University of Houston Celebrates Inaugural HSI Day

DSA News
October 14, 2024

On September 12, 2024, the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Committee, organized by the Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC), celebrated the University of Houston’s inaugural HSI Day. HSI Day featured a Financial Literacy Session, Together Thursday Breakfast, Coog’s Bilingual Voices, and the HSI Day Carnival Celebration. The day was centered around celebrating the University’s federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and fostered community engagement for all students while celebrating Hispanic heritage. It was a vibrant day filled with learning, fun, and connection.

A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as an institution of higher education where at least 25% of the enrolled undergraduate, full-time students identify as Hispanic. This designation recognizes schools that serve a significant Hispanic student population and fosters educational opportunities and resources tailored to their needs.

The University of Houston (UH) currently has a Hispanic student population of 33.6% and became a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2012. This year’s HSI Celebration marks the university's first-ever event of its kind, and plans to make it an annual, institution-wide celebration. While HSI Day specifically honors UH as a Hispanic Serving Institution, it invites all students to come together.

The series of events was kicked off with a Financial Literacy Session, which covered essential topics such as budgeting, savings, credit, student loans, and overall financial literacy. Aimed at empowering students and promoting financial independence, the session provided an interactive environment where attendees could ask questions and receive personalized advice from this year’s host, Frost Bank. Students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of personal finance and gain practical tips on how to prepare for their financial futures while still in college.

The HSI Day Carnival Celebration, hosted by CSAC and the HSI Day planning committee, was a vibrant tribute to Hispanic culture and academic excellence. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks, including empanadas and horchata frescas, and networked with over 14 organizations and departments in the room. To further celebrate Hispanic culture, a multi-talented DJ/MC/Performer/Speaker Johnathan Lajas provided lively music, and students participated in Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue dance lessons, creating a joyful atmosphere for all. Additionally, the room was surrounded by a HSI Day Gallery that celebrated student serving-ness by highlighting UH students and staff and working tirelessly to improve the student experience on campus regularly. Descriptions in the gallery included stories of perseverance, achievements, and their hopes for the university’s future as a Hispanic Serving Institution. “The gallery is made up of powerhouse people and it is hard to not be moved and motivated by the passion, dedication, vulnerability, and authenticity that is shared by the featured Coogs” said, Michael Crook, director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Community and co-chair of the HSI Day celebration.

The vast difference in stories alongside the common red and white visual highlights, the collective commitment we have to the institution and our students, and how we all can play an important role in serving our students. The gallery photographer was Victor Contreras from Close Your Eyes Photo. The inaugural carnival celebration brought together over 350 attendees.

“When I attended the HSI Celebration, I instantly felt a welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. The music, food, and activities were just a small glimpse of the amazing parts of Hispanic culture!” emphasized Angel Martinez, a Student Life student employee.

Coogs’ Bilingual Voices, hosted by the Department of Hispanic Studies, celebrated the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the UH community. This event highlighted the unique talents of students, professors, and staff who crafted stories, poems, and essays in both English and Spanish. This year, seven students from undergraduate and graduate programs presented their own works and/or pieces by authors that resonated with their experiences. Representing various Hispanic backgrounds, the students shared diverse perspectives on Hispanic culture, fostering a sense of community. The showcase was interactive, very engaging, and attracted over 30 attendees, bringing people together through the power of storytelling.

“I feel so lucky to be working with so many amazing people who were able to put so many great events together. I was especially excited to see so many students coming in and embracing different parts of Hispanic culture and celebrating others like themselves and not like themselves,” said Chelsea Martinez, HSI Day Planning Committee co-chair and Assistant Director for the Center for Student Advocacy and Community. “I’m looking forward to taking feedback from members and students telling us what they want to see next year, and hopefully making it even bigger next year.”

This year’s committee members made significant contributions to ensure the success of the event. The committee list is as follows:

Chelsea Martinez (co-chair), Michael Crook Co-chair), Dr. Paola Arboleda, Jorge Arellano, Yhoali Guerrero Becerril, Omar Castanon, Giselle Castro, Stephanie Chapa, Monica Floyd, Rowdy Fuentes, Ansel Garcia, Dr. Jennifer Glickman, Daniela Gonzalez, Dr. Elizabeth Goodin-Mayeda, Meli Iracheta-Guerra, Yunuen Avila Martinez, Brian Moreno, Dr. Ana Medrano, Shasha Misal, Geronimo Rodriguez, Jennifer Ruiz, and Dr. Jennifer Luna Singh.

If you have suggestions for next year’s celebration, would like to join the planning committee for next year’s HSI Day, please contact Chelsea Martinez at clmartinez@cougarnet.uh.edu.

Written by Meli Iracheta-Guerra, Web Project Manager & Diana Brix – Student Worker