By: Natalia Minasi
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Natalia Minasi
Students celebrate Hispanic night in Miley
The Multicultural Student Organization hosted an ethnic flavored dinner in
Salve Regina University’s Miley Cafeteria in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The festival recognized the various backgrounds and heritages of Hispanic cultures through the selection of foods, the rhythms of music, fun fact table sheets, and posters. The majority of students were pleasantly surprised when they walked in the cafeteria and found a fresh fiesta-not the typical Miley dining. “I didn’t even know this was going on until I walked in,” said Allyson Neuror, a sophomore at Salve Regina University who attended the dinner. “It was a great, fun surprise for an ordinary Wednesday. The food was great and it was informative, too.” From the noise resounding by the entrance doors to Miley, most students had a reaction similar to Neuror’s, enticing others to join in the festivities. Sounds of surprise, including “cools” and “wows,” and other joyous responses to the dinner crowded the cafeteria with bodies. Students had a big selection of theme cuisine. Food on the menu called to mind images of Hispanic culture with Cuban sandwiches, chicken paella, rice and beans, and a nacho bar complete with salsa. The meal was complemented by the Spanish dessert flan. Music rang clear as the backdrop to the hustles and chatting of students waiting on the line for the food. Salsa rhythms and Spanish beats kept the atmosphere lively and energetic. Students thought more of culture and heritage rather than stressing about homework, one attendee remarked. On each table MSO placed cards titled “Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans.” These table settings gave the students something to read and learn. From Medal of Honor recipients, to stars of network TV shows like I Love Lucy, to Hall of Fame inductees, these famous firsts were a novelty for most students who were unaware of the accomplishments of many Hispanic Americans. Posters, tapestries and flags decorated the walls and windows of the cafeteria. Each represented a Hispanic country and recognized the different cultures of some foreign nations. “The signs and music added to the vibe,” said Chelsea Finn, a junior at Salve from Connecticut. She was surprised at how lively it was and that there were so many people but was happy people were enacting with each other in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Multicultural Student Organization is a club at Salve Regina University that seeks to “get Salve students to appreciate their own and others cultures,” said Aida Neary, advisor to the club and Student Advisor for International and Multicultural Programs. The purpose of the dinner was “to expose all students to different cultures while appealing to their taste buds.” MSO organized the dinner with the cooperation of Miley Cafeteria’s food services, Sodexho. According to The Library of Congress, National Hispanic Heritage Month runs each year from September 15 to October 15 celebrating the diverse backgrounds of many Americans who come from Hispanic countries or have Hispanic lineage. This year’s theme to the recognition month, “Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation,” was designed by Amy Shalom of the USDA’s Animal and Planet Health Inspection Service in Riverdale, M.D., earlier this year.
