As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, Ivy Tech Indianapolis is set to honor the Latino community's rich cultural contributions with various events designed to educate, celebrate, and unite students, faculty, staff, and the broader Indianapolis community. Running from mid-September to mid-October, the campus’ Department of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (D.E.B) will host activities reflecting the diversity and vitality of Hispanic cultures while fostering a more profound sense of belonging among Latinx students.
Jocelyn Euceda, assistant director of D.E.B., says Hispanic Heritage Month holds great importance as it offers everyone a chance to learn about and honor the rich diversity and resilience of Latinos in our community and the country.
“Throughout history, the Latino community has been a vital part of shaping U.S. culture and democracy,” Euceda said. “Today, we continue to witness the influence of the Latino community, which is one of the fastest and largest-growing underrepresented groups in the state of Indiana.”
Euceda says D.E.B hopes students not only engage with the programs but take the opportunity to learn from one another.
“Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where students can ask questions, celebrate their culture, and begin to cultivate a sense of belonging that D.E.B strives to promote on campus for all,” Euceda said.
Sanando Juntos/Healing Together
📅September 19 | 📍Multicultural Center | 🙂Students
Kicking off the celebrations on September 19, mental health within the Latino community will be the focus of the Sanando Juntos/Healing Together event on September 19, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Center for Intercultural Excellence in the Illinois Fall Creek Center (IFC).
This initiative aims to provide Latino students with a safe space to begin conversations about mental health and communal healing. In partnership with Ivy Tech’s Mental Health Counseling services, the event will utilize National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) guides to facilitate culturally competent discussions that break down stigmas surrounding mental health in the Latino community.
Book Club Meetings
📅September 20, 23 & October 4, 7 | 📍Center for Intercultural Excellence & Lawrence Library | 🙂Students
For those with a love for literature, Ivy Tech will host a series of book club meetings focusing on “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.
Meetings will be held on September 20 and October 4 at the Center for Intercultural Excellence on the Indianapolis campus at 4 p.m. and on September 23 and October 7 at the Lawrence campus library at 3 p.m.. These gatherings will provide a space for students to discuss the book's themes and share their reflections on the challenges faced by the protagonist, Esperanza, a young Mexican American girl.
In addition to the discussions, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) will facilitate a banned book activity, encouraging students to express their thoughts on the book's historical censorship. In partnership with the Library and Tutoring Services, this event will emphasize the importance of diverse voices in literature and education.
¡Presente! Visibility Festival
📅September 23 | 📍IFC Bowen Commons | 🙂Students, Faculty & Staff
The ¡Presente! Visibility Festival on September 23 will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the IFC Bowen Commons. This event showcases Latino students' significant impact on the Ivy Tech campus and the broader Indianapolis community. It will also serve as an opportunity for staff and faculty to learn how to make Ivy Tech a more welcoming environment for all students.
Attendees can expect to explore the history of the Latino community in Indiana, with displays featuring personal stories from Latino community members. Student organizations, such as Brother 2 Brother (B2B), Pathways to Careers (P2C) Camino Scholars program, and the Student Organization of Latinos (S.O.L.), will introduce themselves and share how they are working to serve Latino students better. Additionally, departments and campus resources will be available to provide information and support. Notably, Eli Lilly and Co. will be present to discuss apprenticeship opportunities and their programs on campus, offering valuable connections for students seeking career development.
Somos Ivy Tech
📅October 12 | 📍IFC Bowen Commons | 🙂Students, Faculty, Staff & Community
The celebration will culminate with the annual Somos Ivy Tech event on October 12, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the IFC Bowen Commons. This event is about community building, as Ivy Tech reaffirms its commitment to the Latino community by promoting higher education, workforce development, and other opportunities. It’s a chance for Ivy Tech to say, “We are here for you,” and to forge stronger connections with the Latino community in Indianapolis.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
