Stockton University began its eventful month of celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, September 13, 2024, when the student-led organization, Los Latinos Unidos held their annual flag raising event to kick-start the beginning of cultural appreciation.

At 12:30 p.m., over 50 attendees gathered in front of the Arts and Sciences building to watch LLU’s Electoral Board and several faculty and staff members share personal stories about what it means to be hispanic, first-generation, and a low-income college student. President of LLU Juan Diego Chaparro Villarreal and Student Senate president Andrea Sandoval shared their personal stories about their experiences leading up to where they are standing now. Chaparro Villarreal shared his experience with immigrating to the United States and working his way through school in a new country and learning English. He also discussed the hardships he faced being undocumented while attending his first semesters in college.

Sandoval shared her experiences of growing up as a low-income, first generation student. She shared her experience of what it was like to grow up in an area that is not predominantly Latino, in addition to leveraging programs like the Free & Reduced Lunch Program and the SAT test waivers for her benefit to get her through school. Nelida Valentin, Chairperson of Stockton’s Board of Trustees, then spoke on her experience being a Latina growing up and entering the professional world. She expressed the difference in size the Latino community at Stockton was then compared to now. Michelle Puerta, Admissions Recruiter and LLU club advisor, also shared how important having a community to lean on as well as providing that mentorship and support for others. 

Dr. Ana Edmondson, Assistant Vice President of Student Transitions, Access, and Retention Programs, shared a passionate, heart-felt, and tear jerking speech. She touched upon her experience being a Latina and finding her way through the educational and professional world, but also the driving force behind her work here at Stockton. Dr. Edmondson stated that the students at Stockton University give her a purpose. When interviewed, Dr. Edmondson shared that she is proud of where Stockton stands today, and that she has never been to a university that had a program like this. She expressed that she felt empowered as a Latina, and felt that this flag raising was just one of the many traditions at Stockton that is different from what other universities have to offer.

With that being said Dr. Edmondson knows that there is always room for improvement and plans to advocate for more programs, services, and resources that impact not only the Latino community, but all students at Stockton. According to Dr. Edmondson, Stockton University’s Latino enrollment has increased by 4% since 2020, which would signify that the percentage of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino to 19% in 2024. The event concluded with the flag being raised by LLU’s electoral board and advisor, as well as Stockton student, Genesis Rincon, who stood at the podium and sang for the audience. 

The event then transitioned over to the Multicultural Center to enjoy music & performances, as well as food catered by La Cocina Latino Cuisine in Pennsauken. At 1:30 p.m., dozens of students & staff began lining up outside of the Multicultural Center courtyard to get a plate of delicious authentic latino cuisine. Music was being blasted & the sun was shining. Pins & bracelets were being handed out to all attendees as souvenirs to remember this wonderful event.

Furthermore, Stockton University’s UNIDOS, a faculty and staff council created to expand the presence of Latinx and Hispanic heritage and culture on campus, held its first event for the semester, “Escaleras, The Climb” on September 19, 2024. Here, UNIDOS featured five Stockton alumni as well as two current students who spoke to students about their experiences being a Latinx professional in their field, as well as inspiring and motivating students to keep pushing towards graduation. Panelists went into depth about their struggles and their tribulations while getting through college and higher education.

Student panelist, Juan Diego Chaparro Villarreal, gave an insightful answer on his experience advocating for himself, stating, “I’ve had to scream for everything I’ve had or everything I’ve ever wanted.”Giovanni Molina inspired students and motivated them to continue working towards their degree with the words, “Keep your feet moving and you’ll get to the finish.” Heather Medina, Director of Admissions, believes programs like the one that was held that evening represent an opportunity for students at Stockton to see themselves in the future. These networking & internship opportunities will give students an ease to know that the future is theirs to grab. The event concluded with a dinner lined up with several different Latino cuisines, including empanadas as well as a tres leches cake. Several attendees had meaningful discussions with the panelists as well as networked during the social hour.

To find more events celebrating Hispanic Heritage month, be sure to check out OspreyHub.