Latino Heritage Month celebration fills McNeil Room with music and pride

To celebrate Latino Heritage Month, students gathered in the McNeil Room to celebrate the closing ceremony of Latino Heritage Month, a month-long tribute to Latino heritage, culture, and pride here at Rensselaer. Though flags from many nations hung along the second-floor balcony above, the true focus was on the dance floor below, where the heart of RPI’s Latino community came alive. This month stands as both a celebration of culture and a declaration of identity. It provides a space where pride, tradition, and belonging converge to honor the Latino students who form such a vital part of RPI’s spirit.

The evening opened with brief remarks from Ian Bermudez ’27, who welcomed attendees to a night of dance, games, and food. In his first year as president of the Latino Heritage Month Committee, Ian has established his reputation as a central figure in the Latino community here at RPI. Beyond this role, he is an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and serves as president of Phi Iota Alpha, Rensselaer's only Latino fraternity and the oldest Latino fraternity in existence.

When asked what his Latino identity means to him at RPI, Ian replied that he “wears it on his sleeve,” never letting anyone forget where he comes from or who he is. To him, his heritage is an integral part of his identity, both as a student and as a person.

The evening’s spread was a showcase of the rich Latino culture and cherished culinary heritage. Guests lined up for traditional favorites such as chicken, arroz con frijoles, and ribs, accompanied by delicious tostadas and toppings such as lettuce and sour cream. Sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and Latino classic tres leches adorned the buffet station.

No Latino celebration is complete without music and dance. As the night unfolded, the McNeil room transformed into a hub of laughter and movement. The lively beats of bachata, reggaeton, salsa, and many more filled the space, inviting attendees to the dance floor where a key aspect of Latino cultural expression took place. Around the room, smaller groups gathered over games of dominoes, cards, and Cards Against Humanity, creating pockets of conversation and friendly competition that offered guests a relaxed way to connect with their peers and celebrate the pride of their shared heritage and the community that enlivens it.

The closing ceremony not only marked the end of a treasured month-long tribute, but also served as a reminder of the strength, unity, and spirit of RPI’s Latino community. Through food, dance, games, and fellowship, the ceremony honored the culture that shapes the identity of many students. Although the evening came to an end, the powerful celebration of history, pride, and community that defines Latino Heritage Month remained. The event served as a promise that the voices and traditions of RPI’s Latino community will continue to flourish and be recognized throughout RPI year-round.