HOLA celebrates the community, culture and connections of Hispanic and Latino students at Penn State, according to club adviser Aracelys Lopez, student success and dual enrollment coordinator. Its invitation to participate extends across the campus.
Lopez recalled a student asking what the letters in HOLA stand for.
“I said they stand for ‘Hello! You are welcome to join us and celebrate your culture and connect with our community at Penn State Lehigh Valley,’” she said.
That welcoming approach gives students opportunities to share their own experiences while learning about the histories, traditions and perspectives of others.
For Julia Lopez, HOLA Club president, Hispanic Heritage Month provides both recognition and an opportunity for education.
“It helps us know we have a place at Penn State,” she said. “Another reason why it’s so important is because it helps other people learn about Hispanic and Latino culture and history, helping them become more well-rounded individuals.”
The club’s fall programming included a Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff with games, crafts and snacks; a Carnaval celebration; and Lotería, a traditional Mexican game of chance.
As president, Julia Lopez described Hispanic Heritage Month as the club’s busiest and most engaged time of year. One highlight was the Sept. 30 Carnaval celebration, which featured food, face painting, a photo booth and music.
“We had a great turnout and lots of positive feedback,” she said.
Gonzalez also identified the Carnaval Fiesta as a particularly meaningful experience. For her, its success came from bringing students together and encouraging them to participate.
“It was truly amazing to see so many students from campus join us, step out of their comfort zones, and genuinely enjoy themselves,” Gonzalez said.
She described the club’s events as a shared space where culture becomes a bridge, allowing students from different backgrounds to celebrate and learn alongside one another.