“Think about a world we can create for children that is about respect — one that celebrates cultures widely and provides a new curriculum where we open doors for people to shine,” said Cal State Fullerton President Ronald S. Rochon at the university’s Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration.
Community leaders, faculty, staff, alumni and students gathered at the Golleher Alumni House Sept. 12 to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community. The event was hosted by CSUF’s Office of the President and Office of Government and Community Relations.
“I want to acknowledge that these celebrations are important for all of us,” said Rochon. “We get to learn about history, culture and heritage. More importantly, we get to learn about how to respect one another.”
Student group Ballet Folklorico de CSUF captivated the audience with its performance of a traditional cultural dance. The dance troupe was founded in 2007 by CSUF students Christopher Sandoval and Michaela Kimball, with the goal of sharing traditional dance in a campus setting. Since then, the group has grown to more than 50 dedicated members.
Rochon, who grew up in the Midwest and joined CSUF in July as the university’s 10th president, applauded the students.
“I didn’t grow up watching this kind of performance in school,” he said. “This is unique — and special — to have the opportunity to celebrate openly, consistently and boldly.
“Everywhere I go,” he continued, “I keep telling people that this is not replicated across our nation. Cal State Fullerton is special, and my wife and I are thankful for the opportunity to serve this place. I want you to know that we are going to work hard to build bridges across race, ethnicity, culture and language. All of these aspects of identity are important and the more we collaborate with each other, the better.”
Cal State Fullerton was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education in 2004. Today, Latinx students make up 52.3% of the university’s student population. In 2021, the university was awarded the Seal of Excelencia for its leadership in engaging, enrolling and graduating Latinx students.
“I want to invite you to come to this campus as much as possible,” said Rochon. “As professionals within the community, we need your guidance and leadership. We have students who are amazingly talented and want opportunities. They want to work, build, execute, serve and create solutions for our nation and the globe. With your assistance and continued selflessness, this can happen.”