Kaila Williams
Staff Writer
University of La Verne students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the Fall Fiesta hosted by the Campus Activities Board, Shades of Essence and Latino Student Forum Wednesday at Sneaky Park.
The fiesta brought together and welcomed all students of different backgrounds to join in the celebration.
“It’s important to share other cultures and traditions with students,” CAB adviser Angie Anderson said. “It’s a great way to educate and at the same time provide a fun atmosphere.”
Anderson hopes that students gain an awareness and appreciation of other cultures.
The ladies of Shades of Essence invited students to their booth to break piñatas that were filled with candy.
“I’m half Hispanic. It’s part of my heritage and it’s something I should be a part of,” junior criminology major Ebony Fredieu said.
“I want everyone to get to know more about our heritage and this is a good cultural experience for everyone.”
LSF provided students with a photo booth and Mexican props to take fun pictures.
LSF also handed out recipes to traditional Latin dishes for students to recreate at home.
“It’s important to bring the Latino culture to campus because our school is made up of about almost 50 percent of Latinos,” sophomore business administration major Cynthia Ramirez said.
“We need to make them feel like they’re welcomed here and it is like a home to them as well.”
As of last year, La Verne was federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution.
The festivities continued with Mariachi Romanza, a mariachi quartet.
Mariachi Romanza entertained the crowd as they enjoyed fajitas and churros for lunch.
The mariachi played renditions of Spanish favorites, which included “Volver Volver” and “Mariachi Loco.”
Some students danced and sang along with the lively music.
Students of all backgrounds enjoyed the fiesta and appreciated La Verne’s effort of welcoming all cultures on campus.
“It makes more people feel at home,” senior chemistry major David Garibay said.
Junior music major Terry Dopson said he has a lot of pride when he tells others how diverse the La Verne campus is.
“I get a glimpse of how diverse our campus is and it’s something to be really proud of,” Dopson said.
Kaila Williams can be reached at kaila.williams@laverne.edu.
Correction
In an earlier version of this story, business administration major Cynthia Ramirez was misidentified as a junior. She is a sophomore. The Campus Times regrets the error.
Kaila Williams
