3/19/2003

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

DIVERSITY OF HISPANIC CULTURES TO BE MARKED IN WEEKLONG CELEBRATION AT SRU

     SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The diversity of Hispanic cultures, including music, customs, food, dance and literature, will be celebrated at Slippery Rock University when its modern languages and cultures department hosts “Hispanics Cultures Week” March 31-April 4.

     “In everything from politics to entertainment, Hispanics are playing an increasingly important role in American society, but all too often, Hispanic culture is presented as if were a single, undifferentiated mass,” says Dr. Thomas Daddesio, assistant professor of modern languages and an organizer for the week. “We intend to illustrate the diversity of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with a variety of free programs open to the campus and public.”

     The week’s activities:

•         4 p.m., March 31, Russell Wright Alumni House: An overview of Hispanic cultures presented by members of the modern languages and cultures department.

•         11:30 a.m., April 1, Spotts World Culture Building: A luncheon featuring food from different Hispanic countries in Room 113, followed by a roundtable discussion with SRU Latino students in Room 116. Students will present their country of origin and particular aspects of their culture.

•         6:30 p.m., April 1, University Union: Paul Michell, Pittsburgh dance instructor, offers a Salsa class.

•         4 p.m., April 2, Spotts World Culture Building Auditorium: The Mexican film “Danzon” details the role of dance and music in Mexican culture

•         11:30 a.m., April 3, Spotts World Culture Building, Room 201: Daddesio offers a presentation on flamenco music and dance.

•         8 p.m. April 4, Swope Music Hall: Flamenco performance by Grupo Flamenco del Pilar.

     For more information, contact Dr. Ana María Caula at 724-738-4473.

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