Students and faculty gathered in front of Susan A. Cole Hall at 11:45 a.m. to begin their procession toward the Student Center Flagpoles for the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month flag raising ceremony on Monday, Sept. 16. Students and faculty waved their flags as they walked through campus.
Students making their way to the Student Center, wearing their flags on their backs in unison. Herbert Rodriguez | The Montclarion Photo credit: Herbert Rodriguez
Once the procession reached the flagpoles, the ceremony started off with Latin American Student Organization (LASO) president Pamela Garcia introducing Montclair State’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Junius Gonzalez.
Students proudly gathered to take a photo at the end of the ceremony. Herbert Rodriguez | The Montclarion Photo credit: Herbert Rodriguez
Montclair State president Jonathan Koppell spoke about the theme for this month, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and how Montclair State would be working toward it.
“We’re going to shape the future of higher education here together, and what it is about is creating opportunities and building institutions where everybody realizes their full potential, and where everybody’s distinctive identity is seen as an asset and a strength, not as a liability,” Koppell said.
Following President Koppell, New Jersey assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez spoke to students about her experience as a first-generation student, while also encouraging students to push their boundaries and break barriers.
“I invite you to put yourself in an uncomfortable position and do it in spite of being scared,” Ramirez said. “Push toward your dreams, go to those places where you might be the only woman in the room, you might be the only Hispanic in the room, because there is going to be more of us at that table.”
Presidents from the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and the Dominican Student Organization (DSO) also spoke at the event, sharing their experiences and opportunities to educate others on campus.
MASA President, Nereida Delgado Garcia, gave students reminders when celebrating this month.
“As we celebrate this month, let it be a reminder of hard work, hope and tremendous pride,” Delgado-Garcia said. “Your current and past efforts of our ancestors, we are shaping the future together. A future that offers Hispanics and Latinos new opportunities, while allowing them to have pride in their heritage.”
MASA President, Nereida Delgado Garcia addressing the crowd. Herbert Rodriguez | The Montclarion Photo credit: Herbert Rodriguez
Dr. Katia Paz Goldfarb, Montclair State’s associate provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International programs, officiated the flag raising by calling President Koppell to the podium to formally proclaim Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at Montclair State. MASA vice president, Jonas Cruz-Morales, helped raise the flags.
Students were encouraged to attend a reception in the Student Center Room 411 after the ceremony. There, they were encouraged to enjoy food, talk about their stories and culture as well as share what Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month means to them.
