SXU Celebrates Latine Heritage Month
The Saint Xavier University (SXU) community is celebrating Latine Heritage Month throughout September and October with a variety of events, conversations, learning opportunities, and more.
Latine Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation began in 1968 as a week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning September 15. September 15 is significant as it celebrates the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
SXU is proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since 2014 and provide opportunities for growth to Hispanic students while celebrating their culture and tradition with the whole SXU community. Students have the opportunity to participate in building SXU's HSI identity and history through a variety of academic, cultural, leadership and other professional organizations.
"Latine Heritage Month is more than a celebration on our calendar; it reflects an important part of who we are as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It gives us an opportunity to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of our Latinx communities while creating spaces where our students and families can see their experiences and traditions reflected in the life of the University," said Imelda Macías, assistant vice president of the Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Ongoing
Latine Authors and Films
All month long, the SXU community can visit the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library in person or online to view a curated collection of books, films, documentaries, and information on cultural centers and museums around Chicago that celebrate the work and contributions of Latinx communities.
Latine-Inspired Food in the Diner
Every Thursday during Hispanic Heritage Month, the SXU dinner will offer a lunch option inspired by Latine culture.
September
Lunch-and-Learn: Moving Toward Servingness in HSIs 2.0 – September 14
This virtual workshop from noon to 1 p.m. for faculty and staff will discuss Dr. Gina Garcia's Servingness Framework and specific practices to move SXU to greater servingness.
Mental Health Lotería – September 15
Join us at noon in the SXU Diner Atrium for a fun and meaningful game of Lotería—with a twist! We're mixing traditional Latine culture with real talk about mental health. Come for the snacks and stay for the prizes. Let's break the stigma, one card at a time. ¡Te esperamos!
Latine Film Fest – September 21 and 28
Celebrate Latine Heritage Month through the power of film! Join us each Monday at noon in the Bishop Quarter Room for a cinematic journey featuring stories that explore culture, identity, family, resilience, and social change across Latin America and the Latine experience.
UndocuAlly Training – September 21
The UndocuAlly training, held at 11 a.m. in the Butler Reception Room, provides staff and faculty with an opportunity to learn how to better serve and support our students on campus and create a welcoming climate as dictated by our mission, core values, and the Sisters of Mercy's critical concerns. Please RSVP to salgado@sxu.edu to attend!
White Sox Hispanic Heritage Night – September 25
Join us from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rate Field for this FREE event as the Chicago White Sox host the Rockies. This event is open to students enrolled during the 2026 fall semester and includes round-trip bus transportation from SXU.
Mariachi Sirenas – September 25
Mariachi Sirenas is Chicago’s first all-women mariachi ensemble. With soaring vocals, vibrant harmonies and the exhilarating interplay of violins, trumpets, guitars and guitarrón, the award-winning group brings tremendous warmth and energy to the traditions of regional Mexican music. Join us at 7 p.m. in McGuire Hall.
Chisme con Conchas – September 30
Join Unidos at 1 p.m. in the SXU Diner to learn about ethical chisme and how chisme is rooted in sharing knowledge and community-building in Latine communities -- all while we enjoy warm drinks and delicious conchas!
October
Dia de Muertos Altar – October 1
Students are invited to help build the Day of the Dead ofrenda in the SXU Diner from 3 to 6 p.m.
Latine Film Fest – October 5
Celebrate Latine Heritage Month through the power of film! Join us at noon in the Bishop Quarter Room for a cinematic journey featuring stories that explore culture, identity, family, resilience, and social change across Latin America and the Latine experience.
Lunch-and-Learn: UndocuAlly Training – October 12
The UndocuAlly training, held at noon on Zoom, provides staff and faculty with an opportunity to learn how to better serve and support our students on campus and create a welcoming climate as dictated by our mission, core values, and the Sisters of Mercy's critical concerns.
El Gen Z Lotería – October 12
Join Unidos for a fun-filled game of Gen Z Lotería at noon in the Wiseman Student Lounge! Come for the memes, stay for the community. Snacks and prizes will be provided!
Latine Excellence: Siempre Pa’Lante – October 14
Come network with successful entrepreneurs, bloggers and influencers, politicians, activists, medical professionals, and more at 11 a.m. in the Butler Reception Room.
Latine Fest – October 21
Unidos is hosting its annual Latine Fest! Come to the Butler Reception Room at 11 a.m. to see what surprises we have in store for you this year while we celebrate the different Latine/Hispanic cultures that are part of the Saint Xavier community!
Dia de los Muertos Experience – October 28
Students, staff and faculty are invited to the Day of the Dead Experience at 5:30 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room to enjoy a special evening of music, stories, remembrance, food, and celebration.
"These celebrations are an invitation to the entire SXU community. You do not have to share a particular heritage to participate, learn, celebrate or connect with others. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when we come together around music, food, faith, art, conversation, and tradition and discover both what makes our experiences unique and what we share with one another. That is how community and belonging are built," said Macías.