Galveston College concluded its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration this week with the college’s annual Fiesta on Oct. 15 which featured the Ball High School and Oppe Elementary Ballet Folklórico groups, and a featured presentation by one of the Ann McLeod Moody Women of the Year and GC Regent, Mary Longoria.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the U.S. annually from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the U.S.

While the ballet folklórico groups energized the almost 200 attendees at GC’s Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta with their vibrant regional costumes and music, Regent Longoria inspired current and future GC students as she told her story about growing up in the Rio Grande Valley.

The week before, GC hosted an outdoor movie, the 2002 film “Real Women Have Curves” featuring America Ferrera and George Lopez, on the Seibel Wing lawn.

GC kicked off the Hispanic Heritage monthlong celebration on Sept. 16 by co-hosting the Hispanic Heritage Month Extravaganza in collaboration with the Galveston Independent School District.

The kickoff event welcomed about 300 community members, GISD elementary and middle school students, GC students, faculty and staff, to the Extravaganza. The event featured a variety of cultural performances, food, music and a presentation by keynote speaker, Dr. José Luis Zelaya.

ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE

Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.