This year, the Institute for Latino Studies proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary with three days of festivities from Thursday, September 26th to Saturday, September 28th. The celebration showcased the Institute’s dedication to celebrating Latino contributions and cultivating a thriving community at Notre Dame.
The celebration began on Thursday with a reception in the Julian Samora Scholars Lounge on the third floor of Bond Hall, where guests gathered for the unveiling of a commissioned artwork by Maceo Montoya and the reading of a commissioned poem by award-winning poet Brenda Cárdenas. Following this, Assistant Professor Emiliano Aguilar gave a lecture on the history of Latinos at Notre Dame titled Los Irish: Latino Heritage Under the Dome. His lecture, based on his summer research for Somos ND, a year-long celebration honoring the history and legacy of Latino contributions at Notre Dame, drew strong engagement from the audience with insights into the enduring presence of Latinos on campus.
As the evening continued, attendees gathered on Bond Quad for the SomosND fiesta, an outdoor event featuring local food trucks, traditional piraguas, and Latino student groups. Performances by Ritmo ND and the Institute’s introductory Ballet Folklórico class energized the 300 students, faculty, staff, and friends in attendance. The fiesta reflected the Institute's commitment to fostering a welcoming and vibrant environment.
A Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame (HAND) panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Carlos Gomez Meade ‘01, concluded Thursday’s activities. Esteemed alumni, including attorney Kelly Salazar ‘00, People and Culture Director Sandra Garcia ‘09, corporate executive Gregorio Arimany ‘01, and educator Blanca Ibarra ‘06, shared personal stories and professional insights. After the discussion, students engaged directly with the panelists during a brief networking session.
The celebration resumed Friday morning with a faculty panel on the current state of Latino Studies in Downes Ballroom. Distinguished professors Ricardo Ramirez (Political Science), Jason Ruiz (American Studies), and Anne García-Romero (Film, Television, and Theatre) held a rich discussion on the present and future of Latino Studies. This was followed by a luncheon and panel featuring Latino Studies Scholars. Students Jasmine Peña Ramirez ‘25, Angela Olvera ‘26, Anthony Banderas ‘26, and Ivan Turcios ‘27 shared their experiences as Latinos at Notre Dame, reflecting on the invaluable support they’ve received through the Latino Studies Scholars Program.
After the panel, guests enjoyed a special collaborative performance celebrating the long history of camaraderie between Irish and Mexican communities. Members of the Irish Tap Club, Ceili Band, Mariachi ND, and Ballet Folklórico Azúl y Oro came together to perform a song blending the huapango style with a traditional Irish jig, offering an exciting cultural experience for those present.
All student groups then led guests in a procession to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for a Memorial Mass in honor of Hesburgh Trustee and ILS supporter Ignacio “Nacho” Lozano. Celebrated by Fr. Joseph Corpora, C.S.C, the Lozano family attended and participated in the ceremony, adding a heartfelt presence to the tribute. Outside the Basilica, the student groups performed their repertoire for a larger audience as attendees gathered for the service, drawing applause and admiration despite the windy conditions.
Events continued into the afternoon at McKenna Hall, where past and present directors of the Institute, joined by alumni of the Latino Studies academic program, engaged in conversation on the Institute’s profound impact. Dr. Karen Richman, Director of Undergraduate Studies, provided insights on the program’s evolution, offering reflective and forward-looking perspectives on the Latino Studies academic program.
Friday evening concluded with a private dinner and awards ceremony, followed by a public celebration featuring a live performance by Dos Santos, whose lead singer, Professor of Anthropology and ILS affiliate Alex Chavez, closed the day with a fusion of Latin sounds.
The weekend wrapped up with a lively tailgate hosted by trustee Arthur Velasquez’s family, before the Notre Dame-Louisville game, where Mariachi ND once again set a festive atmosphere in anticipation of the victory against the Cardinals.
Reflecting on the celebration, Institute Director Professor Luis Fraga emphasized the Institute’s mission, “Notre Dame, through the Institute for Latino Studies, made a commitment 25 years ago to make sure that it always was going to be a place that was at the forefront of the best research, teaching, and service with a clear understanding of the role of Latino communities.” His words underscore the Institute’s ongoing dedication to deepening understanding of Latinos and empowering faculty, students, and society.
The 25th-anniversary commemoration serves as a testament to the Institute’s achievements in building a robust Latino Studies program, recruiting distinguished faculty, fostering impactful student experiences, and forming meaningful partnerships with Latino-serving organizations.
We are deeply grateful for the support that has brought us to this milestone and look forward to continuing this vital work.
