Hispanic Heritage Month Takes on New Meaning This Year with UMHB's Recent HSI Designation

BELTON, Texas- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's (UMHB) 9^th Annual Latino Fest is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Fiesta en la Calle event is hosted by UMHB's Kingdom Diversity Office and Hispanic Student Association (HSA). This year's event will celebrate the university's recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which means that one in four students identify as Hispanic or Latin at UMHB.

"Our new HSI Designation confirms that we're embracing what it means to be a multicultural campus, and it opens the doors to expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic and Latin populations at this great university," says Dr. Brandon Skaggs, UMHB's Vice President for Student Life.

The Department of Education recently designated UMHB as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a milestone indicating the institution has reached 25 percent Hispanic enrollment. UMHB joins an elite group of colleges and universities, enrolling two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates in the United States, driving the growth of Hispanics in the workforce, who are projected to account for 78 percent of new workers between 2020 and 2030. The designation provides programs and initiatives to students annually, bringing together more than 700 participants from across the United States and Puerto Rico for workshops, networking opportunities, and professional development.

Dr. Sanfrená Britt, Director of UMHB's Kingdom Diversity Office, states, "UMHB has always been a campus that embraces its student body with the love of Christ. At UMHB, our students get the influence of the Christian faith while pursuing their education in a place where their culture is celebrated. We demonstrate our eagerness to learn and share each culture represented on campus through our many cultural awareness events. ¡Bienvenidos! ¡Únete a la celebración!"

The Fiesta en la Calle begins at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn at Luther Memorial and will include dancing, food vendors, games, face painting, and photo opportunities. The event will also feature special performances by Guzman Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi Arriago de America.

"This event celebrates the diversity of UMHB's student body," says Dr. Karla Gonzalez, UMHB Spanish professor and HSA sponsor. "It honors the Hispanic culture and history so our students can proudly embrace their heritage."

To learn more, follow @kingdom_diversity_ on Instagram.