More than half of UC Merced's population is made up of Hispanic/Latinx students. There is no shortage of ways for Bobcats to get in touch with their roots on campus, in the community and even around the globe.
Taste of Latinx Cultures
UC Merced Dining Services is celebrating cultura with meals that incorporate the tastes and flavors of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. University chefs have curated menus with familiar favorites from Latin countries including Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Brazil. Menu items include carne seco, crema huancaina, albondigads, carnitas, hilachas de carne, elotes locos, moqueca and much more.
To check out current offerings at The Pavilion and YWDC, click here.
Tune In!
UC Merced's Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month playlist is now available on Spotify. With the help of our Bobcat community, we put together a collection of soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics to celebrate this month and all year long.
Study Abroad
Become immersed in the culture of your family's native country - or discover a new one! UC Merced International Affairs offers opportunities to study abroad in various countries. Bobcats can continue their education in several cities in Latin countries including Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina and more. Visit UC Merced International Affairs at the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library to learn more about how you can spend a semester completing credits across the globe.
Get Involved
La Familia De UC Merced is a Latinx-serving professional organization that aims to facilitate personal growth and the betterment of the Latinx community. Members pride themselves in living up to the organization's name - being a family.
"Leaving home can be scary, especially when in most Latino cultures, family is the greatest priority," said Edwardo Aguilar, co-chair of La Familia de UC Merced. "If we offer anything to our members, a home away from home is what we are known for."
The group provides resources, support and access to an "endless network of tiosand tias " for all members.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) has a mission to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE provides members with academic assistance, professional development and access to a global network of Hispanic engineers, scientists and mathematicians. Members describe the organization as a familia that looks out for one another and roots for each other's success.
El Club de Español was founded with the intention of creating a space on campus for Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers alike to learn more about Español and each other's culture. Club organizers hope to provide members with a family-like atmosphere where they'll feel united in their cultural background without judgment. Weekly meetings are open to the entire Bobcat community - students, staff and faculty.
Hermanas Unidas describes its group as a welcoming and inclusive space for hermanas, or sisters, to be their authentic selves and navigate through undergrad and postgrad by empowering Latinx and Chicanx students to overcome any obstacles. Their three pillars are community service, academics and social networking.
"Hermanas Unidas has allowed me to keep in touch with my Latinx roots, while building and fostering connections with Hermanas," said Dileth Duarte, Hermanas Unidas co-chair. "In college, it can be difficult to build those connections with anyone because everyone is so busy and focused on school."
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) was established to foster the development of scientists from underrepresented minorities. The group is dedicated to promoting the success of its members in obtaining advanced degrees, careers and leadership positions in the science field. UC Merced's SACNAS chapter puts on workshops throughout the year on topics including traveling abroad, resume building and various professional careers.
Ballet Folklorico de UC Merced preserves the bright, colorful and rich culture of Mexican dance. The club caters to both beginners and more advanced dancers to prepare them for live performances at events on campus and in the community. Members perform dances from regions all over Mexico including Jalisco, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Veracruz and Baja California Norte.
