Together, We are More
This fall, our Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence hosted the New Student Fall Retreat, welcoming new students.
Each fall, as our campus begins a new academic year, we are invited to give thanks for the opportunity to learn, make new friends and work in such a beautiful environment. Fall is also a time to celebrate the rich traditions of Latiné history and culture. From September 15 through October 15, our community celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known by many as Hispanic or Latiné Heritage Month. The observance celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans of Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, Central American, and South American descent. This also includes Latinés of Jewish ancestry, who recently celebrated the 10 Days of Awe, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. First sanctioned in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson, National Hispanic Heritage Month was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 into the month-long recognition we observe today.
The dates carry deep historical meaning. September 15 marks independence anniversaries for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. We honor Indigenous communities, Spanish-speaking histories, migration, labor, scholarship, artistry, advocacy, and the many forms of leadership that have shaped Oregon and communities around the world. This year’s recognition theme, Together, We Are More, pays tribute to community strength, shared values and the collective impact of Hispanic and Latiné Americans. At the University of Oregon, we see this legacy reflected in students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who create spaces of connection, cultural affirmation, scholarship, leadership, and belonging. This fall, our Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence hosted the New Student Fall Retreat, welcoming new students of Latiné descent and other ethnic groups as well. We invite you to learn more about opportunities presented through UO Latin American Studies, our Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS), and the Latinx Strategies Group.
At UO, Latiné student representation has grown substantially, increasing from 1,165 students, or 5.0 percent of the student population, in fall 2010 to 3,992 students, or 16.3 percent, in fall 2025. Today, Latinx students are represented on campus at a slightly higher share than in Oregon’s overall population demographics. This is an important achievement, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure that our campus reflects the historical and contemporary impact of Latiné presence and contributions.
The latest in these efforts is a two-day action-oriented symposium on October 22 and 23 that will guide the University of Oregon's ongoing work to become a Latiné-thriving institution. We encourage all members of our community to take this opportunity to learn and grow together as we continue to build our excellent university community.
As we honor Latiné and Hispanic heritage, may we carry this spirit of learning, gratitude, and shared purpose beyond this month. Together, we can continue building a university where every member of our community is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.