A Hispanic-Serving Institution is an institution of higher education with a full-time enrollment of at least 25 percent Hispanic students.

Throughout the month, SCCC Student Life and other campus organizations will be holding cultural events and activities, including a soccer kick-off, loteria and burritos, a voter registration drive, a Hispanic-themed open mic event and mockaritas and tacos.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

List of events: (subject to change)

SOCCER KICK-OFF

Sept. 16

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Center Courtyard/Student Union

Aguas frescas until we run out!

VOTER REGISTRATION

Sept. 15-16

Sept. 15

8:30 a.m. – noon

Hobble Bldg.

Sept. 16

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Student Union

HALO MOVIE NIGHT

Sept. 22

Time: 5 p.m.

Student Union, SU 214

LOTERÍA & BURRITOS

Sept. 23

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Student Union

Burritos until we run out!

JALAPEÑO-EATING CONTEST

Oct. 1

Time: 12 noon

Student Union

Churros served while supplies last!

K-STATE ENCUENTRO

Oct. 4-5

Open to all SCCC students

Contact HALO sponsor Frances Brown @ (620) 417-1300.

MOCKARITAS & TACOS

Oct. 14

11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Center Courtyard/Student Union

LLAMA & TACO TREASURE HUNT

ALL CAMPUS, ALL MONTH

Search for five, prize-stuffed mini piñatas hidden across Saints land!