The beats of salsa and merengue eminated from the speakers, while vendors selling everything from donated bicycles to dishware catered to the lively crowd.’ The bustle of activity that filled this year’s opening ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month filled the SAC Plaza with dancers and curious onlookers.

Students, faculty and staff came together last Wednesday to take part in the festivities and celebrate the kick-off for the month-long celebration.’

“There was a little bit for everyone,” said Norma Porras, this year’s chairperson for the committee and organizer and coordinator of the events.’

The University is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for its 14th year throuhg a series of events’ organized by over twelve volunteers comprised of faculty, staff and students.’ “This was started in 1989, when I was still a student,” Porras said.’

Porras, a SBU alum and assistant to the director of the Program in Writing and Rhetoric, has headed the committee several times.’ The chairperson of the committe is a rotating position and has also been held by Dominica Tafuro,

administrator of the Latin America and Carribean Studies center.

The ceremony, besides involving a cultural parade, free party favors, a pi