Stony Brook University is celebrating its 35th year of Hispanic Heritage Month, a significant milestone for a program that honors the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and the world.
This year’s theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, reflects the spirit of progress that has defined the Hispanic community’s influence.
Since its inception at SBU in 1989, Hispanic Heritage Month has grown into a celebration of cultural pride, educational growth, and community engagement. The month-long series of events highlights the rich heritage and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latino Americans, who have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s history and identity.
Throughout the month, students, faculty, staff, and community members will gather for a variety of events designed to educate, inspire, and build unity. Highlights include an opening celebration, movie nights, and showcases of Hispanic cuisine. The month’s events conclude with the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on October 30.
Manuel (Manny) Cortes, director of Safety and Support Services for Campus Residences, will be the keynote speaker for the opening celebration on October 2. Cortes was born and raised in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, to a family of Puerto Rican descent. A first-generation college student, Cortes graduated from Stony Brook in 1989 and returned to the campus as a staff member in 1996.
Cortes is a two-time recipient of the Los Padrinos Award, given to a Stony Brook faculty or staff member that has contributed to the quality of life, educational growth, and development of Latino students, and who has also served as a mentor and guide in all aspects of student life. Now celebrating his 30th year at Stony Brook, Cortes will discuss the importance of family, and how the Latino community at Stony Brook became his home away from home.
Featured events for Hispanic Heritage Month include:
- October 2: Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Celebration
- October 6: Hispanic Heritage Month Mocktails
- October 7: Empanada Bonanza
- October 14: Encanto – The Sing-Along Film Concert
- October 18: Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Awards & Scholarships
- October 30: Día de los Muertos Celebration
For a full list of events, see the Hispanic Heritage month website.
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