Activities will celebrate Hispanic/Latine contributions to the University community and to our broader society.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Sept. 23, 2025—Centenary University is marking National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15,  with a series of activities celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The events are sponsored by the University’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the Multicultural Club, Taylor Memorial Library, and Sodexo, Centenary’s food service provider.

            “Centenary University is blessed to have a welcoming campus community, built on a foundation of respect for all traditions and cultures,” said Devon Vialva, assistant dean of diversity and inclusion and director of the EOP. “National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich heritage of the Hispanic/Latine members of our campus community, reinforcing the value of sharing cultural identity and traditions to foster greater understanding, acceptance, and friendship.”

            Monthlong activities sponsored by Centenary for National Hispanic Heritage Month feature Sabor Latine, which spotlights culinary offerings from diverse Hispanic/Latine regions; upcoming meals, presented with dish origins and cultural notes, include Pollo Guisado at lunchtime on Sept. 23 and Carne Mechada at dinner on Sept. 30. In addition, monthlong displays include a Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit highlighting contributions across cultures to the success of Hispanic/Latine communities worldwide at Taylor Memorial Library and a display of wall art including flags, cultural facts, student spotlights, and world map pins in the Sunken Lounge.

            In addition, the University is hosting the following activities to mark the month:

• Sept. 24—Salsa Beginner Lessons and Social, Lackland Dance Studio
• Sept. 26—Tye-Dye Your Native Colors, Quad, 2-4 pm
• Oct. 2—Hispanic Fiesta, a celebration of Hispanic culture and identity through food and music, Ferry Hall, second floor, 8 pm
• Oct. 2-4—Sabor y Cultura: Culture Canvas, a display of student artwork and cultural artifacts, Multicultural Center
• Oct. 9—Film Night, Ferry Building Recital Hall, time TBD

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY           

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities. 

Contact: Kristen Volkland (201) 960-3102