Campus News
By Marta Vallejo, Staff Writer
On Sept. 18, Xavier’s Hispanic Organization and Latinx Awareness (HOLA) club hosted its annual Gala downtown at The Spot on West Fifth Street. This year’s celebration is especially memorable because it marked the 20th anniversary of HOLA as an organization on campus.
The event was filled with music, dance and food as students and faculty alike enjoyed the night. The event also featured a flag parade, with students carrying flags representing countries like Costa Rica, Spain, Honduras and more.
While the gala served as a celebration of Hispanic heritage, it also served an important purpose for the Xavier community: raising money for HOLA’s scholarship fund. The fund is supported through the gala itself, with proceeds coming from ticket sales and a raffle held at the end of the night. This gives attendees a way to participate in the celebration while also contributing to HOLA’s efforts to support students financially.
The organization awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to Xavier students who demonstrate academic excellence and service to the community.
“The most important aspect is that the gala serves as a benefit for our scholarship fund. Our scholarships are 100% raised by our gala ticket sales,” junior biomedical science Jasmine Washington said.
Each year’s gala also gives HOLA members the opportunity to develop a theme and incorporate it throughout the event.
Last week, HOLA celebrated its 20th anniversary with its annual gala.
“This year was all about celebrating Hispanic heritage and history. So, we chose to go with posters of historic events and prints that represent our heritage. Handcrafted prizes that depict our culture, and seeing all of these come together was just a fun experience,” Washington said.
Guest speaker and Xavier alum Taisha Rojas-Parker shared her story with guests as well.
“My father was born in Puerto Rico and came to the mainland when he was six years old with Spanish as his first language. And my mother was born right in New York City, part of a generation that was forced to assimilate where speaking Spanish was discouraged just to survive and get by,” Rojas-Parker said.
The speaker also addressed students who may find themselves navigating multiple cultures or balancing the expectations of different communities.
“And to the students here tonight, especially those navigating two worlds… wondering if you fit in the mode. Your duality is not your weakness. It is your superpower. You carry the face, strength and brilliance of ancestors who created light out of sheer will,” Rojas-Parker said.
The message of celebration was reflected in students’ experience at the gala as well.
“It was absolutely amazing! The food was wonderful and I danced the whole night. I mean, it was an unforgettable night!” senior computer science major Aishani Mukherjee said.
For HOLA, the 20th anniversary gala was more than an evening of celebration. It provided an opportunity for students and faculty to come together, celebrate Hispanic heritage and raise funds that will directly support Xavier students through the organization’s scholarship program.
