​In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is hosting a variety of events to celebrate the local Hispanic community.

"At Chandler-Gilbert Community College we value diversity and investing in the Hispanic community," said Dr. Linda Lujan, president of CGCC. "Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for our college campuses and the surrounding communities to come together and celebrate the Hispanic culture through a variety of family and educational events."

CGCC Hispanic Heritage events include an official kick-off ceremony, the Hermanas High School Conference, the eighth annual Garibaldi Night, the Chandler Mariachi Festival and Celebrando Nuestra Cultura. See detailed event information below.

CGCC Hispanic Heritage Events:

Hispanic Heritage Kick-Off- The Hispanic Student Organization (HSO) will officially kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month at CGCC during a student welcome reception at the Pecos Campus on Wednesday, September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center Pavilion. CGCC President Dr. Linda Lujan and other faculty members will highlight the month's activities and encourage students to participate in the cultural campus festivities.

The Hermanas High School Conference- CGCC, in partnership with Intel Corporation, will host more than 200 Latina East Valley high school students for Hermanas: Disena Tu Futuro (Design Your Future) Conference on Wednesday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the college's Pecos Campus.

Guided by the mission of increasing the number of under-represented females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the one-day Hermanas conference provides a supportive environment in which young women can interact with successful Latinas in STEM careers, explore technological careers, receive encouragement to finish school, attend college, and to pursue their goals. 

Garibaldi Night- Join CGCC in partnership with Chandler Coalition for Civil and Human Rights (C3HR) at the eighth annual Garibaldi Night, a free family festival celebrating Hispanic

heritage and culture at the Pecos campus on Friday, October 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event

will feature live music by Mariachi Fuego del Sol, Mariachi Viva La Mujer and Mariachi Los

Caballeros; folkloric dance groups: Ballet Folklorico Amistad, Ballet Folkorico Quetzalli-AZ and Ballet Folklorico Esperanza; arts & crafts and food sales.

Attendees will also learn about educational opportunities, financial aid, and other benefits at CGCC, as well as have the chance to win a $250 CGCC tuition scholarship. All funds raised at this event will support CGCC Hispanic-student scholarships. 

"We are thrilled with the partnership that C3HR has developed with CGCC over the years and the opportunity to produce local cultural events together," said Vanessa Ramirez, C3HR public relations director. "It is important to welcome Hispanic families and other members of our community to the college campus through this wonderful family-friendly event."

Chandler Mariachi Festival- CGCC is a sponsor of the 13th Annual Chandler C3HR Mariachi Festival, Chandler's signature event during Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, October 6 from 7 to 10 pm at the Chandler Center for the Arts. For ticket information call 480-782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org to purchase online.