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Galloway, N.J. – For seven years, ��������app has launched a month-long celebration and acknowledgement of the many accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic communities, both on campus and around the world, through a flag-raising ceremony.

This year’s Flag Raising on Sept. 12 not only continued the tradition but also debuted a new flag designed to be all-encompassing of every Latin American country by St. Louis artist Jose Garza.

Prior to the new flag being raised, members of the Stockton community shared brief remarks that reflected on their lived experiences, the sacrifices made by their families looking for opportunity and the importance of celebrating the deep history, vibrant traditions and enduring strength of Hispanic/Latino communities.

Patricia Sagasti Suppes, the director of Stockton’s , told a story about three former students of hers, all representing different Latin American countries, whose experiences of living in the United States were all varied. To the crowd, she emphasized both the diversity of Latin America and the thread that connects them all.

“We talk about Latinos as if we were one group, and we're not. We're from many nationalities and from many different backgrounds,” Sagasti Suppes said. “We don't really all vote in one direction or another. We don't all have the same religion. We don't even all speak the same languages. So, what unites us needs to be that we are willing to be empathetic, supportive of each other and help each other.”

The flags (at half-mast for 9/11)

Edwin Feria-Serna

President Joe Bertolino

Jade Rojas-Munguia

The flag being raised during the ceremony

Christian Moreno Rodriguez, a 2017 alum of the Political Science program, said that it was “an honor” to be back on campus. Moreno Rodriguez, who now serves as executive director of of Atlantic City, encouraged the audience to not only enjoy the surface-level celebrations but to admire and honor the culture in all of its glory. 

“It is not only salsa and cumbia. It is not only tamales and pupusas, although they are my favorite,” Moreno Rodriguez said. “It is the poetry of resistance, the faith of our ancestors, the joy we carry even through hardship. It is the way we say to the world, we are here, we belong and we are not going anywhere.”

In his remarks, Stockton President Joe Bertolino reaffirmed Stockton’s commitment to honoring and acknowledging celebrations like this on campus.

“At Stockton, we believe deeply in the importance of cultural heritage celebrations, not as check-the-box months, but as vital opportunities to affirm identity, build connection and foster understanding. Because when we create space for culture, we create space for truth, for joy, for belonging.”

“That’s especially important on a college campus,” Bertolino continued. “Colleges should be places where every student can see themselves reflected in the curriculum, in leadership, in our values and in our celebrations. That’s how we build a community of opportunity: a place where every student, from every background, has the support to thrive.”

According to the director of Stockton’s Multicultural Center, Jovin Fernandez, who co-chairs the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, celebrations like these are primarily student-led and driven.

“We wanted to empower the students to lead and use their platform to amplify their voices and cultures during this cultural celebration,” Fernandez said.

Students Edwin Feria-Serna and Jade Rojas-Munguia served on the committee and opened and closed the ceremony, respectively.

For major Feria-Serna, this year’s celebration is a result of weeks of hard work and planning, and he’s looking forward to seeing Hispanic Heritage Month being celebrated on campus. 

“I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned,” he said. “We had a great opening, but the day isn't over. There's going to be a lot of community bonding, and I'm just really excited and glad to be here.”

major Rojas echoed his sentiments, adding that the opportunity to support the planning and execution of the ceremony and the subsequent programming throughout September was one that she feels will leave a lasting mark on Stockton.  

“This is our footprint. This is our legacy. And, like I mentioned in my speech, Hispanic Heritage Month isn't just our past. It's our present and our future,” Rojas said. “One day, we're going to be the history that it tells, and it's going to be Stockton's history, and we got to be a part of that.”

Following the ceremony, community members enjoyed food provided by La Cocina Latin Cuisine, played lawn games in front of the Multicultural Center and explored the many Hispanic/Latino student organizations, fraternities and sororities on campus.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally beginning Sept. 15. Programming will continue throughout the month of September and conclude on Oct. 15. 

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Lizzie Nealis 

Pan-American Flag Raised, Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month 

September 13, 2024 

Galloway, N.J. – “As a young Latina, I know firsthand the challenges that come with my role. There are times when my intelligence or abilities are questioned or undermined, but you know what drives me? My faith, my family, my colleagues, the role models at this institution who paved the way… and most importantly, you, the students. You all give me purpose.”

Ana Edmondson’s message on the importance of finding support and motivation in your community was emphasized throughout Sept. 13’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising in front of the Galloway campus’ Arts & Sciences Circle.

For six years, the Pan-American flag — which serves as the logo for the student organization  — has been raised to honor and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic communities on Stockton’s multicultural campus. 

Continue Reading | Pan-American Flag Raised, Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month