Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks off with Alumni Banquet

Goodwell, Okla.— Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated at Oklahoma Panhandle State University from September 15th through October 15th. To begin the festivities with a bang, Panhandle State will host a Hispanic Alumni Banquet at Hunny’s in Guymon on September 10th at 6:30 in the evening. All former Hispanic students of Panhandle State are welcome, regardless if they completed a degree at the university or not. As this is the First Annual Hispanic Alumni Banquet approaches, anticipation is high and excitement is palpable.

Teri Mora, the Director of Hispanic Student Services, remarked, “I am excited about bringing our Hispanic alumni together and to invite them to be a more integral part of what is happening at Panhandle State. I think they will be a tremendous resource for us as we look at how to better serve our Hispanic population, both on campus and in the community.”

An attending alumnus can expect to hear about updates at the school from the university’s executives as well as have the opportunity to give input on HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) plans. Individuals can also be sure to anticipate networking with others and opportunities to be involved in mentoring present students while they dive into Hunny’s BBQ catering.

Following the banquet, Panhandle State’s Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) will be doing face painting at the Guymon FIESTA Celebration on September 16th from 3 to 8 in the evening. It will be hosted on 5th and Main Street, where the university will celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month by presenting the FIESTA king and queen with scholarships.

Panhandle State will have the honor of celebrating Hispanic Serving Institutions week from the 17th to the 21st as Oklahoma’s first HSI. Local excitement has been well-received at the school for the opportunity to showcase the culture of the Hispanic community, not to mention HALO’s famous taco sale. The festival will be taking place at Panhandle State’s Plaza on September 26th from 11 to 2 in the afternoon.

As the month continues, so do the traditions. Libros y Cine will be hosted in the McKee Library at 1 p.m. on September 29th and is open to the community’s kids. Children will get to hear stories in Spanish and then will be invited to watch the movie “Coco”. October 3rd will bring Mexican baked goods into the Student Union Building on Panhandle State’s campus. Churros, buñuelos, tres leches cake and more will be offered at the bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A community favorite will return again this year! Noche de Gala is a way to showcase all that the students have done to celebrate the Hispanic community and will be hosted in the Panhandle State Ballroom the evening of October 23rd at 6:30. Join the fun for an evening of food and entertainment!

Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month is the Hispanic Leadership Day, where Hispanic high school students will be invited to learn about opportunities for leadership and careers. There will be a special guest speaker and it will last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.