Over the coming term, InterCultural Student Initiatives will hold events for the College community.
Hispanic Culture Teaching and Learning Celebration
2025
“Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” is an opportunity to recognize and learn about the history, journeys, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latine American communities while spotlighting the unique voices and experiences of those who continue to pioneer change and shape the future. According to the Pew Research Center, the US Hispanic/Latine population reached 63.6 million in 2022, up from 50.5 million in 2010. In 2022, Hispanics/Latines made up nearly one in five people in the United States (19 percent), up from 16 percent in 2010 and just 5 percent in 1970.
Events, descriptions and locations subject to change pending current construction conditions. Refer to the Events Calendar listed at the bottom of this page.
Photo Exhibit: Power from the Past – Hope for the Future
Runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31 in the SRC Corridor, directly across from the Bookstore
Explore and engage in images and captions from past to present day stories, struggles and accomplishments that recognize Hispanic Culture. See a few familiar images and new historical aspects of Collective Hispanic Heritage.
For further discussion regarding the images email Intercultural@cod.edu.
2025 Expressions Competition
Open to enrolled COD students only. Submittals due by Friday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.
Guided a person, place or event representing Hispanic Culture, students are invited to submit an essay, a story, a piece of art, music, video, poetry, or any other form of expression. The top three submittals will be awarded and their selections will be featured in the HUB (SSC 1138) for an entire month.
Criteria
Your expression will be evaluated based on its authentic impact and on how well it expresses your chosen content. The judging will not be objective – impress us with your knowledge, insight and ability to communicate ideas and feelings.
Submissions
Submit your original work in any format (i.e. – Word document, MP3 file, YouTube video/link, photography, artwork in any medium, etc.). Include your name, student ID, email, and your chosen content (with author / artist cited), if it is not evident in your submission.
Submissions will be received at the InterCultural Student Initiatives office in Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1500 or via email at swoped28@cod.edu
Review and Award of Prizes
A panel will review and select the top THREE submissions who will each receive a $600 award posted to your COD account.
Deadline for all submissions: Friday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. CST
**All written work must be substantive. Essays must be two pages minimum. Poems must be at least one full page, minimum.
**Submittals will be time stamped and will not be accepted if submitted after 5 p.m. CST on Oct. 17.
Coffee and Conversations: Supporting Students Together
Join us in The Hub (SSC 1138) for an informal open space session to explore ways to support students and one another. Enjoy coffee and cookies while connecting with colleagues, sharing experiences, and gaining insights into student-focused support strategies. All COD employees are welcome monthly.
Open Space: Reflect, Process and Discuss
Join us in The Hub (SSC 1138) for a supportive, open discussion, where students can come together to share thoughts, listen and connect. This space is for COD students to discuss, reflect and support each other as a campus community. All students are welcome every Tuesday from noon to 1.
InterCultural Student Initiative Events
Contact Information
InterCultural Student Initiatives (ISI)
Student Service Center (SSC), Room 1111
David A. Swope Sr.
Manager, InterCultural Student Initiatives and Peer Mentoring
(630) 942-2565
Email: swoped28@cod.edu
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Elizabeth Gómez de la Casa
Manager, Intercultural Student Initiatives and Student Support
Hablo español
(630) 942-3146
Email: gomezdelacasae@cod.edu
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.