Hispanic Heritage Month is a month long celebration that begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. Its main purpose is to recognize, appreciate and celebrate all Hispanic and Latino cultures. 

Chapman University is a predominantly white university; nevertheless, the Latinx and Hispanic community has a strong presence on campus and has increasingly grown over the past years.

During this month, it is important to hear from students first hand in order to hear their perspective and whether they do in fact feel supported by the university and its surrounding communities.  

After attending the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Event, The Panther had the opportunity to speak with some students about their thoughts regarding Chapman and the Latinx/Hispanic community on campus. 

Analysse Macias, a sophomore creative producing major, shared her experience with the community on campus. 

“These programs allow a small space for minorities to thrive. I would say this area of Chapman, such as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and Student Center Chapman (SCC), allows inclusion for minorities,” Macias added. “Especially going to a predominantly white school, you take a lot of pride in who you are. I had a big role in the Latinx club in my high school and I know I take great pride in being Latina.” 

Sophomore health sciences major, Ebony Zavala, shares her experience with the Hispanic/Latinx community in Chapman. 

“To me it means a lot because coming to Chapman I was really scared that I wouldn’t find a community due to it being a predominantly white school but I really feel like I found my people and have a lot of friends and my support system that understand who I am,” shares Zavala. “I think Chapman supports me. Coming in I thought I wasn’t going to have a community but even the fact that there is a cross cultural center and we are here celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me.” 

Chapman has been providing special events this month to commemorate Hispanic and Latinx culture. 

Gabriela Castaneda, the assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and the director for Hispanic/Latinx achievement, shares her perspective on this month and the initiatives that the university takes for students. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a time for celebration; it's a time for all of us to feel more connected to the university community,” said Castaneda. “The events and initiatives during this month, such as the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, Meet the Hispanic/Latinx Faculty, Hispanic Cultural Cuisine, Rainbow Fiesta and community gatherings, play a significant role in enhancing our sense of belonging and cultural pride. These activities provide a platform for shared experiences, peer support, and the guidance of faculty and staff dedicated to our success.”

These events will be occurring the entire month of October and are open for all students. 

As a faculty member, Castaneda shares how the DEI department has changed over the past years.

“Over time, there has been a noticeable increase in the awareness and utilization of the resources available to students at Chapman,” Castaneda said. “The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and support services such as cultural clubs, first-generation programs and academic assistance have become integral to the student experience and have increased student traffic to the various offices.”

Chapman does offer different programs within DEI that offer students the opportunity to find and connect with other people that are from similar communities.