By Amber Kennedy
In her first semester at Old Dominion University, First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D., will share a reflective and personal conversation with the presidents of the Latino Student Alliance and Hispanic Latino Employee Association on Sept. 24.
The event is one of several planned to mark Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates Hispanic and Latino culture on campus from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The month's events will kick off with "Storytelling Through Art," a presentation by Salvadoran American writer, artist and director Christine Sloan Stoddard at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Hampton/Newport News Room in Webb Center. Stoddard, founder of Quail Bell Press & Productions, will discuss and present a visual display of social justice, feminist expression and Hispanic heritage reflected in her art and storytelling. RSVP here.
The conversation with Dr. Rosas Hemphill is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 virtually via livestream. RSVP here by Sept. 20 to receive the link.
Dr. Rosas Hemphill is a strong proponent of providing individual students with global experiences and diverse interactions through a variety of cultures and languages. A first-generation college student, she received a bachelor's degree in international business and sociology from Cornell College, a master's degree in higher education administration from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and a doctorate in student affairs administration and research from the University of Iowa.
Her professional career has included appointments at Colgate University, Hartwick College and Northern Illinois University. Her scholarly research has been focused on college student activism, learning outcomes and first-generation college students.
Other events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month include:
- "In the Heights" Movie Night, 8 p.m. Sept. 15 & 17 in Mills Godwin Building: Enjoy the film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical about a New York bodega owner saving every penny to pursue a new life.
- Learn to Tango, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 in Student Recreation Center: Learn the dance of passion and love step-by-step with instructor Karlos Bermann of Southside Tango.
- Destigmatizing Mental Health and Creating Self-Care in the Latinx Community, 6 p.m. Sept. 27 (virtual event): A panel of Latinx therapists and counselors destigmatize mental health in the Latinx community and share ways students can welcome self-care through centering and grounding techniques. RSVP here to receive the link.
- Global Café, 11 a.m. Sept. 30 in Broderick Dining Commons: All Monarchs are welcome to learn more about Hispanic/Latinx culture and food.
- Zumba Ball, 4 p.m. Oct. 3 on Roseann Runte Quad: Enjoy a Zumba Power Hour of fitness and fun hosted by Jorge Rivera, Nichola Jones and ODU alum Travel Jones.
- Hispanic Game Hour, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in Webb Center Mane Hub Latinx Affinity Room: Enjoy an afternoon playing favorite Hispanic games, including La Loteria, Mexican dominoes and Latino o not?
- Adelante Dinner, 6 p.m. Oct. 9 in the North Cafeteria or online: This annual event brings together Latinx students, families, faculty and alumni for dinner and a roundtable discussion highlighting the experience of being a Latinx current or former Monarch. RSVP here.
