Wichita State University and the Office of Multicultural Affairs will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The following events are free of charge and open to the public. Events include:

Hispanic Heritage Fair, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Square (lounge in middle of first floor)

Area cultural organizations and libraries will have displays.

Hispanic Heritage Panel Discussion, "The Hispanic Presence in Kansas: Challenges and Benefits," 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Rhatigan Student Center Fireplace Lounge (first floor) 

Hispanic Heritage Month Main Speaker, Jimmy Cabrera, "Leadership is More Than About Becoming a Legend — It's About Leaving a Legacy," 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Campus Activities Center Theater.

In 1968, Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage Week. Five Hispanic nations celebrate their independence on Sept. 15: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The week was expanded to a month in 1988, with Sept. 15 as the beginning. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for the nation to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the large population of Hispanic Americans from many different backgrounds.

In signing the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation in 2008, President Bush said, "The rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic-American community have made a remarkable impact on American society."

For more information, call (316) 978-3034 or e-mail oma@wichita.edu. The complete schedule of events for fall semester 2009 can be found at www.wichita.edu/multicultural.