Celebrating CSUSM Latine Heritage Month
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ Latinx Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. The month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and diverse backgrounds of Hispanic-identifying people.
Kicking off the month with HSI Week Sept. 14-18, the rest of the month will include a broader lineup of events hosted by the Latinx Center. Together, these programs recognize CSUSM’s identity and responsibilities as an HSI while creating opportunities to celebrate culture, strengthen community, promote inclusive excellence and advance student success.
Everyone is invited to participate in CSUSM Latine Heritage Month events.
CSUSM’s Inaugural HSI Week
5th Annual Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Summit
Sept. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., USU Ballroom
This year’s summit marks five years of bringing together students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners to learn from one another, build connections and strengthen efforts that promote student success. The theme of this year’s summit is “Seeds of Servingness: Growing Together.” Nationally renowned scholar and educator Dr. Daniel G. Solórzano will deliver the keynote address. The summit will officially launch CSUSM’s first-ever HSI Week, taking place Sept. 14-18, featuring educational, cultural, and community-building events. The week invites students and employees to explore what it means for CSUSM to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
2026 Latine Heritage Month Theme: Floreciendo Juntos (Blooming Together)
Week 1 theme: El Jardin de Comunidad (The Garden of Community)
Floreciendo Juntos: Latine Heritage Month Celebration
Sept. 15, 5-8 p.m., Forum Plaza
Floreciendo Juntos serves as the official kickoff to Latine Heritage Month, bringing together students, campus partners and the broader community in celebration of the diverse cultures, histories and traditions of Latin America. The celebration features interactive cultural activities facilitated by Latine student organizations, cultural food, entertainment and community-building opportunities that promote belonging, cross-cultural learning and meaningful engagement.
Reflejos de Nuestra Gente: Latinx Center
Mural Unveiling
Sept. 16, 5-7 p.m., USU 3200
Join the Latinx Center for the unveiling of Reflejos de Nuestra Gente, a new community mural created by CSUSM alumna and muralist Sandra Carmona and inspired by student voices. Gather with students, campus and community partners for the unveiling, refreshments and a community mixer. RSVP: Latinx Center Mural Unveiling: Reflejos de Nuestra Gente – Fill out form
Week 2 theme: En Pantalla: Latine Representation in the Arts and Media
Canta, Mami!
Sept. 21, noon-1 p.m., USU 3200
Celebrate the voices that move us at Canta, Mami, an exploration of queer Latina artists in music, from icons like Chavela Vargas to today’s stars like Young Miko. Enjoy food, learn how these artists have shaped culture and representation across generations, then make your own ribbon creation while their music plays.
The Latine Lens: Framing Our Stories
Sept. 24,noon-1 p.m., USU 3200
Explore how Latine artists use visual art, music, photography and media to tell their stories, celebrate culture and challenge stereotypes. Then create a magazine-style collage that brings your own identity, community and vision of Latinidad to life.
Week 3 theme: Haciendo Historia: Making History through Latine Leadership
Abriendo Caminos: Creating space for Latine Leadership at CSUSM
Oct. 1, noon-1 p.m., USU 3200
Join first-generation Latine staff leaders at CSUSM for an open conversation about navigating new spaces, finding your voice and creating opportunities for those who come next. Come connect, ask questions and hear real stories about the many paths to leadership.
Week 4 theme: Hecho en Casa: Honoring Families in our Community
Cena familiar
Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m., USU 3200
Celebrate familia, comunidad and culture at Cena Familiar. Students are invited to bring their families and loved ones to campus for a special evening of food, connection and celebration. Gather around the table, meet other members of the CSUSM community and enjoy a warm night centered on the people who support and inspire us.
Entre Familia: Family Collage Boards
Oct. 8, noon- 1 p.m., USU 3200
Students are invited to create a collage celebrating the people, traditions, memories and values that make their families unique. Use drawings, words, magazine cutouts and stickers to reflect on what you love doing together, a tradition you cherish or something that makes you proud. Materials and prompts will be provided.
Week 5 theme: “Latina Foreva”
Cafecito con Pan: Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Viridiana Diaz
Oct. 13, noon-1 p.m., USU 3200
Join the Latinx Center for a special Cafecito con Pan featuring Dr. Viridiana Diaz, vice president for Student Affairs, as part of our “Latina Foreva” Week celebration! Diaz will share her personal and professional journey, her path through higher education and the experiences that shaped her leadership. Come enjoy cafecito, pan dulce and conversation with one of our campus leaders.
Chingona Fest in collaboration with the Women and Gender Equity Center
Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Forum Plaza
Chingona Fest is back with a vibrant tianguis (flea market) theme. In collaboration with the Women and Gender Equity Center, join us for a lively celebration of cultura, creativity and community. Swap clothes, make your own bouquet, create Latine-inspired crafts and enjoy free specialty coffee drinks from Tocho Café, a local Latina-owned coffee truck.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314