Hispanic Heritage Month
Thanks to all who joined our annual celebration of U.S. Hispanic and Latinx communities!
Stay tuned for details about next year’s celebrations.
Purdue University Northwest hosts annual Hispanic Heritage Festival
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) held its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept. 22, a main highlight of the university’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
Homecoming Sports Fest
Celebrate with PNW’s Pride at the Homecoming Sports Fest at Dowling Park and the Kube in Hammond. Join us for food, music, activities, and more!
HSI Week Welcome Rally
Join us to explore and connect with the vibrant Latino organizations and clubs on campus. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow students, learn about cultural activities, and find your community. Don’t miss out on building lasting connections and enriching your college experience!
HSI Week HSI Plazita
Introducing HSI Plazita, a vibrant all-day event designed to bring Latino and Hispanic students together each month! Discover resources, enjoy games, and make lasting connections in a lively atmosphere. Be part of this exciting new tradition that celebrates our community and builds strong bonds on campus!
Brushes and Bites
Communal Group experience that provides the opportunity to get to know the Hispanic student body and their needs. We will offer an expressive arts exercise related to coping and provide the opportunity for community building over food.
HSI Week: HSI Panel
“We Are Officially an HSI, and Now?” is all about diving into what it means to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
It’s a chance for people to come together—experts, educators, and community members—to talk about what comes next, how to make the most of this status, and how to support Hispanic and other underrepresented students. The focus is on practical ideas for creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus for everyone.
HSI Week Celebration
The HSI Week Celebration wraps up a week full of fun and community honoring PNW’s new status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution! Join us on Founders Plaza for delicious food and a DJ to keep the energy high. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate Hispanic heritage, connect with others and enjoy the vibrant culture that makes our campus special.
El Grito
This is the 11th annual festival! Participate in our annual “El Grito de Dolores” and Piñata, Lotería, student organization info tables, photo booth, kids coloring table crafts tables, live mariachi music and Aztec dance performances.
HHM Kick-off Event
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us on our Westville Campus! The afternoon will be filled with music, food, games, and more!
Movie Night: Shrek En Español (Hammond)
Join us for a special celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of the movie, Shrek en español! We promise the Spanish version is hilarious! Come and enjoy this charming story that combines adventure, comedy, and a Latino-inspired popcorn bar.
Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
Join us for the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, a beloved family event filled with excitement and culture! Enjoy photo booths, live entertainment, a variety of vendors, delicious food and so much more. This cultural celebration is the highlight of our HHM every year.
Study Away Event
We will be tabling to highlight study-away programs going to Hispanic/Latin American destinations. The event will include meet and greets with program leaders and study away-alumni, scholarship information and giveaways.
Hispanic Small Business Expo
Discover and support local entrepreneurs at the Hispanic Small Business Expo! This event is your chance to explore a diverse range of businesses, connect with inspiring entrepreneurs and find unique products and services. Whether you’re looking to shop, network or learn, this expo is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and uplift our vibrant Hispanic business community!
Guest Speaker – Dr. Antonia Novello
Dr. Antonia Novello, the 14th Surgeon General of the United States, was the first woman and the first Latina to serve in this role. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Novello is a fierce advocate for youth, minorities and women, with prestigious roles at NIH and UNICEF. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from a groundbreaking leader who has made history!
Movie Night: Shrek En Español (Westville)
Join us for a special celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of the movie, Shrek! Come and enjoy this charming story that combines adventure, comedy, and a Latino- inspired popcorn bar.
“Somos Excelencia” Dinner
The “Somos Excelencia Dinner”, a special evening dedicated to honoring our outstanding students who have received a Somos PNW scholarship. “Somos Excelencia” awards will be presented to an outstanding student, staff and faculty member. Celebrate their success with a night of recognition, music and a fun photo backdrop to capture the memories. Come out and enjoy a night of excellence and celebration!
Dance Night: Salsa
Get ready to dance the night away at our Salsa Dance Night! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, come enjoy vibrant music, great company and learn some new moves.
Anything for Selenas
Join Unidos for Anything for Selenas, a fun-filled event celebrating the Queen of Tejano music! Enjoy a day of music, crafts and Selena-themed activities that all students will love. With exciting giveaways and creative projects, this event is a must for any Selena fan. Come out, have a blast, and celebrate the legacy of a true icon!
HHM Canvas y Cultura
Immerse yourself in creativity and culture at HHM Canvas y Cultura! This event invites you to explore and express your artistic side while celebrating Hispanic heritage.
Calaveras, Catrinas y Celebracion
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos at Calaveras, Catrinas y Celebración! This event brings the community together through vibrant art, stunning Catrina displays and creative activities that celebrate life and honor our ancestors. Experience the beauty of culture, connect with others and be part of this colorful and meaningful celebration!
Dia De Los Muertos 5K
Lace up your running shoes for the Día de los Muertos 5K! Join us in honoring and celebrating this cherished tradition with a vibrant and festive run. Enjoy and experience a unique blend of fitness and cultural celebration. All levels are welcome—come run, walk or simply enjoy the festivities!
Highlights from 2024
During Hispanic Heritage Month, PNW hosted a line-up of events to celebrate the diversity and richness of the Hispanic and Latino community.
These events were open to students, faculty, staff and community members to learn about and celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture.
Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to celebrate the diversity and richness of the Hispanic/Latinx community at our third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival!
Attendees enjoyed food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities at this year's Hispanic Heritage Festival.
A variety of local vendors attended the festival.
Sponsors
PNW’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month is organized by the university’s Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee. The committee plans events in partnership with other PNW academic and business units that celebrate the diversity of PNW’s campus community.
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity at oie@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.