Illinois Valley Community College kicked off a food, fun and fact-filled celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15.

IVCC caps off the observance on Oct. 11 with a Fiesta and Game Day.

“These events help celebrate where we come from. I hope that to my peers and classmates these events are informative and meaningful as well as exciting and fun!” said IVCC student Ariana Benitez, president of the college’s Hispanic Leadership Team.

On Sept. 15, and Sept. 21, Mexican “abuelita” hot chocolate and sweet treats were served. On Sept. 27, Hispanic Leadership Team members treated the campus to a Latino-inspired cooking demonstration of quick and tasty recipes.

On Sept. 18, Hispanic Leadership Team members shared their heritage and customs. Guest speakers Roberto Carmona and Sara Dady presented. Carmona, an Illinois community college and Harvard University graduate and nationally recognized authority in leadership development and strategy, shares career advice and leadership tools. Dady, an immigration attorney from Rockford, presented myths, facts and recent changes in the national immigration system.

The game day fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, features Loteria (Mexican Bingo), and regional music, snacks and dessert. Entertainment begins at noon in CTC 122-123.

Nationally, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, a period during which many Latin countries celebrate independence days. IVCC’s event is sponsored by the IVCC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Hispanic Leadership Team and the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council.