The Latino Student Welcome is a premier event for first year students to learn about our many community partners, student organizations, and faculty/staff on campus that support the Latino experience at OU. This annual event is hosted during Camp Crimson, OU's 8-Day orientation experience, and is one of the first opportunities for students to engage in cultural programming that supports and affirms a student's experience and identity on campus. We strive to provide an opportunity for students to engage with peers, community partners, and faculty/staff that encourages a strong foundation of networking and support.
2023 Latino Student Welcome
Wednesday, August 16th
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Molly Shi Boren (3rd Floor)
Oklahoma Memorial Union
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration that takes place from September 15 - October 15. This month honors and highlights the tremendous contributions and influence of Latino and Hispanic communities in the United States.
The dates are reflective of the anniversaries and celebrations of the independence of many Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively.
The Day of the Dead Street Festival honors and celebrates the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos. The event honors those who have passed as a day for a celebration of life. Festivities often include altars that honor the deceased with their favorite food or beverages and are decorated with calaveras (sugar skulls) and marigold flowers. The Street Festival is meant to honor and celebrate the holiday with a glimpse into the many different festivities that traditionally honor our past.
The OU Hispanic Royalty Pageant, formerly known as Mr. & Miss Hispanic OU (MMHOU), is an annual scholarship pageant organized and sponsored by the Hispanic American Student Association and Latino Programs & Services. The pageant takes place each spring and contestants compete in several on-stage categories and an interview with judges prior to the event. Crowned royalty serve the community for a full academic year. The pageant showcases contestants' passions for scholarship, service, and cultural awareness.
OU Hispanic Royalty Pageant
Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Oklahoma Memorial Union - Meacham Auditorium
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Latino Flavor is the largest culinary celebration of Latin American diversity on campus. The main event offers a culinary selection of foods from across Latin America. Attendees are able to select from a variety of beverages, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts to experience the many wonderful flavors that we enjoy. Latino Flavor is meant to honor the cultural diversity that exists among many Latin American countries and communities.
Latino Flavor 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Molly Shi Boren Ballroom
Oklahoma Memorial Union
Admission cost $10 and includes 1 drink, 2 appetizers, 2 sides, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert from over 20 different culinary selections. Grab your plate and enjoy live entertainment showcasing our community.
Latino Programs and Services honors the many accomplishments students have achieved personally, professionally, and academically every year. In an effort to provide a broader opportunity for recognition, Latino Programs & Services established an annual awards program honoring Latinx/a/o students through their scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Awards are presented at the annual Latinx Graduation & Achievement Reception.
Self-nominations and nominations from student peers, faculty, and staff are all accepted. Deadline for nominations is midnight of Friday, April 26th, 2024.
Outstanding Student of the Year Award
Presented by Latino Programs and Services
Awarded to students who have excelled in one of the following areas: scholarship, community, leadership, and advocacy. Open to all currently enrolled students at the University of Oklahoma.
Outstanding Student of the Year
Nomination
Somos Oklahoma Achievement Award
Presented by Latino Programs and Services
The Somos Oklahoma Achievement Award honors a student who embodies the highest ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, and service and whose commitment has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Latinx community. Open to currently enrolled Juniors and Seniors.
Somos Oklahoma Achievement Award
Nomination
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year
Presented by Latinx Coalition of Faculty and Staff
The Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award honors a graduate student who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the Latinx community. Open to currently enrolled graduate students at the University of Oklahoma.
Outstanding Graduate Student
NOMINATION
Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award
Presented by Latinx Coalition of Faculty and Staff
The Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award honors a graduate student who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the Latinx community. Open to currently employed faculty members at the University of Oklahoma.
Outstanding Faculty of the Year
NOMINATION
Outstanding Staff of the Year Award
Presented by Latinx Coalition of Faculty and Staff
The Outstanding Staff of the Year Award honors a staff member who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the Latinx community. Open to currently employed staff members at the University of Oklahoma.
Latino Programs and Services honors the many accomplishments students have achieved personally, professionally, and academically every year. The Latinx Graduate Celebration and Achievement Banquet honors graduating students and award honorees.
All Fall, Spring, and Summer Graduates of the 2023-2024 academic year are welcome to attend. Along with a complimentary dinner, graduates receive verbal recognition, a certificate, and the opportunity for the graduate's invited guest to present their serape stole. The common dress attire for the event is business casual/formal.
Please join us for the 2024 Latinx Achievement Ceremony
Saturday, May 4, 2024
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
MidFirst Bank East Stadium Club
1185 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73019
Registration deadline is Friday, April 26 at 11:59 PM.
Parking & Entrance Instructions
Parking can be found directly east of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in the Duck Pond Lot, East Side Stadium Suite Lot, and the Heisman Lot. More parking information can be found at https://www.ou.edu/parking/maps.
Honorees and guests can enter the stadium through the MidFirst Stadium Club entrance near Gate 9 and take the elevator to the third floor.
Graduation stoles are available to purchase from the Office of Student Life, Oklahoma Memorial Union Suite 428. Stoles cost $20 each and can be paid with exact cash, check, or electronically.
