It’s no surprise that the kick-off for Hispanic Heritage Month events at UNC Greensboro was packed with students. The “Fiesta at the Fountain” began with organizations sharing their services with students arriving at Moran Commons, followed by performances by musicians and dancers around the fountain, and ended with the crowd joining in for one big dance party.
The event was symbolic of how quickly the Latine student body has grown on our campus. In recent years, the percentage of students identifying as Hispanic or Latine has increased steadily. Last year, UNCG was recognized as an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution when our Hispanic student body surpassed 15%. Today, Hispanic students make up 17.9% of our undergraduates. It’s the highest percentage among four-year institutions of the UNC system.
The story behind this growth is bigger than recruitment and enrollment statistics. It reflects a culture of care and success that UNCG fosters for its students of Hispanic heritage. Resources help students succeed academically, while organizations allow them to learn more about their heritage and find ways to express and celebrate it. Staff keep Spanish-speaking family members informed with the help of translators. And students find mentors that look like them in campus student leaders, faculty, and alumni groups.
All of these efforts work together to make Latine students feel at home at UNCG. Their journeys, or “Historias Espartanas,” are shared below.
Emeli Hernandez-Urena Major: English, with event planning and Spanish minors
Hometown: Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic and Greensboro, North Carolina
Class of 2027
I first experienced UNCG through CHANCE camp when I was in high school. It immediately made me feel welcome and supported and showed me the kind of community I would find here.
UNCG has given me the space to celebrate who I am and learn from others’ stories as well. I’ve learned that heritage isn’t measured by how much blood you have, but by how you embrace your culture, values, and experiences.
Kelvin Hernandez Major: Accounting
Hometown: Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Class of 2027
UNCG feels like home because there are many Latinos on campus, and when I see my friends, I can go up to them and talk in Spanish. That connection makes me feel comfortable and reminds me of home.
I’ve recently been trying to teach Spanish to my teammates on the golf team. Sharing my language and other parts of my heritage makes me proud of where I come from.
Kimberly AlvaradoMajor: Business administration with a concentration in management
Hometown: Asheboro, North Carolina
Class of 2026
I don’t think I would be who I am today without the incredible individuals who have mentored and inspired me throughout my involvements at UNCG. Marisa Gonzalez wears many hats, but my favorite is her position as advisor of ALPFA UNCG. Julia Goren, Bryan School PD pProgram sSpecialist, has made me feel so seen as a growing leader and helped me in my professional development. I met Dante Evans and Jarrett Strickland in my first year when I joined the Spartan Guide team. They have provided many laughs, mentorship, and the confidence to take on public speaking in welcoming perspective students.
Natalie Richardson-Hernandez Major: Communication studies with a psychology minor
Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina
Class of 2027
There was something about the campus and the energy here that drew me in. It felt like UNCG was calling me. As someone who is both Mexican and Black, I grew up feeling like I had to choose one part of my identity over the other, but here I’ve been able to embrace all aspects of who I am.
At UNCG, there’s no shame in not knowing something. Instead, there’s always someone willing to help you expand your knowledge, whether academically or personally. I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree in higher education so I can help future students navigate college the way UNCG has guided me, with support, encouragement, and resources to grow and thrive.
Santino Inkpen Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Class of 2028
I decided to come to UNCG for several reasons: the kinesiology program, the great soccer program with staff to support the players, and the beautiful campus. I love being on a team with so many people from different countries. It makes it easy to be who you are without thinking you are different.
Bautista Schmidt Major: International business
Home Country: Argentina
Class of 2029
UNCG offered me the opportunity to combine academics with athletics. The international business program is strong and being able to play soccer at a competitive level while studying in the U.S. was the perfect combination for me.
I hope to use my degree in international business to create opportunities and to connect businesses across countries. My goal is to support my family and contribute to building bridges between communities through trade, culture, and education.
Fatima Galvan-Ruiz Major: Media studies, with business and Spanish minors
Hometown: Asheboro, North Carolina
Class of 2026
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been helping Herencia grow from an idea into a space where students connect with their heritage and community. It has brought me joy to be part of someone else’s self-discovery as they experience their culture through a new lens, as I did here at UNCG.
I hope to use my degree to create and share impactful stories and give a platform to voices and news that deserve to be heard. As a first-generation student, it is a privilege to be in college pursuing a creative field. Entering the media industry, where there aren’t many people who look like me, I know I can uplift both my family and future communities by giving even the quietest voices a space that inspires and empowers.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications. Athletes’ photos were submitted by UNCG Athletic Department.
