this Sunday with free admission and activities.
Join friends and neighbors in the Commercial Building
on the Texas County Fairgrounds from 2:00-8:00 p.m.,
and enjoy a variety of dances, games and arts and crafts
for children, a car show, and many other activities.
Booths selling food will open at noon. At 6:00 p.m.,
the FIESTA Queen and King will be crowned, and both win
OPSU scholarships.
Local elementary, secondary, and
college students may enter OPSU’s art contest.
Submissions should depict how Hispanic Americans have
contributed to American life. For more information, contact
Teri Mora at 580-349-1538.
On September 23, OPSU will host Latin
Fiesta with DJs Eddie and Ruben Cruz to encourage students
to experience Latin dancing of all types. The following
week, a karaoke and lotería (bingo) night will
be held. Time, location, and date will be announced soon.
October 1 and 2, OPSU will sponsor a soccer tournament
for all local teams and everyone is encouraged to get a
team together to enter the tournament.
The Humanities Department will sponsor
two events from October 4-6 in the Hughes-Strong Auditorium
foyer. One is a display presented by the World Lit class
and the other is a discussion/viewing of “Bodas de sangre” (Blood
Wedding). On October 12, we will host high school Hispanic
students on campus for an Hispanic Leadership Day and the
month-long activities will culminate in a “Noche
de Gala” event to be held on October 13. This event
will include a dinner and musical entertainment from diverse
groups.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates back
to 1968 when Congress authorized a proclamation to declare “Hispanic Heritage
Week” which was later lengthened to “Hispanic
Heritage Month” in 1988, thereby calling upon the
people of the United States, especially the educational
community, to observe such period with appropriate ceremonies
and activities.
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