Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Fresno Pacific University

Each fall, our nation pauses to honor Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). It is a time set aside to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At Fresno Pacific University, this celebration holds special significance as nearly 60% of our students identify as Hispanic/Latino, and we are proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

For us, this month is more than a cultural marker; it reflects who we are as a community. The richness of Hispanic/Latino culture shapes our classrooms, our campus traditions and the ways we come together in faith and fellowship. As a Christian university, we believe that honoring the stories, identities and gifts of our Hispanic/Latino students, faculty and staff reflects the biblical truth that every culture brings unique expressions of God’s image and creativity.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to highlight the diversity and strength within our campus family while affirming our commitment to supporting student success. Through events, conversations and moments of reflection, we seek not only to honor the past but also to look forward to the leadership, service and contributions our Hispanic/Latino students will continue to make in the world.

At FPU, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with gratitude and joy, knowing that our identity as an HSI is not just a designation but a calling to embrace, uplift and walk alongside the community that makes up the heart of our campus.

This year, our celebrations will include:

• Paletas with President’s Cabinet
  • Date: Tuesday, September 16
  • Time: 12:15 p.m.
  • Location: The Forest
  • Free and open to the FPU community
• College Hour: Chapel w/ Oscar Merlo, Ph.D.
  • Date: Wednesday, September 17
  • Time: 10:50 a.m.
  • Location: SEC
  • Free and open to the public
• Lunch & Learn w/ Oscar Merlo, Ph.D.
  • Date: Wednesday, September 17
  • Time: 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: BC Lounge
  • Free and open to FPU staff and faculty
    • RSVP coming soon
• Fun with Folklórico
  • Date: Tuesday, September 23
  • Time: 12:15 p.m.
  • Location: WCAC Black Box Theater
  • Free and open to the FPU community
• Lotería Night
  • Date: Tuesday, September 30
  • Time: 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Campus Green
  • Free and open to the public
• Cafecito Conversations with Monarca (LSU)
  • Date: Tuesday, October 7
  • Time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Locaiton: SGA House
  • Free and open to the FPU community
• Hispanic Heritage Month Prayer Breakfast
  • Date: Thursday, October 9
  • Time: 8:00 a.m.
  • Location: Ashley Auditorium
  • Open to the public
    • RSVP coming soon