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Nathan Henderson

Departments join forces for Hispanic Heritage contest

IAC brings together students through art

Two of Troy University’s departments joined forces for an art contest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month.


Hispanic Heritage Month takes place each year from September 15 to October 15 and recognizes the impact of Hispanic culture in America.


To celebrate, Troy University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures collaborated with the Department of Art and Design to organize an art contest.


The goal of the contest was to provide a platform for students to creatively express their unique perspectives while also promoting cultural awareness and celebrating Hispanic and Latino contributions to society.


“The competition became a powerful way to celebrate identity, creativity and the importance of a connected community,” said art and design professor Thiffany Belda. “The competition culminated in a beautifully displayed, vibrant, Hispanic-themed wall at the IAC Gallery, unveiled during this Thursday’s artist reception.”


Those contributing were competing for recognition of their artwork in the International Arts Center (IAC) and for gift cards to Rodeo. First place winner Kaleyah Gilbert was awarded a $50 gift card, second place winner Roberto Juárez was awarded a $25 gift card, and third place winner Alexis Phelps was awarded a $15 gift card.


The theme “Expressions of Identity and Community” inspired students to detail what Hispanic Heritage Month meant to them.


“My submission displays how I feel about Hispanic Heritage Month because it’s about understanding and appreciating the culture,” said Phelps, a junior broadcasting journalism major from Montgomery, Alabama. “Even if you’re not of Hispanic culture, understanding and respecting it can help you understand and connect with people who are of the culture.”


Contributing students submitted a variety of artistic creations including paintings, digital art, posters, screen printing, photography and original poems and short stories written in Spanish.


Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of World Languages and Cultures Dr. Kelly Suero oversaw the contest. She worked together with art and design professors Chris Stagl, Thiffany Belda and Will Jacks to gather student submissions, judge and showcase the winners in the IAC.


“For me, organizing the Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is not only about celebrating art, but also about creating an inclusive space where students from all backgrounds can express what Hispanic heritage means to them,” Suero said. “Art allows for personal interpretations of identity and culture, and through this contest, we highlight the diverse experiences and stories within the Hispanic and Latino communities.


“By offering this platform, we support our Hispanic students and showcase the cultural connections that make our university community stronger.”


According to Belda, this competition was a prelude to a larger future Hispanic Heritage Month partnership between the Department of World Languages and the Department of Art and Design.


The two departments are still in the planning phase for the collaboration but hope to create a more well-rounded event to spread involvement across campus and encourage greater student engagement.


“As for this year’s art contest, it was an important first step in strengthening the collaboration between the Department of World Languages and the Department of Art and Design,” said Professor Belda. "Events like this contribute to a more inclusive and enriched campus environment, allowing students to learn from each other and celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes up the Troy University community.


“Looking ahead, I encourage students and readers to embrace these cultural celebrations—not only as a way to reflect on heritage but also as an opportunity for growth, learning and building connections, while recognizing the unique value each of us brings to our campus.”

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