The University of Central Arkansas will host several events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Mexican Independence and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.
The events are part of Arkansas Celebrates Mexico 2010, a partnership between the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, the city of Little Rock, the city of North Little Rock, the William J. Clinton Foundation, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and UCA to provide educational and cultural events recognizing the richness of Mexico’s history.
Arkansas Celebrates Mexico 2010 at UCA will include art exhibits, a guitar recital of Mexican music, and a soccer tournament.
“We look forward to sharing the cultural exchange between our students and the Latino/Hispanic community of central Arkansas,” said UCA President Allen Meadors. “It is important that we extend the importance of higher education to this growing sector of our Arkansas community.”
The goal of Arkansas Celebrates Mexico 2010 is to promote better relations between the United States and Mexico, said Manny Sepulveda, spokesman for the League of United Latin American Citizens Conway Council 759 and a vice-chairman of the bi-centennial celebration at UCA.
“This has gotten so much support that it has become a major event,” Sepulveda said. “This is going to be the largest event attended by the Latino community in the history of UCA.”
The university and the League of United Latin American Citizens Conway Council are committed to making the event a success, said Rebecca Gatlin-Watts, professor of management at UCA and chairman of the bi-centennial celebration.
“”We are excited to provide an opportunity that will increase the awareness of the UCA community and the Conway community about the Mexican Bi-Centennial and the rich Mexican culture and history,” Gatlin-Watts said. “The Mexican Bi-Centennial events also provide an opportunity for UCA to reach-out to the Latino community.”
Bi-centennial events at UCA are:
· Sept. 10 to Oct. 19: Riddick Collection of Mexican Pottery and Escuincles at the College of Business, third floor display case. The display is free and open to the public.
· Sept. 13 to Sept. 17: Public School Reading Program at public schools throughout central Arkansas. Children at ten different schools throughout central Arkansas area will be involved in the bi-centennial through reading stories about Mexican history and culture.
· Sept. 16: Mexican Food at the UCA Christian Cafeteria. A Mexican theme lunch will be served from 10:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. Faculty, staff and special guests may eat during lunch hours for $5 per person with ID card or by using pre-purchased meal tickets. The cafeteria will be decorated with a Mexican theme.
· Sept. 16: Mariachi Band and Mexican dessert at the University of Central Arkansas Student Center Commons from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. A traditional Mariachi band will perform and free punch and Mexican desserts will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
· Sept. 16: Guitar Recital of Mexican music and reception at the Snow Fine Arts Building. Smokey Emerson, a UCA faculty member, will perform a guitar recital of classical Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, and South American music. The recital begins at 7:30 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the recital. The event is free and open to the public.
· Sept. 19: UCA Amigo Cup Soccer Tournament at the UCA Soccer Complex on Donaghey Street. The event begins at 10 a.m. on the practice fields with UCA international students vs. Mexican men’s team and Mexican men’s team vs. Central American men’s team. At 11:30 a.m., Mexican women’s teams will play. A free children’s soccer clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. for children ages 5 and older. Children should bring a pair of cleats, shin guards and a soccer ball. The winner of the two men’s games will play in the championship game at 1 p.m. on the UCA game soccer field. UCA President Allen Meadors will present the trophy at 2:30 p.m.
· Oct. 5: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration featuring Al “Papa Rap” Lopez. UCA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the musical genius of Al “Papa Rap” Lopez, host of “What’s Up! Que Pasa.” The event begins at 1:30 p.m. in the UCA Student Center Ballroom. It is free and open to the public.
