CORNING, N.Y. -- SUNY Corning Community College (SUNY CCC) brought students and employees together on Tuesday, October 6, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Members of the SUNY CCC community gathered to share stories, traditions, and customs while learning about the diverse cultures represented on campus. Ana Soriano Hatch, a SUNY CCC Admissions Recruiter, shared her heritage and demonstrated how to make pupusas, a traditional dish, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about the food and sample it together.
“It is a time to highlight the richness of Hispanoamérica, the traditions that connect us and the unique qualities of each of our countries,” Soriano Hatch said.
For Soriano Hatch, one of the most rewarding parts of the gathering was seeing students engage with genuine curiosity. “Being truly heard and seeing sparkling eyes listening with genuine interest, especially the students,” she said.
The gathering was hosted by the College’s Katherine P. Douglas Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Events like this matter because they build connections, create a sense of belonging, and give our students, faculty, and staff opportunities to share parts of their identities we may not always see in everyday interactions,” said Babatunde Ayanfodun, Director of the College’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Diversity Center.
“For me, this work is about more than celebrating a particular month,” Ayanfodun added. “It's about creating a campus environment where people feel seen, valued, and connected. There is diversity within our college and surrounding communities, and sometimes we just need to create space for people to share their stories and learn from each other.”