Posted September 2022

Beginning on September 15 and extending through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month began as “Hispanic Heritage Week” in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. The observance was extended to a month during president Ronald Regan’s term in 1988. In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to society and serves to celebrate the different cultures within Latin America. Hispanic Heritage Month encompasses the independence days of several Latin American countries including Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

In 2020, the U.S. Hispanic population grew to 62.1 million, and is currently one of the country’s fastest-growing populations. BU has many alumni of Latin American heritage or from Spanish-speaking countries. The University is also home to the Latino & Hispanic Leadership Council—a group of committed alumni leaders who provide advice and counsel to the University in order to broaden opportunities for Latino and Hispanic communities and to maximize Latino and Hispanic participation.

The map below illustrates the total number of BU alumni from various Latin American countries. The numbers marked with flags indicate countries celebrating their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month.