Members of the Victoria community are invited to join the University of Houston-Victoria in the festivities of the second annual Hispanic Heritage Month. Held September 9 through October 14, Hispanic Heritage Month will feature a variety of events celebrating Hispanic cultural contributions to the university and community. This year, these events include:

• September 9: Victoria Ballet Folklorico Recital, Victoria College Auditorium, 7 p.m.
• September 16: Ballet Folklorico Parade, downtown Victoria, 6:30 p.m.
• September 20: FAFSA Workshop for Spanish Speakers, UHV Multi-Purpose Room, 5:30 p.m.
• September 20: Art and Altar Exhibit Reception, UHV University Center, first and second floors, 6 p.m. (exhibit ongoing, September 14-October 13)
• October 4: Sabor de Mejico (Taste of Mexico), UHV Multi-Purpose Room, 11 a.m.
• October 6-7: “Las Nuevas Tamaleras,” Welder Center for the Performing Arts, time TBA
• October 12-13: Economic Development Conference, UHV Multi-Purpose Room, time TBA
• October 14: Mariachi Concert, VictoriaCollege Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

New to this year’s schedule of events is the mariachi concert. Two bands will be featured, Last Alteñas from San Antonio and Los Arrieros from the Rio Grande Valley. UHV added a parade and play to the roster of events through new collaborations with Victoria Ballet Folklorico and the Welder Center.

Throughout the month, students of Dr. James Holm will also be interviewing lifelong Hispanic residents of the Victoria area. Part of a project begun in the fall of 2005, the interviews will be recorded, transcribed and preserved for future generations.

According to Vic Padelford, director of international programs, the goal of Hispanic Heritage Month “is to make everyone aware and proud of the contributions of Hispanic culture to our area and, indeed, to all of Western Civilization.”

“We view these activities as a part of our efforts to reach out to and demonstrate respect for the larger Hispanic community,” said UHV President Tim Hudson. “We hope that familiarity with the university environment and an understanding of the assistance available will lead more Latinos to opt for the opportunities that only higher education can provide.”

In addition to UHV and The Victoria College, sponsors for Hispanic Heritage Month events include the Victoria Television Group, the Victoria Advocate and many individuals and corporations from the community. The four weeks of Hispanic Heritage events take about four months of planning and preparation.

For a complete description of each event, visit www.uhv.edu/latina or contact Cheryl Robbins in the Office of Special Projects at (361) 570-4311.