Engaging the Community: Pikes Peak State College’s First Hispanic Heritage Festival Highlights Opportunities for All. 

September 30, 2023 – Colorado Springs – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is thrilled to announce their inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival, taking place on Friday, Oct. 13 from 11 am to 3 pm in the Grove and Courtyard of its Centennial Campus, 5675 South Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs. 

With sponsorship from the college’s esteemed Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and the Pikes Peak State College Office of Equity and Inclusion, this festival is a free event. PPSC welcomes the public of all ages and the media to join students, faculty, and staff for this vibrant occasion. 

“This Hispanic Heritage Festival is not just a day of celebration, but a statement. A statement that says, no matter where you’re from or where you’re headed, you belong at Pikes Peak,” says Pikes Peak PTK Chapter President and event coordinator Hitcel Hernandez. “At Phi Theta Kappa, we believe in the power of community and education. This festival embodies our mission to bring people together in celebration and learning.” 

Reflecting the diverse student body, with Hispanics making up 24% of PPSC’s population, the college is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and actively champions the success of its Hispanic/Latino students as it moves forward to become a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

Dr. Enrique Romo, Pikes Peak State College Vice President of Student Experience, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, says, “It’s an honor to stand beside Phi Theta Kappa and the wider community in making this festival come to life. It represents the fusion of culture, education, and community—values at the heart of PPSC.” 

The festival is not merely a celebration but a gesture of acknowledgment and appreciation. It shines a spotlight on the rich histories, diverse cultures, and the invaluable contributions made by American citizens with roots tracing back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the larger regions of Central and South America. 

Attendees can look forward to: 

• Electrifying live performances by “La Illucion Norteña Oficial” and the captivating dance routines of “Grupo Folklorico Del Pueblo.”
• A delicious lunch spread by “3 Margaritas” showcasing a plethora of traditional Mexican delicacies, from hearty tacos to enchiladas. The college will also be serving Mexican desserts like churros and Tostilocos. There will be food for 200 people so come early.
• Information booths emphasizing PPSC’s commitment to community growth. Here, visitors can acquire details about the institution’s educational pathways, catering to individuals regardless of their residence status. 

Join us in this cultural mosaic, savor delectable cuisine, sway to soulful music, and discover the myriad ways PPSC is dedicated to nurturing every learner’s journey.