Classroom and Culture Come Together for Hispanic Heritage Month

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith brings Hispanic culture to life during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with events for the campus and community and in the classroom. 

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month will feature the return of the community-favorite Salsa at the Bell Tower, as well as kicking the month off with a brand-new event in collaboration with UAFS Athletics and the Campus and Community Engagement Office. 

Cristina Castorena, Hispanic Heritage Month co-chair and assistant director of financial aid client services, said college is a great setting to expose students to different cultures, not just Hispanic culture. She said when students enter the workforce, they will encounter people who don’t share the same culture and those who speak other languages. Experiencing different parts of culture in college helps students make future connections, Castorena explained.  

Salsa at the Bell Tower returns for its 5th year. The event first began with a budget of just $250 but has grown into one of the most popular hosted by UAFS all year.  

“It was a new concept that we didn’t know how it was going to look (back then),” Castorena said. “A lot of people responded positively about having a good time and enjoying the music, food, and conversations, that was inspiration to keep it going now for four more years.” 

New this year is the Hispanic Heritage Athletic Night on Friday, Sept. 18, to kick off the month of celebrations. The first 100 spectators will receive a commemorative UAFS-branded, Hispanic Heritage Month scarf. Castorena said, the scarf is symbolic in Hispanic culture to show team allegiance and pride, so what better way to blend that with UAFS Athletics.  

“If you know fútbol, which is soccer, then you know this game scarf means something,” she said. “I want people to know that this is the kind of thing you wear at games. This is the kind of thing that you have hanging in your office or even in your house that represents the team that you support. … ¡Vamos Lions!” 

By the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, Castorena hopes that the UAFS community and community at large understands the importance of celebrating other cultures and that at UAFS, even with various backgrounds being represented, everyone is here for the same goal.  

“We may look different, sound different, or even eat different food, but at the end of the day, we are all trying to cross that stage on graduation, receive that degree, and shake our chancellor’s hand,” she said. 

In the classroom, Dr. Mary Sobhani, world languages department head, said Hispanic Heritage Month promotes and celebrates the Latino demographic of UAFS students. Spanish courses in the department help interested students achieve a Certificate of Proficiency for Helping Professionals.  

“By preparing our students to work more effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals and families, this credential puts learning into purposeful action,” Sobhani said of the 9-credit-hour program. “It also reflects UAFS’ commitment to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the language, culture, and countless contributions of our Hispanic community. We are not simply teaching Spanish, we are using language education to help build a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive community.”  

A full schedule of events is below: 

Hispanic Heritage Athletic Night 

Friday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m., at the Stubblefield Center 

The first 100 spectators will receive a commemorative scarf before cheering on UAFS Volleyball. 

Salsa at the Bell Tower 

Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6-9 p.m., on the UAFS Bell Tower Plaza 

There will be free dance instructions and food, plus two scholarship giveaways. The event is co-sponsored by Dustin Booth State Farm Insurance and UAFS Alumni. 

Family Game Night 

Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6-8 p.m., in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room 

Free food and games for all ages, including a UAFS lotería, or UAFS-themed bingo. Sponsored by UAFS Alumni. 

Wear Your Hispanic Heritage Photo 

Thursday, Oct. 15, at 12:30 p.m., on the UAFS Bell Tower Plaza 

UAFS students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their Hispanic heritage or country they have visited and meet up for a picture to end Hispanic Heritage Month with a smile. 

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• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Salsa at the Bell Tower