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A pair of University of North Georgia (ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ) student organizations will be hosting events marking Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

Cadet Jonathan Rivera, a junior from Lilburn, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, serves as Latin American Student Organization (LASO) president at ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ's Dahlonega Campus. He served as LASO event coordinator as a sophomore.

"This month is about getting our culture out there and bringing people together to celebrate it," Rivera said. "We want to show them things about our cultures and our traditions."

Jesus Valles, a junior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing dual degrees in physics and engineering, is the Latino Student Association (LSA) president at ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ's Gainesville Campus after previously serving as vice president of outreach. With his parents being from Mexico, this month will be especially meaningful.

"I've always been culturally connected to my parents' roots with food, traditions and ethics," Valles said. "It's something I carry dear to my heart."

He is most looking forward to Fiestas Patrias, which is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Student Center and Volleyball Courts at ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ's Gainesville Campus. The event will feature various snacks and fair games.

"We're going to have fun talking with people about where they're from and getting to connect with fellow students," Valles said.

Both Rivera and Valles hope students will connect with their organizations throughout the academic year.

"We're here to spread information about Latin cultures and make sure people are having a fun time in college," Valles said. "It's a place where students can come to de-stress and connect."

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The month-long celebration originated as a commemorative week when it was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown.

The heritage month begins Sept. 15 to mark the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexican Independence Day follows on Sept. 16 and Chile's is Sept. 18.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 events

Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: LSA Fiestas Patrias celebration, Student Center Volleyball Courts, Gainesville.

Sept. 18, 6-7 p.m.: LASO Field Day, Promenade, Dahlonega.

Oct. 2, 6-7 p.m.: LASO Karaoke, Dunlap Hall room 211-A, Dahlonega.

Oct. 8, 5-7 p.m.: LSA Karaoke, Robinson Ballroom in Student Center, Gainesville.

Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m.: LASO Viva La Fiesta dance, Hoag Student Center ABC Rooms, Dahlonega.

Oct. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: LSA salsa-making contest, Robinson Ballroom in Student Center, Gainesville.