Latinx Resource Center

Latinx Resource Center Open House
August 26
12 - 1 p.m.

Discover how the Latinx Resource Center supports student success through culture, community, and resources in an open house-style format. Join us for music, snacks, and meet the Latinx Resource Center team!

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off
September 15
12 - 2 p.m.
E Lounge Requested

Join us for the HHM Kickoff Celebration as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a live performance and Latin-inspired appetizers! Connect with Latino student clubs/organizations and find out how to get involved with Latinx culture around campus. All students welcome.

Legacy and Voice: Inspiring the Future
September 17
3 - 4 p.m.
D1496 Requested

Join us for a motivational talk that explores how voice, culture, identity, and purpose come together to create lasting impact.

Hispanic Heritage Trivia
September 22
1- 2 p.m.
Hall of Honors Requested

How well do you know Hispanic Heritage pop culture and history? Join Kaleidoscope and the Latinx Resource Center to test your trivia skills and win fun prizes!

Sweet Success: Treats and Scholarship Advice
September 25
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
B1240

Enjoy a variety of delicious sweet snacks while we walk you through resources and answer your questions in a relaxed, community-centered environment.

ALAS Scholarship Fundraiser
September 30

Visit Gracie’s burritos in Monee all day and show the fundraiser flyer to have 25% of proceeds donated to the ALAS Scholarship Fundraiser.

DIY Piñatas
October 2
2 - 3 p.m.
Latinx Resource Center

Make a mini piñata with the Latinx Resource Center. All materials provided.

Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Symposium
October 10
9 - 4 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Join us for the 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Symposium at Governors State University, celebrating culture, history, and community.

Undocumented Student Action Week
October 13 (All Week)
Latinx Resource Center

Stop by the LRC to learn more about the different Undocumented Student Services and about our Undocumented Student Ally Training (USAT).

Crafting Workshop: Guatemalan Worry Dolls
November 6
12 - 1 p.m.
Latinx Resource Center

Discover the tradition of Guatemalan worry dolls in this hands-on crafting workshop, where you’ll create your own doll while learning about the cultural story behind them.

Tu Puedes: Week Long Snack Stop
November 17
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (All Week)
Latinx Resource Center

Refuel at the LRC, grab a quick snack, connect with peers, and keep pushing toward your goals!

GovState is committed to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status. Contact the university's Undocumented Student Liaison to discover all the resources available for you.

Emmanuel Lopez
Email: elopez6@govst.edu
Office: C-2340

You can also visit our Undocumented Students webpage.

GovState also offers Undocumented Student Ally Trainings (USAT) to educate and empower faculty, staff, and administrators to better support undocumented and mixed-status students on their academic journey. These trainings are free and offered multiple times a semester. To learn more about the next training, please email Emmanuel Lopez at elopez6@govst.edu.

SOMOS the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) at GovState is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers Latinx employees. SOMOS's mission is to promote cultural awareness, professional development, and community engagement while advocating for the unique needs and contributions of the Latinx community. SOMOS strives to create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership, ensuring that the voices of Latinx employees are heard and valued within our organization.

Please email SomosERG@govst.edu to learn more.

The Greer Scholars Program at Governors State University is an exclusive opportunity for incoming full-time freshmen pursuing STEM majors. The program offers comprehensive support, including financial assistance, academic resources, and professional development. Eligible students may receive a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year (or $2,500 per semester), based on financial need.

For more information, interested students should contact Karina Hernandez-Cazarez at khernandezcazarez@govst.edu or call 708-235-7172.

• 1. Monarch Butterfly
• • The Monarch butterfly is often seen as a symbol of migration and transformation. It represents the journey and resilience of immigrants, especially within the context of North and Central America, where the butterfly migrates annually.
• 2. Worry Dolls (Guatemala)
• • These small handmade dolls are used to alleviate worries and fears. Traditionally, children tell their worries to the dolls and place them under their pillows, believing that the dolls will take their worries away while they sleep.
• 3. Condor Skull
• • The condor, being the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere, is a powerful symbol in Andean cultures, representing freedom, power, and the connection between the heavens and the earth.
• 4. Venezuelan Troupial
• • As the national bird of Venezuela, the troupial symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Its vibrant colors and melodious song are a source of national pride.
• 5. Rufous-Bellied Thrush
• • The national bird of Brazil, this bird represents the country's diverse ecosystems and natural wealth. Its song is often associated with the spirit of Brazil and its cultural heritage.
• 6. Scarlet Macaw
• • The national bird of Honduras, the scarlet macaw is a symbol of the country's rich natural heritage and biodiversity. It also represents beauty, grace, and the importance of conservation efforts.
• 7. Coqui
• • The Coqui frog is an iconic symbol of Puerto Rican culture and identity. Its distinctive call is synonymous with the island's natural environment and is a source of national pride.
• 8. Iguana
• • Iguanas are often seen as symbols of adaptability and survival. In many Latin American cultures, they are also associated with ancient traditions and the region's rich wildlife.
• 9. Tonatiuh (Aztec Sun Stone/Calendar)
• • Tonatiuh is the Aztec sun god, and the Sun Stone (or Calendar Stone) represents the Aztec understanding of time and cosmology. It symbolizes the importance of the sun in agriculture and daily life.
• 10. Petunia
• • While not as deeply symbolic as other flora, petunias can represent resilience and adaptability, thriving in various conditions and bringing color and beauty to gardens.
• 11. Marigold
• • Marigolds hold significant cultural importance in Latin America, especially in Mexican traditions where they are used during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor and remember deceased loved ones.
• 12. Plumeria
• • Plumerias, native to many tropical regions of Latin America, symbolize beauty, grace, and the tropical landscape. They are often used in traditional ceremonies and decorations.
• 13. Acoustic Guitar
• • The acoustic guitar is a symbol of Latin American music and cultural expression. It represents the rich musical traditions, from mariachi and flamenco to bossa nova and beyond.
• 14. Soccer Ball
• • Soccer (fútbol) is a vital part of Latin American culture, symbolizing unity, passion, and national pride. It is a sport that brings people together across different countries and communities.
• 15. Quetzalcoatl (Mexico)
• • Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, is a prominent figure in Mesoamerican mythology. It symbolizes the union of earth and sky, wisdom, and the cycle of life and death.
• 16. Olmec Statue Head
• • The colossal heads created by the Olmec civilization are symbols of ancient achievements and the rich pre-Columbian history of Mesoamerica. They represent power, leadership, and the legacy of early cultures.
• 17. Jaguar Aztec Symbol & Design
• • The jaguar is a powerful symbol in many Latin American cultures, representing strength, agility, and the fierce nature of warriors. In Aztec culture, it was also associated with the night and the underworld.
• 18. Avocado
• • The avocado, native to Central and South America, symbolizes fertility, abundance, and nourishment. It is an important agricultural product and a staple in many Latin American cuisines.
• 19. Lime
• • Limes are often associated with health, zest, and culinary richness in Latin American cuisine. They are used in various traditional dishes and beverages.
• 20. Red Pepper
• • Red peppers, particularly chili peppers, symbolize the vibrant and spicy nature of Latin American cuisine. They represent heat, flavor, and the culinary traditions of the region.
• 21. Nopales
• • Nopales, or prickly pear cactus pads, symbolize resilience and sustenance. They are a traditional food source and hold cultural significance in Mexican cuisine and folklore.
• 22. Taco
• • The taco is an iconic symbol of Mexican cuisine and culture. It represents the diversity and richness of Mexican food traditions and the ingenuity of combining simple ingredients into a beloved dish.
• 23. Hand Peace Sign
• • Like in many parts of the world, the hand peace sign in Latin America is a symbol of peace, harmony, and unity. It is often used in contexts promoting non-violence and reconciliation.